My name is Isabella Pucilowski, and I have grown up at Saint Anna’s, becoming more involved here since 2021. Currently, I attend Sac State, pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies/Elementary Education to teach 1st to 4th grade in the future. Over the years, I have explored various opportunities for spiritual growth. One of these was my trip to Project Mexico last summer, where I built a house for a family in need. For my next phase of growth, I applied to serve at St. Innocent Orphanage (January 2025 - January 2026), living and working with the children there.
One wonderful aspect of the upcoming year is that I will continue my studies online and complete my BA degree by spring 2026 after I return home. Saint Innocent Orphanage is located in Rosarito, Mexico, and Project Mexico operates out of the orphanage. Project Mexico welcomes volunteers from Orthodox churches across the U.S. to stay on the orphanage grounds and build houses for families in the surrounding areas.
Saint Innocent Orphanage is one of the few Orthodox orphanages in North America and & South America, and has recently opened the first and only Orthodox Infant Orphanage: Casa Cuna. All of the children raised at Saint Innocent are provided with a loving home and consistent care, are engaged in liturgical life by attending services, and even engage in opportunities to serve the community. Their life at Saint Innocent Orphanage is full of educational/career opportunities, spiritual guidance, and warmth from those caring for them. It is a contrast to the harsh life they could fall into if left on the streets without care or guidance.
During my time at Saint Innocent’s, I will begin by caring for the infants in the Casa Cuna. Were it not for Saint Innocent orphanage, these children would often otherwise be sent to a shelter that is likely understated, leaving infants without the care they need. Saint Innocent’s is in the process of constructing a larger building to house more infants, and they have already welcomed a few. My shifts with the children will involve feeding them, putting them to sleep, and providing them with loving engagement and care. As my Spanish improves from the Spanish lessons I will take while there, I will be able to work with the older boys and teach them English/tutor them in their classes.
Engaging in acts of love and service is a simple way to cultivate humility and grow in loving-kindness. These are qualities I aspire to nurture in myself while working with the children at the orphanage. My goal is to gain knowledge and experiences that will strengthen my mission. Since this will not be paid work, my financial support depends on the generosity of others. An estimated $500 per month is typically sufficient to cover the basic and unexpected needs of a staff member. These needs include food, hygiene and health products, gas money, travel costs for arriving and returning home, etc. Through your loving encouragement, financial support, and prayers, I will be best equipped to serve the children of the orphanage.
I hope my updates about what’s happening there over the next year will inspire you to send me a letter, give me a call, or come for a visit; each would be a hopeful and loving reminder that our work at the orphanage is significant and in line with His will. Thank you all for your love and encouragement as I embark on this next phase of life! Glory to God in all things!