A Year of Transformation — Reflections from Joe Brandi
As we close out 2025, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. This year marked the first full year of Amigos2Familia, and what God allowed us to accomplish together went far beyond what we could have imagined.
This wasn’t just a year of trips — it was a year of building, restoring, celebrating, and showing up consistently for children across Mexico and Central America. None of it would have been possible without you.
I want to take a moment to reflect on what we accomplished together this year.
Our 2025 Impact at a Glance
Central America — Restoring Dignity Through Infrastructure
This year, we were able to complete key improvement projects at a children’s home in Central America:
🍽️ A New Kitchen
A fully functional kitchen was built to better serve the children daily meals with dignity, safety, and efficiency.
🧺 Laundry Project Completed
What once took hours of manual labor was transformed into a sustainable laundry solution — restoring time, energy, and dignity to caregivers and children alike.
These projects weren’t just about buildings — they were about creating environments where children feel cared for, valued, and protected.
Mexico — Presence, Joy & Community
This year, we completed multiple Beyond Borders trips to Mexico, each one focused on consistent presence and relational ministry.
Some of the moments that defined this year:
🎬 A Day at the Movies
For many children, this was their first time ever going to the movies — a simple experience that brought laughter, excitement, and unforgettable joy.
🎉 Our First Gala in Mexico
We hosted a beautiful gala that brought people together in celebration, generosity, and vision — strengthening partnerships and expanding what’s possible for the future.
👕 Wrapped in Love Initiatives
From clothing drives to shoes and jackets, we met real, tangible needs while reminding children they are deeply loved.
Stories That Defined Our Year
Throughout the year, our volunteers and donors shared moments that captured the heart of Amigos2Familia:
Teff Amaya — Donor Highlight
Teff shared that she feels a spiritual calling from God to help orphans, and that donating to this mission means:
“Being the hands and feet of Christ for the orphans.”
Daisy Alarcón — First-Time Volunteer
Daisy recently moved to San Diego and joined her first trip this year. One of her favorite moments?
The girls at the orphanage insisted on serving others before themselves during a birthday celebration — a beautiful example of selfless joy.
Lucerito López — First Trip, Big Impact
Lucerito found us on TikTok and described her experience as:
“A really beautiful experience.”
She loved the mix of English and Spanish volunteers and felt welcomed immediately.
Claudia Foley — A Heart for Love and Service
Claudia was deeply inspired by the children’s worship band, and shared a touching moment of connection with a young twin who held her hand throughout worship. Her message to others?
“Go. It’s a life-changing experience.”
Eugene Kim — A Returning Volunteer
Eugene has been with us for many trips over the years. One of his most meaningful experiences was reconnecting with teens he first met as children, sharing old photos, laughter, and memories.
Ryan Oropallo — Using His Gifts to Serve
With a missionary heart and high energy, Ryan taught Jiu-Jitsu to the kids, plans to donate mats, and even hopes to host a barbecue next time. For him, serving is hands-on and full of joy.
Angelina Escobedo — “They Made Me Feel Like Family”
Angelina discovered Amigos2Familia on TikTok and shared this powerful reminder:
“You don’t need to speak the language to connect with a child’s heart.”
She plans to return in October and December!
Chris Adcock — A Familiar Face
Chris has become a regular at the orphanage. He said, “It’s a whole Saturday, but it doesn’t feel like work — it feels like fun.” He’s already planning to come back next month with drumsticks for one of the kids!
Brianna Russell — Building Long-Term Bonds
Brianna felt drawn to the mission immediately and said: “Being a consistent face for the kids is something truly special.” She plans to attend monthly and bring small gifts of love.
Corey Haines — “Just Show Up. It Means the World.”
Corey shared a moment with a boy named Iván — who told him: “You’re my best friend.” These are the moments that stay with us forever.
From first-time volunteers to those who return month after month, every story reminded us that presence changes lives — including our own.
Faithful Partnerships
This year, we were also blessed by partnerships like Harvest Sonora, led by Pastor Russ Holt, who reminded us:
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
That truth shaped every project, every trip, and every interaction this year.
Celebrating Our First Full Year
In our first full year as Amigos2Familia, we:
✔ Expanded ministry across two countries
✔ Completed major infrastructure projects
✔ Hosted community-building events
✔ Took children on experiences they had never had before
✔ Built long-term relationships rooted in faith and consistency
This year proved that small acts done with great love truly transform lives.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2026, our prayer is simple:
To continue showing up.
To continue building.
To continue loving children the way Christ loves us.
Would you prayerfully consider continuing this journey with us — through prayer, giving, or joining a future trip?
