Stories of Hope

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/SPageNavigator/Missionaries/Margarita%20Mavroeidi/MargaritaMavroeidiMissionary.html

Join host Julia Kasten and guest Zannos Grekos as they discuss Zanno's life before the ranch. As well as reflecting on religion in a college setting and how it translates to people's everyday lives. Zannos is a counselor at the Orphanage and is deeply involved in helping develop functional life skills for the boys at the ranch.Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexicoFull linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexicoIf you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Join host Julia Kasten as she talks with longtime Project Mexico Religious Education Coordinator, Shannon Todd. Shannon entered the Orthodox church along with her family in 1997. She participated in various spiritual formation and fellowship programs including youth camps, CrossRoad, OCF and young adult gatherings. She also has served as an OCMC Ambassador, Sunday school teacher and choir member for many years. Throughout her life, she was encouraged to draw closer to Christ through these programs while the friends and mentors she met within the Church always helped her stay connected, confirming the Orthodox faith for her.

Greetings everyone! This week we welcome 2024's St Innocent and Holy Cross Alumni, Alejandro Zendejas along with our new Stories of Hope host, Julia Kasten! Join us as we discuss how Alejandro grew up at St Innocent and his relationship with the Orthodox faith to this ministry and his plans to give back! Project Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexicoFull linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexicoIf you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.com If you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610

Greetings everyone! This week we welcome 2024's incoming Work Trip Coordinator, Boone Jenkins along with our new Stories of Hope host, Julia Kasten! Join us as we discuss how Boone came to this ministry and his plans for next summer's homebuilding season!

Join us for our ongoing Webinar Series The FOrCE (Forming Orthodox Christian Evangelists,) a collaboration with Hellenic College Holy Cross. Faeli Kathryn Heise is currently enrolled at Hellenic College Holy Cross, pursuing a BA in Literature & History and a minor in Childhood Education. Before this, she spent two years at St. Innocent Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico while simultaneously enrolled in an associate’s degree program. She is a graduate and previous intern of St. Raphael School under Rev. Dr. Porphyrios (James) Taylor, of blessed memory. TOPIC: The “Pursuit of Virtue” on the nature and value of Orthodox education.

Join us for the first of our ongoing Webinar Series The FOrCE (Forming Orthodox Christian Evangelists,) a collaboration with Hellenic College Holy Cross. In this episode, Pres. Merilynn Andruchow, a Graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology, and Missionary of 10+ years at Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage discusses her time at HCHC and spiritual warfare.Register for upcoming FOrCE events: https://www.projectmexico.org/force-initiativeFaithful Friends: https://www.projectmexico.org/faithful-friendsProject Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Join Fr. Demetrios Swanson as he leads us through a new series on the sacraments. We begin with baptism, as it is the first Sacrament that Orthodox Chrisitan's participate in. He talks about the foundation of baptism and what it means to the Faith, as well as discusses the ways we live out this sacrament in everyday life. In this podcast he will reference a couple resources which will be linked below. Icon of the Baptism of Our LordThe Orthodox Faith, Worship, and Life

Join host Faeli Heise for episode #37 of Stories of Hope! We conclude our conversation with Padre and Presbytera Sosa in a more in-depth discussion about various outreach and ministry pursuits of the St. Innocent community and about the need for a place of community worship outside of the orphanage. Additionally, Padre and Presbytera reflect on the joys of being connected to the orphanage and the great St. Innocent community. In closing, they give us a call to action and reiterate the need for support: time, finances, talents, and prayer, to support the global work of the Orthodox Church. Thank you to the Sosas for the generosity of their time and willingness to share!Part One of our conversation with the Sosas: https://www.projectmexico.org/podcastOnline Outreach of St. Innocent Church: https://tijuanaortodoxos.comFaithful Friends: https://www.projectmexico.org/faithful-friendsProject Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Welcome, everyone, to our latest episode! Today on Stories of Hope, we have two special guests who have been long overdue for their chance to share their stories with you. Padre Alejandro Sosa and his wife Presbytera Katerina (Carmen) are integral members of the St. Innocent Community and Orthodoxy in Mexico as a whole. In this episode, the first of two parts, we'll hear about their conversion to Orthodoxy and what it means to be the part of such a small religious minority--tending to one of very few Orthodox churches in Mexico. Online Outreach of St. Innocent Church: https://tijuanaortodoxos.comProject Mexico's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Join Faeli for episode 35 of Stories of Hope and a very special conversation with homebuilding 2022 intern, Nathan Liu. Are you thinking of applying for the Project Mexico internship? Listen to Nathan's thoughtful and insightful reflections from his experience this past summer for some inspiration! Read Nathan's blog posts: https://www.projectmexico.org/newsRegister for homebuilding 2023: https://www.projectmexico.org/homebuilding12222424/3471bed02eabc6698a305ea4f7fee0efFull linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

In this newest episode of Stories of Hope, we finish our conversation with Sophia and Deacon Demetrios Swanson. They share with us about St. Innocent Parish community life, the community parish project, and thoughts that they specifically want to share with you, the listeners! I wish to extend my gratitude to the Swanson family for their willingness to talk with me and be guests on the podcast. Please consider supporting them via their donation portal below! Part 1 of Swanson Family Episode: Support The Swansons: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?id=56&name=E10706 Register for homebuilding 2023: https://www.projectmexico.org/homebuilding12222424/3471bed02eabc6698a305ea4f7fee0efFull linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Welcome back, everyone! Today, Faeli brings you the first of a very special two-part conversation with Deacon Demetrios and Sophia Swanson. The pair have recently relocated to St. Innocent Ranch to serve the Orphanage and the Orthodox Church in Northern Mexico. In this first part of our conversation, we learn how they made the decision to return to the Ranch and about Deacon Demetrios' ordination to the diaconate. We hope you enjoy!Support The Swansons: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?id=56&name=E10706Register for homebuilding 2023: https://www.projectmexico.org/homebuildingOur latest podcast episode: https://www.spreaker.com/user/12222424/3471bed02eabc6698a305ea4f7fee0efFull linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Greetings, everyone! We invite you to join Faeli and this week's guest, Fr. Luke Veronis, for another Summer 2022 episode special. Fr. Luke shares his personal perspective on the impact Project Mexico has had on his parish, why he brings groups down every single year, and what made this homebuilding week particularly special. We hope you enjoy!Register for homebuilding 2022: https://www.projectmexico.org/homebuildingDonate to Project Mexico: https://www.projectmexico.org/donateFr. Luke’s podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7tQsziMbH3d6FIwo1pIKhM?si=47cdbe20e78144a3Our latest blog post: https://www.projectmexico.org/news/2022/6/23/anticipating-the-holy-spirit-by-nathan-liuFull linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Hello, listeners! Welcome back to Stories of Hope. Join Faeli Heise, one our co-hosts for a series of episodes revolving around Summer 2022. We start off with a very special conversation with the wonderful Fr. Jacob Saylor of Holy Assumption of Phoenix, Arizona & a guest appearance by Fr. Pete Sotiras of Stockton, California! We hope you enjoy the beautiful reflection that they have to share on Project Mexico's "comeback summer" post-covid and what it meant to them to return for another homebuilding trip. Register for homebuilding 2022: https://www.projectmexico.org/homebuildingDonate to Project Mexico: https://www.projectmexico.org/donateFull linktree: https://linktr.ee/projectmexico

Greetings everyone! We have a very special episode for you all this week. Firstly, we are answering the question YOU all sent in! And secondly, we are joined by the past host of the podcast, Faeli Heise! It's a blast of an episode, answering questions such as what are some of the favorite foods of the boys, how to become an intern, and what our favorite shirt is! So sit back, plug in some headphones, and enjoy the show!Where to find & support Faeli: https://www.facebook.com/faelifaraway & https://bit.ly/3DUuCdESign up for homebuilding and internships at: www.projectmexico.orgIf you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.comIf you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at: (619)-426-4610Instagram: @projectmexicosioFacebook: Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage

Howdy y'all! This week we welcome a Project Mexico athlete, Daniel Kroll! We chat about what it was like swimming in the open ocean for Swim for Hope, his experience in ministry in the United States and Mexico, and rat aortas! (Yes you read that right) So sit back, plug in some headphones, and enjoy the show!Find out more about Project Mexico at: www.projectmexico.orgIf you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.comIf you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at (619)-426-4610Instagram: @projectmexicosioFacebook: Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage

Greetings everyone! This week we welcome 2022's upcoming Work Trip Coordinator, Justin Frigerio! Join us as we talk to him about how he came to this position, the flavor he wants to put on the role, and the recent house they just build with only six people! So sit back, plug in some headphones, and enjoy the show!Find out more about Project Mexico at: www.projectmexico.orgIf you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.comIf you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at (619)-426-4610Instagram: @projectmexicosioFacebook: Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage

Hello everyone! This week we have on the wonderful work trip coordinator, Anna Cunningham! Join us as we chat about her brand new Project Mexico initiative, the Community Build Initiative, how it came to be and what it is, and what else she's been up to while living at the orphanage. So sit back, plug in some headphones, and enjoy the show!More about the Community Build Initiative: https://www.projectmexico.org/news/2021/6/30/building-in-mexico-this-summerFind out more about Project Mexico at: www.projectmexico.orgIf you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.comIf you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at (619)-426-4610Instagram: @projectmexicosioFacebook: Project Mexico & St. Innocent Service Works

Hi everyone! This week we welcome the ranch educational director to the show, Noelle Robaidek! Join us as we chat about what school is like in Mexico for the boys at the orphanage, the responsibilities she has as educational director, and the impact going to school will have on these boys' lives. So sit back, plug in some headphones, and enjoy the show!Learn more about school buddies: www.projectmexico.org/school-buddiesamazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3DF1Y26LPFE2L?ref_=wl_shareFind out more about Project Mexico at: www.projectmexico.orgIf you have a question you want to have answered on the show you can send them to: pmstoriesofhope@gmail.comIf you would like to contact Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, you can call us at (619)-426-4610Instagram: @projectmexicosioFacebook: Project Mexico & St. Innocent Service Works