40th Anniversary Stories

"My first visit to Tijuana, Mexico, in 2004 was long overdue. Father Ted Brown of Long Island University had encouraged me to go for years, but I always felt too busy. After graduating from college, I finally decided to make the trip. While I sometimes wish I had gone sooner, I believe God's timing is always right.

I returned to Tijuana for ten consecutive years after that initial visit. I was able to lead several groups of my friends. During that time, I built friendships, formed life long relationships, and fell in love with the country of Mexico and the city of La Gloria. In 2008, I proposed to my wife there, and we named our first son, Thomas Zavala Hinderhofer, after our good friend, Eduardo.

It's been a while since my last visit; life, jobs, and raising three boys have kept me away. I have no regrets, and as my sons get older, I eagerly anticipate returning to the country and place I dearly love." - Steve Hinderhorfer, Esperanza Volunteer