It's a Saturday thing

Last Saturday, we woke to a stunning sunrise and we readied for our trip to San Jose Del Cabo. At 6:30am, the first of the tour arrived excited and eager to get going. We loaded up the two trucks and headed to the facility to lock and load all the goodness and kindness we had already pre-sorted.

Vehicle after vehicle pulled in, loaded up, and anxiously waited. Before we knew it, our convoy was ready to go.

Our guide knows this route well and has been there before. Without Alma, none of this would be possible.

We arrived in San Jose Del Cabo, exiting a lovely manicured road into a grocery store parking lot. It’s inviting and well-appointed, and the parking lot is buzzing with people either coming and going from the store with carts. It’s a Saturday thing.

We exit the parking lot on the left, and I hear one of the tour members say, “this isn’t so bad, we’ve seen worse.” I remain quiet as I know that what they are about to see will likely change their view of poverty forever.

We continue to drive; I begin to hear the gasps.

I hear someone say, “how is this possible?” Followed by, “we are only a few blocks from the road.”

In actuality, we are only approximately seven blocks from the beautifully manicured road we had just been driving on.

We are now in the colonies of San Jose Del Cabo, where the poorest of the poor live out their lives. As we continue to navigate what most would refer to as back roads with ruts the size of two-foot trenches (which is here nor there since people don’t have cars), we see a young couple leaving a shanty shack.

The couple, dressed exquisitely, is dressed to perform and seem out of place. The young man a musician and she a singer. It is as though they have stepped out from behind a curtain, not from this shanty shack.

He carries a portable music stand, and she a case that I think may contain a musical instrument. They close what would be a makeshift gate behind them and begin walking on the dusty dirt road toward the lovely manicured road. Where they no doubt will deliver a magnificent performance for others to enjoy.

I wonder when others listened to them, will they realize how they live each day? Likely not – because appearances are so deceiving.

As we continue to drive deeper into the colonies, the group has become quiet, knowing this is like nothing they have EVER seen. And the gravity and need seem to settle in.

We arrive at our destination, and we set up our tables. We have kindness and goodness to share in the form of donations – food, and so much more! And although I fear we will run short, I always dread this, I know that today there is a more significant need due to the recent tropical storms that have brought with them up to two feet of rain in some areas.

We are here to ease some of the stresses and help out in whatever way we can. And in no time flat, the area we have been told to set up in begins to fill with women and children from as young as a few months old to teens. There are also a few men who stand back watching.

Our guide explains that we have come with donations from Canada and the United States and that we are here to help, and the smiles come.

We begin with shoes – there are so many without any shoes. Shoes are saved for workdays. And most of these women and men work six days a week. Many are employed at the all-inclusive resorts earning as little as $5.00 per day (not per hour – per day).

Next was the table of toys, books, and a treats for each child, then toothbrushes for all with toothpaste and floss. Down the line – food hampers, clothing, toiletries, household goods, and bedding.

The setup and tear down were about 40 minutes, and just like that, everything we brought was in the hands of those in need.

There is a graciousness in the colonies. A graciousness that fills you up as a volunteer. I’ve been privileged to witness people passing items to each other.

There is no grabbing, no hoarding, and taking for the sake of taking, but rather, it appears more to be receiving what is needed and sharing with others … It’s a beautiful thing.

There are so many stories I could share with you, but instead, I am going to share a few pics of the day.

That day we all filled our cups and made life a bit easier for those in need.

If you have it on your heart to volun-tour, join us in Feb at Ignite You Baja as we roll up our sleeves and give back in a meaningful way that creates sustainable change.

I can promise you this YOU will leave a different person and on fire.

Ignite You Baja – Will Ignite your Life, Reveal your Plan, Purpose and Passion

Designed to unpack, untangle, and unearth you and your purpose. You will adventure, play, and volunteer, all while being the change.

Join us on one of the most heart and soul charging, life igniting, travel and volunteer adventures imaginable.

Your Week at Ignite YOU Baja Includes:

• Interactive exercises to Ignite Your life and spirit.
• Morning Wake Up Sessions.
• Evening Wind Down Session.
• Four Hands on Heart-Filling Volunteer Experiences to create impact and fill you up.
• New Creation Kids - Hands on Volunteer Time to impact, create change, play, and transform lives of the children of New Kids Creations. We will be supplying all materials and teaching the children new products to take to the market. This will create sustainable change and provide revenue and education savings.
• SNAP - Hands-on Volunteer Session at the Spay and Neuter Clinic in which we work recovery.
• Cortez – Liaising, escorting adoptions, and special projects.
• Colonies - Sorting donations and packaging food. Unique Opportunities to unleash your inner exploration on special excursions.
• Private cooking lesson - Chef Caesar who is classically trained will be teaching us two unique dishes. We will prepare and enjoy at this VIP event.
• Free time to reflect and reset.
• A boutique hotel that is the perfect setting.
• Amazing cuisine, locally sourced and prepared for you daily.
• Fundraising and connecting.
• Oh, and surprises along the way... but shh those are a secret!

Ignite You Baja – Ignite your Flame, Reveal your Plan, Purpose and Passion

A voluntour adventure in Baja that will leave you full and forever transformed. Be the change in the lives of those deeply in need. By the end of Ignite You Baja, you’ll have ignited your flame, revealed and set in motion your purpose and plan - and what’s more, you’ll have replaced restlessness with confidence, gratitude and joy – your passion and a renewed zest for life will be palpable. You’ll have unleashed your gifts and talents while volunteering, making a positive impact on the lives of children at the orphanage, and the animals at the shelter and clinics. Further, as a team we will create humanitarian packages for the poorest of poor in the colonies. You’ll have formed new friendships, and deeply served others in need - all while traveling. Ignite You Baja a voluntour travel experience that exceeds expectations and allows you to be the change.