By Anna Grace Usery
Editor-in-Chief
anna.grace.usery@hottytoddy.com
While some students spent their summers kayaking or lounging in the sun, John Touloupis spent his in Tijuana, Mexico building homes and telling the story of Project Mexico.
Touloupis worked alongside nearly 20 other interns. Together, they led groups of volunteers from all over the United States and Canada on four day homebuilding missions for families in the Tijuana area. Over the course of the summer they had more than 600 volunteers and built homes for 27 different families.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVAMXLl5An0
“Not only did I lead homebuilds as a site leader, but I also worked on shooting photos, creating videos, and writing stories to help Project Mexico share their story with the rest of the world,” he said.
According to its website, since 1988 Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage has been building secure, safe and weather-tight homes for some of the most impoverished families in northern Mexico. Built strictly by volunteer labor, these homes provide families economic security and hope for a brighter future. While serving these families, the volunteers discover that they have been transformed. To date, they have hosted well over 11,000 volunteers on their 16 acre ranch.
“It was awesome to give back to communities in need and learn the importance of humble, servant leadership while growing spiritually in my Greek Orthodox faith,” Touloupis said. “I loved spending my summer immersed in another culture and building relationships with the locals throughout the area. Overall, it was an incredible summer I’m thankful I got to experience.”
