Spring Break House Building

Since the early 1990s, groups of high school students have traveled to Tijuana to build houses over their Spring Break. These early groups, predominantly from Washington and California, continue to be the cornerstone to Doxa’s development throughout the city of Tijuana.

The month of March is marked by large semi-trucks of materials arriving at Doxa’s Annex in Tijuana, families preparing their land for a new house, and groups putting the finishing touches on their trip preparations. Hogar de los Niños and Unidos por Siempre orphanages also plan for the influx of people and prepare their best salsa for all of the temporary guests set to arrive!

Groups with 15, 20, and 25+ years of history not only have significant experience with Tijuana, but more importantly have long-term relationships with the people. These are house building families, orphanage people, hardware store owners, neighborhood leaders, church pastors, flea market vendors, and others. The commitment and consistency that each group shows translates into value and love when communicated in Tijuana.

While, unfortunately, some groups from the Seattle-area have been impacted by the coronavirus this year, the majority of groups are continuing as planned. As hard as it is to cancel a Spring Break trip like this, it is all understandable and safety comes first for all involved. Sometimes mission can get messy and things don’t always function the way we had planned. These moments provide perspective and an unexpected opportunity for creativity. In partnership with the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible.

Doxa is so thankful for all of the house building groups that have made this serving experience part of their larger ministry and annual rhythm. We look forward to this year’s building and many more years to come!

Checkout some of these old school photos, taken back in the 1990s.