Building Relationships One Brick at a Time

After going through a four-step interview process, I was accepted to the 2021 Trip Leader cohort for Humanitarian Experience For Youth also known as HEFY.

I had the incredible opportunity to lead two different trips this year to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. This location had never had an HEFY trip visit there before. The locals received us with arms wide open. As I lived there for a month, I developed friends in local restaurants, hotels, as well as with sailors, neighbors, and church members.

I oversaw a total of 28 teenagers. We assisted a local foreman and construction worker in completing a kindergarten for 4 and 5 year old children in an underprivileged community in the foothills of the city. This kindergarten had dirt floors and poor ventilation. It often flooded in the heavy rains causing the students to miss school. We built a total of two classrooms and a new lunchroom. Aside from collaborating and working with the local foreman, we also communicated with the engineers and architects to ensure our work was up to speed with the overall plans. The original school was destroyed. After clearing debris, digging trenches, and constructing rebar, we were able to hand mix concrete and cement, lay bricks, and eventually build the school from the foundation.

The picture on the left shows the original school and the picture on the right shows the new school about halfway through construction.

When we weren't on the worksite, we visited an orphanage, sang songs about Jesus at an elderly care facility, and interacted with local church members. We also spent time getting acquainted with the local cuisine and visited many beaches, historical sites, and enjoyed many breathtaking sunsets.

Check out the HEFY 2021 recap video here or view it below.

This year after extensive reviews from parents, teenagers on the trip (also known as builders), local coordinators, co-leaders, and HEFY staff, I was chosen to be apart of the 2022 cohort. As HEFY rebranded this year, they changed their name to HXP. As a returning trip leader in 2022, I will lead the closing trip to Asuncion, Paraguay at the end of July. I am excited for the privilege to learn from and serve alongside more youth while experiencing the beautiful culture of Paraguay! We will be constructing a school during our time down there.

The time I give as a trip leader is completely voluntary. HXP pays for all my expenses but I do not receive any pay for my time.

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"I’ve been doing humanitarian work for many years, and it never fails to surprise me how the Lord brings the right people to the right place at the right time they’re needed.”

-Amy Antonelli, Humanitarian Experience For Youth CEO