Why I Keep Coming Back to San Lucas

Written by Devin Neville

The first time I came to San Lucas, I didn’t know what to expect. I was a college freshman joining a service trip with fellow students, most of whom I didn’t know. But as soon as we arrived at the Mission, something changed. Through our shared meals, work, and our personal reflections every night, I found myself forming relationships with my classmates, and even deeper connections with the community here. It wasn’t just the beautiful environment, or the good food—there was something deeper. Something making me feel seen, grounded, and welcomed. I left my first trip with open eyes and an open heart, and plenty of questions. What was it about this place that made it feel so personal? And how could I find my way back?

Eight months later, I did come back. This time with one of my best friends. The time spent here on my winter break felt like a direct continuation of how I left San Lucas the first time, but also an entirely new chapter. Seeing my friend experience San Lucas for the first time reminded me why I fell in love with this town in the first place. The lake, the people, the value of sharing a meal with others— it was all still there, but this time it didn’t feel like just a visit. I was beginning to imagine myself staying. This second trip also brought two important people into my life: Adrian and Gabe, who were Long-Term Volunteers (LTVs) whose presence, stories, and authenticity deeply impacted me. They were both in a similar stage of life as I was, and they showed me that service didn’t have to mean having everything figured out. Just being willing to show up, be present, and give yourself fully to the experience was all you needed. They helped show me what life as an LTV could look like, and I left that trip with a decision already made in my heart. By the end of my second visit, I had applied to become an LTV.

Now, on my third trip to San Lucas, this time as an LTV, I feel a sense of wholeness I didn’t know I was missing. My role has changed, but the reasons I kept returning remained just as strong. Coming back allowed me to enjoy growing my friendships with Adrian and Gabe, as well as another LTV named Elizabeth. Coming down here this time felt a little different; I was nervous and vulnerable. But being able to share this experience and be with them has been nothing short of a blessing. I feel my roots growing deeper here in San Lucas day by day. This isn’t just a town I visit anymore, it’s a second home.

Here in San Lucas I have shaped my understanding of service, faith, and purpose, and I continue to do so. I came here as a young college student trying to find my footing, but here at the Mission I’ve learned that purpose doesn’t come clearly and head on. Sometimes it comes through patience, through listening more than speaking, and through showing up for others and allowing others to show up for you. I learned here that you don’t join a community, you build one, one relationship at a time. All of these variables and all of these people are what have built the community I find myself so blessed to be a part of now.

Every visit to San Lucas has left a lasting impact on my heart. And each time I return, I feel that impact deepen. I carry this place with me close to my heart. It has shown me the kind of person I want to become: present, open, committed, and humble. And for that, I will always be grateful. The Mission has changed my life, not all at once, but little by little, moment by moment. I have found lifelong friends, a second home, and a sense of purpose here.

And that is why I keep coming back.

 

To learn more about visiting San Lucas or becoming a Long-Term Volunteer, click here.