Hive Blog

Last August I packed my bags and set off across the sea to Mexico, to a city just north of the Guatemalan border named Tapachula. For these past 5 months I have had the privilege of visiting Mission Mexico Refuge, an orphanage run by an Australian couple, Pam and Alan Skuse. It is here that I experienced amazing Mexican traditions and customs, the excitement of travel and the sensation of stepping outside of my comforts. But ultimately, I experienced the feeling of hope and the importance of love.

Upon my arrival to the refuge I entered feeling overwhelmed at the sight of what seemed like hundreds of kids. But within seconds I was greeted with smiling faces from all of the kids who were welcoming me into what they knew as their home. Within minutes I was painting girls’ toe nails, dancing and playing. It was then that I realised this was not merely an orphanage but a family, a family consisting of 2 parents and just over 50 kids.

Hearing the story of how Mision Mexico came to be, reveals the selflessness of Pam and Alan’s actions. In the year 2000, Pam and Alan travelled to Tapachula to volunteer in a children’s refuge, but after just 6 months it was closed down. So instead of abandoning the children they decided to stay, leaving behind their life in Australia to establish their own refuge. Today it is known as Misión México Refuge, Giving Love, Life and Hope.

Throughout the week the kids are all blessed to have the chance to go to school, have tutors, music lessons, swimming lessons, dance lessons and they now have the opportunity to attend university. This is purely achieved by the help of sponsors and donations. One day that the kids all look forward to is Sunday. On this special day the 50+ kids, volunteers and Pam and Alan travel the 45 minute journey to the beach. Once they arrive it is just magical. That was where I truly witnessed the healing powers of the ocean. These children have dealt with things that just seem unimaginable to me but watching them in the water, whether it was surfing, swimming and playing by the shore, it was clear to me that they were free. The ocean acts as an escape for them, where the troubles of their pasts are nonexistent for a while and instead they are all smiles, laughs and happiness.

For me, this was an amazing experience and being back in Australia it has allowed me to appreciate what I have more. I am realising the everyday things that I take for granted, such as opportunities, freedom and simply, the ocean that I visit every day. The refuge is a perfect example of how love and hope can change lives. It has given me an understanding of what others go through and introduced me to the realities of life outside of my little bubble.

Here are some photos of the girls in their new hive bikinis! Thank you so much Kat for the Hive donation. The girls were so stoked to get fashionable and surf friendly swim wear, which they now wear every week!

For more information visit:

www.lovelifehope.com or view the documentary Somewhere Near Tapachula by Stefan Hunt & Jonno Durrant.