"Living and working at Mision Mexico was one of the best experiences of
my life. The work Pam & Alan are doing is truly inspirational, and to be able
to lend a hand of support is a great feeling. The kids have been through so
much, but their new life at Mision Mexico is directing them down a new path,
allowing them to dream and strive for their goals. Everyday has its ups and
downs, but to see these kids smiling and living life is an amazing feeling. I
could talk about every detail of my time at Mision Mexico because I
enjoyed it so much, but I feel that would ruin the surprises that arise every
day. Dont even hesitate in going down and volunteering, just do it, you'll be
stoked you did."

Stefan Hunt.


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"I volunteered for a month in August 2008 Being at Mision Mexico was an
amazing experience and I definitely don´t regret having volunteered. As
there were few volunteers it was quite challenging at times, not an easy
task.But at the same time it has been incredibly rewarding and I noticed that
it is in giving that you truly receive. So saying goodbye was hard, because I
really became attached to the kids and do miss them a lot. Many times I
have wondered about where they would be now if it wasn´t for the unselfish
care of Pam and Alan and the help of many volunteers!! The children have
been a great blessing for me in many ways and being there taught me some
great life lessons. Having been through many things they won´t always be
easy to deal with , but they really are wonderful kids with so much potential.
What a wonderful place of hope that refuge is! So if you are thinking about
coming over: don´t hesitate! do it!! It will be such a valuable investment into
their lives and at the same time you will learn a lot! "

Simone, Germany

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"My first day at Mision Mexico was the opening of the Nueva Casa (new
house) on the 28th June, 2008. It was a grand fiesta and an awesome
welcome to the family. The following 3 months were filled with highs, lows,
cultural events, outings, moving, house maintenance, teaching, learning,
patience, travelling, supervision, beans, tortillas, friendships...... which all
pretty much equaled a life enriching experience that was well worth the trip!"

Keegan Bone, Australia

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"I first came to volunteer at Mision Mexico in 2004, in which a spent six weeks helping out any way I possibly could. At that time, there weren't many volunteers and I had the pleasure of living in the orphanage with the kids and Pam and Alan. What I remember most, is that is was a time of rapid activity and fun. The kids were loving and full of energy and Pam and Alan made it very easy for me to live with them and assist the kids in sports, tutoring, homework, the daily activities of the household, games and activities and holidays. Since that time, I returned for a longer stay of 3 months at the end of 2006, and my memories from that time are some of the most special to me. The orphanage is a hectic, fun, loving, challenging and rewarding place - everytime I visit, I am amazed at the job Pam and Alan are doing for these kids as well as how fantastic and friendly the children are. Whilst like any family situation, there are times of chaos and drama, my time at Mision Mexico has given so much to me, and will always be an important and special place. Thank you Pam, Alan and all the children!"

Jane Mulvihill, Australia

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Im gonna try to keep this short and sweet because i know the more i talk about Mission Mexico, the more i will talk about Mission Mexico!!!! Lets just say that, before i went to Tapachula, i thought i had my whole life and future in Ireland worked out! Now that im back home in my own wee world all i wanna do is go back to Mexico! The short time i spent there during June+July 2007 was actually the most amazing experience of my life! Pam and Alan Skuse are absolute Saints! Can you imagine giving up your whole life to move to a completely new country an adopt a family of 41 children?! Unbelievable!!! I am a better person for meeting them alone!

Dont get me wrong, volunteering was also one of the hardest things ive ever done! Its difficult to imagine the suffering that some of the beautiful children in Mission Mexico have gone through in their short lives. These children, welcome you in and show you so much love, its hard not to get very attatched to each and every one! You have to be strong, and focus on how you can benefit them and their future while you're there! Although it may only be for a short time, teaching them the simplest of things that we take for granted can help! Although the children are in a good place at the moment, they have been through terrible times that many of us could never even imagine. They may never share their story with anyone but just to know they have the love and guidance of Pam, Alan and good volunteers is really REALLY important!!  

Since coming home Ive gotten my school and my local community involved in fund raising for the orphanage. Everyone i talk to about it wants to get involved in some way and im bringing another troop of volunteers over again this summer after a lot more fund raising!! Yet, after every little thing you do to help, you just wanna do more! Thats Mission Mexico for ya, and i am totally hooked!!!! See you all in July!!!
With Love,

Emma Rooney

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Where to start!!! I arrived in Tapachula with my friends in Summer 2007 and from the moment we stepped off the plane I knew we were in for a unique experience. From pulling up to the old refuge gates to the last goodbye it was the most amazing experience of my life. I’ll never forget the first time we met the children everyone was at school except the little ones and when we arrived we were greeted by Ali and Sammy, poor Sammy had been sick for a few days and he was sprawled out on the couch in his tiger t-shirt and his little belly all swollen. I remember thinking he was the most adorable thing! Nothing could prepare you for the love and affection the kids give you it is truly overwhelming and makes it so much harder to leave them all. Every day was different at Mission Mexico there were days with tears, laughter and lots of joking (especially from the boys) but also utter exhaustion (I can’t imagine how Pam & Alan feel all the time) . Each kid was so unique in their own way and at night time we found ourselves going back to the casita and just laughing over crazy things that had happened that day; we were addicted. Some days you felt so drained from the heat and constant attention you have to give to the kids and also frustrated with situations you may find difficult to handle, but for all the trying days there were so many fulfilling ones that made you remember why you were there and that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to help. This May I will be going back for a couple of months to help out and I am bringing some more backup, I talk so much about our time there that my friends all want to do it too! The difference these people are making to the children’s lives are phenomenal I hope that Pam and Alan can continue in good health and receive the support they so badly need to go on for many years to come.

Sandra Gormley, Ireland