Building a Home in a Day Again: A QTR Weekend in Tecate, Mexico
- qualitytimecommuni
- Nov 13
- 3 min read
This past weekend I participated in an International Community Service Project through our Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise. Sixteen of us traveled to Tecate, Mexico to build a home in one day for a single mom with three children.
This was my second year doing this project, and I have to say it was every bit as meaningful, memorable, and joyful as the first time. Last years’ experience had such a profound impact on me that I couldn’t stop talking about it. So, this year, I was joined by my son Lucas, my cousin Maureen, and my brother-in-law Curt. Sharing this adventure with them made it even more special.
The weekend did not disappoint. It was full of meaning. Full of fun. Full of adventure. And absolutely full of joy. In other words, it was pure QTR.
Hector, Our Guide and Inspiration
Our construction leader, Hector, is an extraordinary human being. Over the past 30 years, he has built close to 3,000 homes for families in need. In an average year, he completes around 300. But due to the current political situation in the United States, this year he has completed only 87 so far.
He always begins our morning with the same message: “Your job is to bring your muscles, your heart, and your smiles.”
He tells us even though many of us have never swung a hammer outside weekend chores that we can do every job on the building site. And he means it.
Sixteen Rotarians. One Home. One Day.
We started at 8:00 a.m., and by 5:30 p.m. the home was complete. Walls framed and raised. Siding painted and installed. Rafters and roof set. Drywall up. Electrical pulled. Windows cut and placed. Trim finished. Shingles nailed down. By the end of the day, the cement slab had transformed into a safe and secure home place for this mom and her three kids.
At the end of the day, we formed a circle in front of the home and shared our wishes for the family and what the day meant to each of us. The mother was tearful and overwhelmed with gratitude. And yet, as much as her life has been changed by receiving this home, I believe the sixteen of us were changed just as much—if not more.
We spent the day doing something meaningful. We grew closer together. We learned about each other. And once you do an International Community Service project… you are never quite the same afterward.
No, we didn’t change the whole world. But as someone said, “every piece of sand builds the beach.”
A Personal QTR Moment
Last year, I avoided the roof. I was afraid of heights, afraid of slipping, afraid of falling. This year, I decided to lean into fear and do the thing I was avoiding.
So, I climbed up. I worked on the roof joists, the roofing material, and the shingles. And you know what? It was exhilarating. It was meaningful. It was absolutely a QTR adventure.
Our Days Are Precious
This weekend reminded me once again how precious our days really are. When we say yes to adventure, yes to service, yes to meaning, we enrich our lives in ways that stay with us forever.
Find your next adventure.
Say yes.
Join me in QTR.
The video montage was created by my friend who was on our trip, Lisa Krigsman who has helped me with several photo managing projects (startherewithlisa.com).
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