May 144 min read

Volunteering in Mexico with Elena

Updated: May 23

As a daughter to a Texan mother and Mexican father, the country of Mexico has always been close to my heart. And as someone who rarely visits Mexico, I fell in love with the state of Chiapas.

What does Chiapas have to offer? From Tapachula, Union Juarez, Santo Domingo, to other major cities like Tuxtla Gutierrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas, etc… Chiapas is full of culture, forestation, and lovely people.

When in Chiapas, I would recommend visiting the magical “pueblos" with beautiful scenery like Santo Domingo and Union Juarez by taxi and preferably with a buddy. Before heading to these places I would also make a stop at Exoticós, a kid friendly place in Cacahoatán filled with flowers, pools, and other cool figures to take pictures with.

If you have the opportunity I recommend taking a bus from Tapachula to the capital of Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutierrez. Here you will have more opportunities to live the city life. From there take a combi to San Cristobal de las Casas, a very touristy but beautiful place!

Tapachula where Mision Mexico is located also has great things to offer. From great cafeterias to street food and yearly fairs. Tapachula is growing every year! Please beware that around March-April, the weather blazing hot! Take shorts, sandals, and loads of sunscreen.

Security: Overall I felt safe in Tapachula during my stay, friendly smiles and people everywhere! However, like almost any other place be prepared for the cat-calling and stares of men. Don’t wear revealing clothes if you don’t want that extra attention. I would recommend not leaving Casa after sunset and if you do always take a buddy.

Mision Mexico Casa

The volunteer coordinator Karime Cardenas is such a huge help. She is friendly and ready to answer all your questions and concerns. Her mother Agustina is also so kind and will give discounts on haircuts, so take advantage while you can! Karime will settle you down at the Casa and will work through all the required training.

Engaging and getting to know each child is important. Remember that each child is different and not all have same stories. Within your trainings you will learn more about those approaches! Overall, every child is precious with pure intentions, ready to love! Most of them know English but knowing a little bit of Spanish will help you connect with them a little more.

The staff at Casa is also incredibly nice. Melissa, the current director finds every way to make us feel comfortable. Dulce, Miss. Ale, Doña Mari, Sori, are other lovely staff members. I wouldn’t hesitate to ask them questions if you have any concerns.

One meal a day is included within your stay. Doña Tere makes fresh meals everyday for everyone at casa. However don’t expect a gourmet meal, beans, rice, and tortillas always make the cut!

Mision Surf

While volunteering in Mision Mexico, you will also have the opportunity to attend Mision Surf, a beach house in Puerto Madero, just 40 minutes from Tapachula. This house also serves as a key component for everyone at casa. Mision surf offers swimming and surf lessons to the children and I had the chance of attending and let me tell you the vibes are immaculate! Swimming, surfing, cooking, sunsets, bonfires, everything is just great. Mision Surf serves many more factors to the foundation including renting the house for the public. I definitely recommend visiting if given the chance.

Food

Chiapas has some of the best food of Mexico! From amazing coffee, produced and sold in Chiapas, to chipilin, a spice used in many traditional meals, and to endless mango trees.

I definitely recommend trying tamales de mole, plátanos fritos, ice cream from Helados Irma, and all the fresh fruits from the mercado. Some of my favorite restaurants are Luvá, Kokitos in Puerto Madero, Cafetería Los Angeles, Ki Mul, Chiltote, and you have to stop at the taqueria around the corner of Casa. While living in Casa you will also have a kitchen as your disposal and other necessary utensils. Overall, try news foods while you can, it will be totally worth it!

Financial Advice

Money can go very fast, so it's important for you to know how to spend responsibly. Taxis from one close place to another can cost between 50 to 80 pesos and combis are typically 8 to 10 pesos, however I recommend walking when you can! Food at restaurants can cost from 150-300 pesos but street food is always a lot cheaper. Be mindful that you will also need to buy other essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Experience

Overall, my experience and time in Mision Mexico was incredible from start to finish. Living and learning from the community, children, staff, and culture is an eye-opening experience. This non-profit organization exceeds all expectations and I whole-heartedly recommend it.