June 2009 - Nestor and Nellie

Nestor and Nellie Baca planned on only spending one year doing missionary work in Juarez, Mexico. But God had other plans and they ended up staying here for 8 years. Now they are heading back to their home in Albuquerque to spend more time with their children and grandchildren, and it’s with great sadness that we see them go.

Retired from the real estate business, Nestor and Nellie showed up at our doorstep back in the summer of 2001 wanting to help. Little did we know what a tremendous blessing was entering our lives! Full of energy, love and compassion, they jumped right in and looked for ways that they could befriend and help our brothers and sisters across the border who struggle to survive.

Two projects close to their hearts was the building and repairing of homes and the education of youth. Elderly couples, widows and families that would never be able to afford houses on their own have been recipients of beautifully, well-built homes thanks to the Bacas. And several young people are receiving an education that they would have not gotten otherwise.

As the Bacas traveled back and forth across the border almost every day of the week, they quickly made friends with all the beggars and vendors who sell their wares on the international bridges spanning the two countries. Often we spend hours waiting in long lines of traffic on the bridge, and Nestor and Nellie used the time to converse with and learn about the needs of those whose livelihood consists of standing all day, in all kinds of weather, selling trinkets, washing car windows, playing musical instruments or begging. There are many moms and children who try to eke out a living this way. Nellie has an amazing memory and she soon learned the names of all them. Bringing these families groceries each week became a regular part of the Bacas’ routine, as did an annual Christmas party which included individualized gifts for all the children.

We could go on and on listing the numerous ways that Nestor and Nellie brought hope and joy to so many, and they did it all with such cheerfulness and love. They treated each person they helped with dignity and respect, welcoming them into their hearts. We will miss them terribly but will strive to follow their good example and continue their good work. And we pray that they come and visit us often.