It all started with a calling to give back, to foster a community, and to create a life for a family that they never would have imagined.
We spent the better part of 12 months fundraising through community events based around cold water exposure. And what a community it created. It brought together hundreds of strangers, but all like-minded individuals. People who wanted to grow and make a difference. You could feel the electricity in every event, and it was all thanks to the tireless hours that Natalia and Juno invested in creating a space where everyone could show up as they are, ready to grow, ready to learn, and most of all, ready to make a difference.
Fast forward to January 2023. After much planning and preparation from the Cold Plunge Crew, Greatness Ventures, and Baja Bound, the team was ready for Mexico! Honestly, the experience was unlike any other, and even as I sit here and write this, I still have trouble describing the impact that it made on me.
From the moment we arrived, all gathered in the San Diego parking lot, ready to pile in the cars and drive down to Mexico, you could feel the energy of the entire group. We were so excited, and maybe even a bit nervous for the journey we were about to embark on. When we arrived at the family’s home early Friday afternoon, we exchanged hellos with one of the kindest, happiest, and welcoming families I have ever met. A lesson I quickly learned was that affection, (and as Mike would say “high fives and hugs”) were an international language. We got to work right away, and boy, did we work quickly. We were determined to say the least. For many, we molded into the construction workers we never knew we were (well ok, we did our best). We spent the first part of the afternoon putting together the structure of the home, painting the outside with the kids (who I think were more determined than we were at proving their construction abilities), and enjoying the chance to connect with the family, and each other.
Later that day, we went on a journey that will forever stay close to my heart. We visited Casa Gabriel, a home created for children with disabilities. We spent the afternoon connecting, playing, and holding space for one another. Despite the incredible team that works at Casa Gabriel to bath, dress, feed, entertain, educate, and support the orphanage, the conditions and resources that are available to these children was a hard pill to swallow. Juno and I had a particularly impactful experience together with one child specifically. As we knelt by her bed, and quite honestly, approached with uncertainty, we didn’t know how she was going to respond to us. To our joyful surprise, she took to us quickly, holding our hands and making eye contact. We later fed her dinner and shared many laughs. Seeing her laugh brought tears to my eyes and reminded me what impact and medicine laughter provides for us all.
Saturday was roof day. We were way ahead of schedule, and boy were we proud. The entire team worked so hard on the house that day to get things ready for the family. We also had the opportunity to visit another orphanage that day. We ran around and played soccer with the kids, toured the facility, and listened to the kids who lead worship practice (and wow, were they ever talented).
Move in day!! Sunday came around so quickly it was hard to believe. As we stood in front of the home, blessing it with the family, I couldn’t believe that I had the honour to be a part of such an impactful experience. Tears streamed down everyone’s faces as we got the opportunity to communicate our blessings and well wishes to the family. Their faces were lit up with the biggest smiles and you could feel the love and excitement from everyone.
Reflecting on the experience, every single moment was so special. I think I experienced every emotion possible throughout the short three-day experience. It was a trip that reminded of the importance of gratitude and love. The family didn’t have much of anything, and yet, they were kind, compassionate, loving, and most of all, happy. It reminded me that the people you surround yourself with is so important. None of this would have been possible without the incredible help from the @coldplungecrew, @greatnessventures, and @bajaboundbuilds.
I will forever be grateful for the experience.
Let’s do it again!
Written by @elliebaergen
