On my recent trip to Mexico I was introduced to a side of town that few visitors
know exist. In the mountains overlooking the luxury resorts, with a wonderful view
of the cruise ships making their way in and out of port, sits a village. The list
of things that sets this village apart from others is long. It begins with the
mountain on which the community exists. It is created from decades of waste generated
from the city below. Many of the homes, where generations of families have lived, are built
from trash and debris scavenged from the dump they rest on. Most of the families
here make their living off the materials they recover from the continuous flow of
dump trucks loaded with trash. Their clothes, their furniture, their dishes, toys,
tools, diapers, towels… nearly everything they have, comes from the dump.

In spite of the circumstances in which these families exist, their sense of self
worth remains high. They are friendly, kind and proud. The children are beautiful
and independent beyond their years. They are suspicious of outsiders, but quickly
let their guard down when confronted with kindness. These are wonderful people
who happen to be trapped in a cycle of poverty.

There is currently a small group of people who are committed to breaking the cycle
of poverty in this growing community. Through faith, love and education I believe
they will one day succeed. I am committed to helping them make a difference. Stay
posted for details on how you can be a part. S