Carlsbad Rotary “Service Above Self”

Despite the threat of impending rain, on January 24 Carlsbad Rotary decided to follow the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”. This past weekend over thirty members and youth drove to eastern Tijuana, Mexico, to build a home with their construction leader and friend, Mike Meziere.

The first time I met the Hernandez Rendon family my heart jumped a little.  They are a family of 7, ranging from a very cute three year old boy, to 39 year old mom Janeth.  They lived under plastic sheeting covering a tent, and a very old trailer. The plastic had holes in it, the floor was dirt, the trailer leaked, and they struggled to keep both themselves and their belongings dry in the recent rains.

Carlsbad Rotary has come to the rescue several times before, and there was a great turn-out to build this family a solid home. Bastel barbecued hot-dogs from the trunk of his Tesla Cybertruck, there was an array of very tasty foods for both volunteers and the family.  Mike’s granddaughter Emma worked on construction alongside the other volunteers and Joe took a bunch of great photos.

The house looked amazing, with added touches such as curtains and furnishings carried down from San Diego to make the house into a home.

Mom Janeth said: “Thank you very much. I know there is no way to adequately express our gratitude for this wonderful gesture you are making for us…(we) wish you many blessings so that you can continue helping more families who need your support”.

It was a great day.