Stories of Hope
Religion & Spirituality
About
Sharing "Stories of Hope" of former and present employees, families, and volunteers impacted by the ministry work at Project Mexico and their mission.
Episodes
- From the Field: A Candid Look at Mission Work with Anastasia Oliver
What does it truly mean to serve in a non-profit? In this episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Anastasia Oliver — a long-term Casa Cuna team member — for an honest, unfiltered conversation about life on the front lines of mission w…
- Sacrificial Love: Newlyweds Serving, Growing, and Trusting God Together in Mexico
Alejandro grew up as an orphan at Project Mexico — now he's returned as a husband, alongside his wife Evangeline, to serve the very community that shaped him. In this episode, the newlyweds share what it's like to begin their marriage not…
- Serving at Casa Cuna: Hannah Petker’s Mission Experience in Tijuana
In this episode of Stories of Hope, Hannah Petker shares about her time serving at Casa Cuna after traveling from British Columbia, Canada. During her short-term stay over the holiday season, Hannah embraced life in Tijuana, building meani…
- A Mission-Built Love Story: Boone & Anna | Stories of Hope Podcast
This episode of Stories of Hope offers a heartfelt glimpse into a love story that began in Mexico through shared mission work. Boone and Anna reflect on the past year of their lives—one marked by service, growth, and a deepening commitment…
- Inside Casa Cuna San Felipe: Stories of Hope with Evangeline Zendejas
This episode of Stories of Hope takes you behind the scenes of Casa Cuna San Felipe to answer the most frequently asked questions about the home and its mission. While our other episodes explore personal journeys and emotional moments, thi…
- Qaedan Kerr: Life at Project Mexico
In this episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Qaedan Kerr, former intern and long-term staff member at Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage. Qaedan shares where his journey began before arriving at the ranch, what daily life in…
- Full Circle: Wyatt West’s Journey from Volunteer to Project Mexico Staff
In this episode of Stories of Hope, California native Wyatt West shares his inspiring journey from volunteer and intern to long-term staff member at Project Mexico. Hear how his time serving in Mexico deepened his faith, strengthened his c…
- Faith, Service, and Summer Mission Trips: Nicholas Legakis’ Project Mexico Story
In this Stories of Hope episode, volunteer Nicholas Legakis shares insights from his three summer mission trips with Project Mexico. From building homes to deepening his faith at Hellenic College Holy Cross, Nicholas reflects on how each e…
- Zelda Gilbert
Zelda Gilbert: Faith, Service, and Growing Through Leadership In this inspiring episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Zelda Gilbert, a Hillsdale College student who has spent the past two summers serving as a Project Mexico intern.…
- Serving with Purpose: Mark Fridell on Faith, Homebuilding & Leadership at Project Mexico
In this episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Mark Fridell, longtime supporter and board member of Project Mexico. Mark has played a key role in our homebuilding mission trips for many years, and his deep commitment to our work shin…
- Fr Nicholas on 9/11
In this powerful episode of Stories of Hope, Father Nicholas, Executive Director of Project Mexico, shares his firsthand experience of being a seminarian at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in New York City during the tragic events of September 11,…
- Faith, Business & Giving Back: Dean Pliaconis on 25 Years of Support
Dean Pliaconis, a cherished friend and longtime supporter of Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage, shares his story in this heartfelt episode. For over 25 years, Dean and his shipping company have generously contributed to our mission…
- Lucy Cuneo
In this inspiring episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Lucy Cuneo, a passionate young Orthodox Christian whose journey has taken her across the globe—and ultimately to Project Mexico. Lucy shares her personal story of faith, travel…
- Stories of Hope Season 5 with Julia Parsenios
Join us as we sit down to chat with Julia Paresenios, a caregiver at the Casa Cuna and OCMC Missionary.
- Canon Hansen Final Edit
Today we hear from Canon Hansen, a long-term staff member, counselor and all-around amazing addition to the program! He talks about his introduction to Mexico, his relationships with his faith, and the ranch. We chat about personalities an…
- Anna Karcher Final Edit
Anna Karcher has old ties to Project Mexico through her mother, who worked here when she was in her 20s. As a second-generation staff member, she shares with us what it's like to transition from the United States to Mexico and her plans wh…
- Aaron Bauer Reflecting on Faith
This episode of "Stories of Hope" is a unique one. Guest and long-term staff member Aaron Bauer was an intern in 2013, and has returned this year. He talks through the ways that he has changed, plans for the future and his personal faith.…
- Divine Liturgy with Father Demitrios
In this episode, we dive into the Divine Liturgy with Project Mexico's resident priest, Father Demetrios Swanson. Often referred to as the "mystery of mysteries," it's more than just a ritual—it's a vibrant, living encounter between God an…
- Gabe Braskett Living the Faith
I spoke with Gabe Braskett, a student in Boston attending Hellenic College Holy Cross and a returning summer intern for the Project Mexico Ministry. He talks about how his first summer in 2023 helped shape his path to Boston and the growth…
- The Sacrament of Ordination with Father Demetrios Swanson
Today Father Demetrios gives us more background information on the ordination process. He walks us through how the services change when there is an ordination, and what the sacrament consists of behind the altar. We also talk about the rol…
- Episode 49 Father Demetrios on Marriage
Our discussion resumes with the series on Sacraments as we focus on marriage. Father Demetrios Swanson walks us through the Orthodox wedding ceremony, and shares insights on the Orthodox theology of marriage. Father helps put into perspect…
- Episode 48 Father Demetrios on Confession
This is the third installment of a multi-series event on the Sacraments with Project Mexico's resident priest, Father Demetrios Swanson. On today's episode, Father Demetrios helps breakdown the theology of confession. He also talks about t…
- Unction and Concecration with Father Demetrios Swanson
Join Fr. Demetrios Swanson as he leads us through a new series on the sacraments. We follow up our discussion of baptism with unction, anointment.
- Service and Faith with Panayota Veronis
Tune in to hear Panayiota Veronis talk about her past summer as a Homebuilding Intern. She talks about the excitement of the summer in Mexico and also discusses other opportunities for youth and young adults in the Orthodox Church. You can…
- Episode 45: Margarita Mavroeidi
Get to know Margarita Mavroeidi as she talks about as she talks about her work with the boys at the ranch. She also shares stories from homebuilding adventures and gives examples of the chaos, joy, hard, work and prayer that is part of eve…
- Episode 44: Father Demetrios Swanson "Sacraments"
Join Fr. Demetrios Swanson as he leads us through a new series on the sacraments. We begin with baptism, as it is the first Sacrament that Orthodox Chrisitan's participate in. He talks about the foundation of baptism and what it means to t…
- Episode 43: Zannos Grekos
Join host Julia Kasten and guest Zannos Grekos as they discuss Zanno's life before the ranch. As well as reflecting on religion in a college setting and how it translates to people's everyday lives. Zannos is a counselor at the Orphanage a…
- Episode 42: Shannon Todd
Join host Julia Kasten as she talks with longtime Project Mexico Religious Education Coordinator, Shannon Todd. Shannon entered the Orthodox church along with her family in 1997. She participated in various spiritual formation and fellowsh…
- Episode 41: Alejandro Zendejas
Greetings everyone! This week we welcome 2024's St Innocent and Holy Cross Alumni, Alejandro Zendejas along with our new Stories of Hope host, Julia Kasten! Join us as we discuss how Alejandro grew up at St Innocent and his relationship wi…
- Episode 40: Boone Jenkins
Greetings everyone! This week we welcome 2024's incoming Work Trip Coordinator, Boone Jenkins along with our new Stories of Hope host, Julia Kasten! Join us as we discuss how Boone came to this ministry and his plans for next summer's home…
- Episode 39: FOrCE Special Series with Faeli Heise on the Pursuit of Virtue and Orthodox Education
Join us for our ongoing Webinar Series The FOrCE (Forming Orthodox Christian Evangelists,) a collaboration with Hellenic College Holy Cross. Faeli Kathryn Heise is currently enrolled at Hellenic College Holy Cross, pursuing a BA in Literat…
- Episode 38: FOrCE Special Series with Pres. Merilynn Andruchow Spiritual Warfare
Join us for the first of our ongoing Webinar Series The FOrCE (Forming Orthodox Christian Evangelists,) a collaboration with Hellenic College Holy Cross. In this episode, Pres. Merilynn Andruchow, a Graduate of Holy Cross School of Theolog…
- Episode 37: Padre Alejandro & Presbytera Katerina Sosa PART 2
Join host Faeli Heise for episode #37 of Stories of Hope! We conclude our conversation with Padre and Presbytera Sosa in a more in-depth discussion about various outreach and ministry pursuits of the St. Innocent community and about the ne…
- Episode 36: Padre Alejandro & Presbytera Katerina Sosa PART 1
Welcome, everyone, to our latest episode! Today on Stories of Hope, we have two special guests who have been long overdue for their chance to share their stories with you. Padre Alejandro Sosa and his wife Presbytera Katerina (Carmen) are…
- Episode 35: Nathan Liu
Join Faeli for episode 35 of Stories of Hope and a very special conversation with homebuilding 2022 intern, Nathan Liu. Are you thinking of applying for the Project Mexico internship? Listen to Nathan's thoughtful and insightful reflection…
- Episode 34: Sophia and Deacon Demetrios Swanson PART 2
In this newest episode of Stories of Hope, we finish our conversation with Sophia and Deacon Demetrios Swanson. They share with us about St. Innocent Parish community life, the community parish project, and thoughts that they specifically…
- Episode 33: Sophia and Deacon Demetrios Swanson PART 1
Welcome back, everyone! Today, Faeli brings you the first of a very special two-part conversation with Deacon Demetrios and Sophia Swanson. The pair have recently relocated to St. Innocent Ranch to serve the Orphanage and the Orthodox Chur…
- Episode 32: Father Luke Veronis
Greetings, everyone! We invite you to join Faeli and this week's guest, Fr. Luke Veronis, for another Summer 2022 episode special. Fr. Luke shares his personal perspective on the impact Project Mexico has had on his parish, why he brings g…
- Episode 31: Fr. Jacob Saylor
Hello, listeners! Welcome back to Stories of Hope. Join Faeli Heise, one our co-hosts for a series of episodes revolving around Summer 2022. We start off with a very special conversation with the wonderful Fr. Jacob Saylor of Holy Assumpti…
- Episode 30: Answering YOUR Questions! (Feat. Faeli Heise)
Greetings everyone! We have a very special episode for you all this week. Firstly, we are answering the question YOU all sent in! And secondly, we are joined by the past host of the podcast, Faeli Heise! It's a blast of an episode, answeri…
- Episode 29: Daniel Kroll
Howdy y'all! This week we welcome a Project Mexico athlete, Daniel Kroll! We chat about what it was like swimming in the open ocean for Swim for Hope, his experience in ministry in the United States and Mexico, and rat aortas! (Yes you rea…
- Episode 28: Justin Frigerio
Greetings everyone! This week we welcome 2022's upcoming Work Trip Coordinator, Justin Frigerio! Join us as we talk to him about how he came to this position, the flavor he wants to put on the role, and the recent house they just build wit…
- Episode 27: Anna Cunningham
Hello everyone! This week we have on the wonderful work trip coordinator, Anna Cunningham! Join us as we chat about her brand new Project Mexico initiative, the Community Build Initiative, how it came to be and what it is, and what else sh…
- Episode 26: Noelle Robaidek
Hi everyone! This week we welcome the ranch educational director to the show, Noelle Robaidek! Join us as we chat about what school is like in Mexico for the boys at the orphanage, the responsibilities she has as educational director, and…
- Episode 25: Erik Swanson (Two Dudes in Mexico Special)
Bonjour everyone! Welcome to a very special episode featuring Eric Swanson, coming back to relive the acclaimed podcast, Two Dudes in Mexico! Join us as we chat about being and having an apprentice as work trip coordinator, what it was lik…
- Episode 24: Niko Deffigos
Howdy everyone! This week we welcome Niko Deffigos to the show! Join us as we chat about his experience as the sole intern at the ranch in 2021, how not knowing Spanish was not a huge issue in his time there, and how important offseasons t…
- Episode 23: Fr. Nicholas Andruchow
Greetings everyone! This week we welcome back Fr. Nicholas Andruchow with his new role as executive director of Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage! Join us as father and son chat about what this means for the organization, what homebu…
- Episode 22: Zach & Sophia Swanson
Welcome back to the podcast everyone! This week we have our first two for one episode, with our guests Zach and Sophia Swanson! Join us as we chat about their experience being a work trip coordinator duo, living at the orphanage for the fi…
- Episode 21: Tony Machnee
HEY EVERYONE, LUKE’S BACK! That's right, Luke Andruchow is back hosting the podcast once again! And this time, he’s brought a very special guest, Tony Machnee! Join us as Luke and Tony reminisce about the ranch of days past, some of the bi…
- Episode 20: Sam Williams
In this episode, we talk with Sam Williams, someone whose life changed forever after coming down to Project Mexico years ago. Join us as we talk about how important missionary work is, how to be one no matter where you are, and being able…