Reflections From Our 2025 Baja Trip: A Season of Giving

Every time we return to Baja, we’re reminded that no two trips are ever the same. No matter how many times we’ve gone, we never get used to the emotions, the gratitude, and the perspective this experience brings. What started years ago as a way to support families in need has grown into something deeply personal for all of us: a reminder of what it means to show up, to build community, and to witness moments that stay with you long after you leave.

As we move through the holiday season and the spirit of giving is all around us, this trip grounds us in what giving truly looks like: sharing time, offering compassion, and standing alongside families who are working toward a better future.

In just a few days, we witnessed moments that captured the heart of the giving season. Two members of our group sponsored children to ensure they will have the supplies and uniforms they need to stay in school through college. And during the home reveal, we watched a young girl walk into her first-ever bedroom, complete with murals on the wall and a bunk bed of her own. She was overcome with emotion, seeing a space that was finally her own.

To give a fuller picture of the trip, here’s a look at how our week unfolded in Baja.

Wednesday — Travel & Mission Beach

We started early and arrived in San Diego with enough time to enjoy a calm afternoon walking Mission Beach. It was the perfect way to unwind before the work ahead and reconnect as a group.

Thursday — Ensenada, Framing the Home & Visiting a Migrant Camp

All nine of us loaded into the van and headed to Ensenada. By mid-afternoon, we were on site, and the building was underway. In just a couple of hours, we framed and stood all the walls, installed insulation, and prepped the trim and rafters for the next day. A small crew painted the pieces that would be installed on Friday.

Later that day, we visited a local migrant camp to hand out groceries and spend time with the children who live there. Dinner that night was a surprise meal prepared by the BajaBuilds cooking team, followed by time around the fire pit at our house

Friday — Roofing, Electrical, Drywall & a Visit to the Orphanage

Friday was a full build day. We completed the roof, installed shingles, ran electrical wiring so the home can connect to power or future solar, drywalled the interior, applied the first coat of mud, and painted the exterior. Some of the group also visited a local orphanage to connect with the children there.

We wrapped the day with our traditional taco night at a local stand, then another fire pit and much-needed rest.

Saturday — Finishing Touches, House Blessing & Community BBQ

Saturday was all about preparing the home for move-in day: sanding drywall, painting interior walls, trimming electrical, touching up exterior paint, and sealing everything to keep the home as water- and bug-tight as possible.

A local pastor blessed the home before the family received their keys. To make the moment truly communal, we also walked the neighborhood to hand out beans and rice, so other families could share in the support.

We stocked the family’s shelves with groceries and toys, cleaned up the site, and then joined the four families we’ve built for over the years for a neighborhood BBQ. It was our first time bringing everyone together, and seeing the kids growing and thriving was one of the highlights of the trip.

The night ended with delicious pizza, a stop at a brewery, and one last fire pit night.

Sunday — Travel Home

While some had to fly out early, the rest of us who had later flights spent the day exploring San Diego. We grabbed some food and enjoyed a relaxed wrap-up before heading home. Our team landed around 11:15 p.m., just in time to reset for Monday.

Reflections on a Trip That Stays With Us

This year’s trip was one of the most meaningful yet. From supporting children’s education to witnessing a young girl step into her first-ever bedroom, the impact of this trip stays with all of us long after we return home.

The visit to the migrant camp and Sophia’s emotional reaction to her new room were moments that reminded us why we continue to return to Baja each year. This trip is never predictable and always is a humbling reminder of what generosity, resilience, and community look like in their purest form.

We left Baja grateful, inspired, and grounded in the true spirit of the season. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to support a family working toward a brighter future!