Every year, roughly 4 out of 100 thousand people die due to the lack of housing. During every fall and spring, Faith Lutheran hosts a mission trip to Baja, Mexico. During this trip, students have the opportunity to build a house for the less fortunate families of Ensenada. Mrs. Julie Buuck, Director of Student Life, has been organizing this amazing opportunity since 2018. She has a personal goal to “make sure that every student who graduates from Faith Lutheran has an opportunity to attend a mission trip”.  Faith runs this mission trip through the program Baja Bound, a non profit organization has been gifting homes for the past 25 years. They organize and guide groups from the United States to build the hard working families in Baja, a home they can be safe in. Not only do they serve in Ensenada, but also in Tijuana and Tecate.

Since Faith has started this mission, they have completed 25 houses in 9 years. This mission has not only impacted the lives of the families we build for, but also of the students who build them. Alumni Kylee Ravenell says “Baja changed me so much as a person and in the way I view life” she also believes “everyone should go on this trip to see the blessings God has given you”. Many students agree with this statement as Cat Medrano (house leader 25’) states “being a part of this trip and being able to lead my house has truly impacted the way I see everything in my life” and she is beyond grateful for “the memories and friendships Baja Bound has given” her. 

During the trip, Mrs.Buuck organizes 45 students and chaperones to build two houses every trip, November and February. The students and chaperones are split up evenly to a different house site to get the two houses built in the time span of 6 days. Faith Lutheran has a theme bible verse for this trip which is Hebrews 3:4 “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God”. This theme verse represents Faith Lutheran as a whole and demonstrates the reason and purpose we have in going which is to honor God and his people. 

Baja Bound has helped many families in getting a safe and comforting home to sleep in every night. Without them and the help of Faith Lutheran and many other teams, this would not be possible. If you would like to donate or find more information, please visit https://bajabound.org/.