What Visitors Say

“Casa Hogar has been more than friends over the years. They have been (and are) family. From my first introduction in 1998 by a friend named Sam Webb, my wife, children, and I have deeply loved our extended family at CHE. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 is a reciprocal verse between us and CHE: "We felt so strongly about you that we were determined to share with you not only the Good News of God but also our lives. That’s how dear you were to us!".
— JD & Heather Tomlin (Brittainy, Brooke, Brandon, & Bethany) Frisco, Texas

“My first trip to Casa Hogar was a mission trip when I was 15 years old. Now 14 years later it is a trip to visit my family. Their love and faith in Jesus is displayed in every smile and hug that you receive and through those hugs my faith has grown tremendously. We pray for them and miss them on a daily basis and cannot wait to return after each trip. (even if they do make fun of my Spanish every single trip) Love ya CHE!!”
— Jonathan and Rachel Skeen, Smokerise, Alabama.

“The children of Casa Hogar Elim have been like family to me. I've learned so much from them, and their faith, love, and joy are contagious! They are some of the smartest, hardest working, funny, and beautiful children and young adults I've ever met. I think the future leaders of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, and all of Mexico are being raised up through CHE and I can't wait to see what God does in every one of them!”
— Shaun Ellis, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

“On my first visit to Casa Hogar, I thought I was going down to an orphanage to share the love of Jesus Christ, little did I know after several visits that I was going down to be shown and taught the love of Jesus Christ. I never leave without crying. Not for them, but for me. They have such a closeness with our creator that I so desire.”
— Steve Hodges, Frisco, Texas

“The first time I went to Casa Hogar Elim, I was unaware of what I was getting into. It was so much more than a mission trip, it was a week that changed my life. I have now been there 4 times, and have grown to love so many of the kids there. Hearing them say your name and remember you year after year is such a powerful feeling. You may think you're going down there to serve, but you receive SO much more from them than you give. This place has moved me and opened my eyes to so many different things. I LOVE CHE!”
— Catherine Ruekert, Minnetonka, Minnesota

“CHE has the most loving staff and children that I have ever seen. They trust in God and have faith that He will meet their needs and He does. I have had the privilage to work on numerous projects with church groups, and it is always a blessed experience..you see what real faith is all about....completely worth the 15 hour drive.”
— Alan Barley, Pace, Florida

“Casa Hogar Elim is not some place I go on a mission trip every year, it is my second home. I was fourteen the first time I went down to the orphanage and have been growing up with the kids ever since. First timers always think they're going to help the kids, when really they help us. I have learned so much about God and myself just by sleeping on the ground with four or five kids using me as a pillow than I ever have in any other religious setting. They teach us humility and passion, and that even if we think things are awful, God will provide. Even though I am in college now, I think about them every day and can't wait to go back. Amigos Siempre!”
— Leah Wallgren, Minnetonka, MN

“It’s hard for me to imagine what my favorite part is of the Mexico Mission trip because there is no part of the trip that I don’t love - playing with the kids, the bus ride, cooking the meals, construction and many other things. Every year it continues to amaze me how little the kids have and yet how happy they are. It reminds me that we live in a materialistic world, but it doesn’t have to be like this. It is impossible to go on a trip like this and not leave in awe of God’s awesome love. It seems like every year the Mexico Mission trip peaks my faith.”
— Andrew Hedding, Hopkins, Minnesota