Stories of Hope

What does it truly mean to serve in a non-profit? In this episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Anastasia Oliver — a long-term Casa Cuna team member — for an honest, unfiltered conversation about life on the front lines of mission work. Drawing from years of experience across both the United States and Mexico, Anastasia shares the complex realities, quiet victories, and hard-won lessons tha...

Alejandro grew up as an orphan at Project Mexico — now he's returned as a husband, alongside his wife Evangeline, to serve the very community that shaped him. In this episode, the newlyweds share what it's like to begin their marriage not in comfort, but in calling — living on the ranch at St. Innocent Orphanage, pouring themselves out for infants, toddlers, and boys who need a glimpse of what lov...

In this episode of Stories of Hope, Hannah Petker shares about her time serving at Casa Cuna after traveling from British Columbia, Canada. During her short-term stay over the holiday season, Hannah embraced life in Tijuana, building meaningful relationships with the children and community at Project Mexico. Tune in for a casual and lighthearted conversation about faith, service, and what it’s lik...

This episode of Stories of Hope offers a heartfelt glimpse into a love story that began in Mexico through shared mission work. Boone and Anna reflect on the past year of their lives—one marked by service, growth, and a deepening commitment to one another. Brought together while building homes and serving alongside Project Mexico, their relationship was shaped and strengthened through daily life on...

This episode of Stories of Hope takes you behind the scenes of Casa Cuna San Felipe to answer the most frequently asked questions about the home and its mission. While our other episodes explore personal journeys and emotional moments, this conversation focuses on the practical, everyday realities of the work happening inside the Casa Cuna. The role of the caregivers is truly unique—intensive, com...

In this episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Qaedan Kerr, former intern and long-term staff member at Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage. Qaedan shares where his journey began before arriving at the ranch, what daily life in Mexico looks like throughout the year, and how community, faith, and service shape his work. We also explore ranch dynamics, future plans, and the side projects...

In this episode of Stories of Hope, California native Wyatt West shares his inspiring journey from volunteer and intern to long-term staff member at Project Mexico. Hear how his time serving in Mexico deepened his faith, strengthened his compassion, and led him back to a community he now calls home. Wyatt’s story is a testament to living out service with joy and purpose.

In this Stories of Hope episode, volunteer Nicholas Legakis shares insights from his three summer mission trips with Project Mexico. From building homes to deepening his faith at Hellenic College Holy Cross, Nicholas reflects on how each experience has shaped his life, studies, and commitment to serving others.

Zelda Gilbert: Faith, Service, and Growing Through Leadership In this inspiring episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Zelda Gilbert, a Hillsdale College student who has spent the past two summers serving as a Project Mexico intern. From her first introduction to the program to her recent role as a site leader, Zelda has become a beloved part of the ranch community. She shares how her backgr...

In this episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Mark Fridell, longtime supporter and board member of Project Mexico. Mark has played a key role in our homebuilding mission trips for many years, and his deep commitment to our work shines through in this heartfelt conversation. Hear how his life was transformed by serving others, what inspires him to give back, and what leadership looks like be...

In this powerful episode of Stories of Hope, Father Nicholas, Executive Director of Project Mexico, shares his firsthand experience of being a seminarian at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in New York City during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.Recently invited back to speak at the Orthodox Shrine at Ground Zero, Father Nicholas reflects on how 9/11 shaped his spiritual life, priesthood, and under...

Dean Pliaconis, a cherished friend and longtime supporter of Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage, shares his story in this heartfelt episode. For over 25 years, Dean and his shipping company have generously contributed to our mission, helping us thrive. Discover how his Orthodox faith and experiences in mission work have shaped both his personal and professional life. Tune in for inspiring s...

In this inspiring episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Lucy Cuneo, a passionate young Orthodox Christian whose journey has taken her across the globe—and ultimately to Project Mexico. Lucy shares her personal story of faith, travel, and service, offering insight into what it's like to live abroad as a young Orthodox believer. Discover how her international experiences shaped her spiritual...

Join us as we sit down to chat with Julia Paresenios, a caregiver at the Casa Cuna and OCMC Missionary.

Today we hear from Canon Hansen, a long-term staff member, counselor and all-around amazing addition to the program! He talks about his introduction to Mexico, his relationships with his faith, and the ranch. We chat about personalities and world-views and how these factors affect his work life and community. Enjoy hearing the positive and inspiring words of Canon, and get a glimpse into the world...

Anna Karcher has old ties to Project Mexico through her mother, who worked here when she was in her 20s. As a second-generation staff member, she shares with us what it's like to transition from the United States to Mexico and her plans while working with us. Anna helps relay the experience of learning a second language, living cross-culturally, and developing faith away from your family. Tune in...

This episode of "Stories of Hope" is a unique one. Guest and long-term staff member Aaron Bauer was an intern in 2013, and has returned this year. He talks through the ways that he has changed, plans for the future and his personal faith. With hearing his thoughts, you can get a more personal reflection of Aaron, as well as the ranch. 

In this episode, we dive into the Divine Liturgy with Project Mexico's resident priest, Father Demetrios Swanson. Often referred to as the "mystery of mysteries," it's more than just a ritual—it's a vibrant, living encounter between God and His people, and it sits at the very heart of the Orthodox Christian faith. Join us as we explore the depth and meaning behind this sacred tradition.

I spoke with Gabe Braskett, a student in Boston attending Hellenic College Holy Cross and a returning summer intern for the Project Mexico Ministry. He talks about how his first summer in 2023 helped shape his path to Boston and the growth he experienced during summers in Mexico. Through anecdotes and self-reflection, Gabe shares his story as an intern, living in faith, and working in ministry. 

Today Father Demetrios gives us more background information on the ordination process. He walks us through how the services change when there is an ordination, and what the sacrament consists of behind the altar. We also talk about the roles that priests serve in the Orthodox community and the church. Because this is a sacrament many of us can only witness, Father Demetrios offers a lovely perspec...

Our discussion resumes with the series on Sacraments as we focus on marriage. Father Demetrios Swanson walks us through the Orthodox wedding ceremony, and shares insights on the Orthodox theology of marriage. Father helps put into perspective why marriage is important, as well as talking about the different traditions. He also reads to us from a few sources that will be liked below.  Marriage: The...

This is the third installment of a multi-series event on the Sacraments with Project Mexico's resident priest, Father Demetrios Swanson. On today's episode, Father Demetrios helps breakdown the theology of confession. He also talks about the personal side of this sacrament and the different traditions and practices that priests and saints have adopted. 

Join Fr. Demetrios Swanson as he leads us through a new series on the sacraments. We follow up our discussion of baptism with unction, anointment.  

Tune in to hear Panayiota Veronis talk about her past summer as a Homebuilding Intern. She talks about the excitement of the summer in Mexico and also discusses other opportunities for youth and young adults in the Orthodox Church. You can hear how Project Mexico impacted her life, but also catch a glimpse of what it's like to be involved in summer camps and youth leadership programs. 

Get to know Margarita Mavroeidi as she talks about as she talks about her work with the boys at the ranch. She also shares stories from homebuilding adventures and gives examples of the chaos, joy, hard, work and prayer that is part of everyday life in Mexico.  If you would like to support her work here in Mexico, you can donate to her OCMC mission page below! https://secure.ocmc.org/site/SPageNav...