This past week, we had 11 volunteers fly to Costa Rica for the MREF Vision Trip. Our third one, and I couldn’t be happier! Each time, our impact grows bigger, and the experience becomes even more meaningful.

There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes, and we often get many questions about how these trips work. In this blog, I’ll try to answer them all.

Why This Place?

Hogar Montiel is a home for 23 girls aged 5 to 12 who have been removed from their homes due to social risk. I first met these girls a few years ago while walking in my neighborhood. They wanted to play with my kids. That moment led me to visit their home, ask how I could help, and ultimately fall in love with the cause and the girls themselves.

I later pitched Hogar Montiel to the MREF as a potential grantee for their donations. In 2023, I presented the case to the MREF board. Some might say I was a bit "intense" but I really wanted to get them involved, but after some meetings, the board agreed to introduce Hogar Montiel as part of the MREF Vision Trip program.

MREF sent out the call for volunteers, and those interested signed up for this life-changing experience.

What Do You Do on a Vision Trip?

There are two key parts to a Vision Trip:

1. Spending time with the children: getting to know them, connecting with them, and understanding their world.
2. Serving in a hands-on way: helping with improvements, education, and making a tangible impact.

On our first trip, we helped paint and fix metal grates that were causing safety issues.
On the second trip, we built a computer lab and created Duolingo accounts for all the girls to support their learning.
On this third trip, we painted all the closets in the girls’ rooms, giving them a fresh and nice new space.

What Happens Behind the Scenes?

A lot of planning goes into these trips. Once we finalize the list of volunteers, we coordinate activities with the nuns who run the home. This time, since we had 11 volunteers, we knew we could take on a big project, so we decided to paint all the closets.

A few days before the trip, Brad Larson and I went to check everything out. We visited the hardware store and asked if we could paint the closets a color other than pink. They agreed, and we chose a beautiful Tiffany blue, a fresh and uplifting change for the girls.

I also plan daily activities, ones that are fun and educational for the girls but also enjoyable for the volunteers.

Day One: Let's Get This Started 

This time, I organized a trip to a petting farm, where the girls learned about animals, petted bunnies, fed sheep, and even rode ponies. We had a pizza lunch there before heading back for an afternoon of educational crafts and activities.

We divided into groups: some volunteers played with the younger girls, others with the older ones, and the rest got to work painting. Brad took charge of the painting effort, guiding us and Joey added some humor, and maybe a few well-placed bad words to keep us moving.

Behind the scenes, we also coordinate snacks, drinks, transportation, materials, and meals. This time, Brad brought a huge bag of craft supplies from Amazon (which filled his porch with deliveries!). I promised to repay him with cold Diet Cokes every day—if you know Brad, you know that’s a solid deal.

The Second Day: A Bigger Vision

We started the morning with a visit to the construction site of the new home. Right now, Hogar Montiel can only house 23 girls, but this new facility will allow them to care for 30 more and create a special section for teenagers.

This is crucial because, currently, girls must leave at age 12 unless adopted. If they age out, they often move to a different orphanage, losing the progress they’ve made. This new home will provide stability so they can continue their growth in a familiar and supportive environment. Seeing the land prepared and ready for development was an emotional moment. It’s a vision coming to life.

Later that day, we rented a courtyard for a physical education class. It was amazing! We played games, got competitive, and had so much fun just moving and laughing together.

After lunch, we went back to painting, crafting, and playing with the girls.

A Personal Moment: The Power of Connection

That night, during a group dinner, I got a phone call from my husband. My 14-year-old Pomeranian had suffered a heart attack and was in critical condition. I rushed to the vet, and I got to say goodbye but unfortunately, my pup passed away.

I was devastated.

The reason I share this is because it highlights the deep connections we build on these trips. As soon as people heard, I received texts, hugs, gifts, and kind words from the volunteers. These weren’t just colleagues—they were friends who supported me in a moment of loss. I will always be grateful for that.

The Final Day: An Amazing Field Trip

On the last day, we took the girls on a field trip to the Waterfall Gardens. This is a 1-mile scenic walk that leads to stunning waterfalls, but it also has a wildlife sanctuary where the girls could see and learn about monkeys, jaguars, snakes, butterflies, birds, and my personal favorite: sloths!

I paired volunteers with the girls, but we naturally formed larger groups, creating even deeper connections. The girls were happy and so engaged.

This is what makes Vision Trips so powerful, the genuine joy and meaningful bonds that form.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I want to personally thank each of the volunteers who made this trip so special:

💙 Amel – For showing up with a smile despite all the challenges that you had on your trip. We became fast friends, and I know we’ll be in each other’s lives for good.

💙 Mike – For convincing your company’s leaders to join this trip and for returning to see the girls again. Your time, donations, and support mean everything.

💙 Jake, Mark, Mayela, and Claire – You all jumped at every task in a second, connected with the girls, and brought so much love and energy. I can’t wait to see you again.

💙 April – Your heart is pure gold. You always look for ways to do more, and I admire that deeply.

💙 Lynn – Your leadership and help were vital. Bringing your daughter was such a meaningful gesture. You’re setting an example for the next generation.

💙 Brad – My partner in crime on this journey. Thank you for leading, advocating for Hogar Montiel at MREF, and making sure we keep coming back.

💙 Joey – My boss, mentor, and friend for 20 years. Having your support means everything to me. You bring joy, humor, and heart to every trip.

Want to Get Involved?

If you’re interested in joining a future Vision Trip or supporting Hogar Montiel, please reach out to MREF.

I promise you it will be worth it.