Hola! My name is Sarah and I am a sophomore at the College of Wooster. This is my second time volunteering with Esperanza and my eighth time in Mexico. Having been last year, I knew what to expect but I still experienced and learned new things this year. On our first day working, we had a difficult concrete pour. We moved hundreds of heavy buckets up to a roof but we had help from students from Providence College. We all collaborated well and enjoyed getting to know each other. For the rest of the week, we worked without the other students and at one house. We built a foundation for a house this week, a difficult and very important job. We dug 68 inches into the ground, poured concrete into holes, and poured sand into our "trench". We also passed lots of concrete blocks down into our trench. It's always amazing to work with these families and see how their community comes together to help work. Neighbors, children, in-laws, and siblings all join. The women this week cooked amazing meals every day and we never tired of their delicious tacos. We also visited the orphanage and Casa del Migrante this week. Just like last year, these experiences were amazing and unforgettable. We all enjoyed seeing a Xolos Futbol game this week too. Although they lost, it was something none of us have had the opportunity to see before and it was great getting to hang out with the Providence College students. Coming to Tijuana, both this year and last year, has been an eye-opening experience. Someone said this week that it's incredible that students from the North East and Midwest come all the way here yet there are so many others close to the border that won't step foot in TJ. There are so many misconceptions about TJ and without seeing it or listening to the experiences of others, nothing will change. Mexico is our neighbor and having seen so much of this country, experiencing its culture, and living with its people, it is frustrating when people are closed-minded and negative towards our neighbor. It is so important that we are able to come here and make a difference. All in all, this trip has been amazing and I'm looking forward to the next time I come here!