Outside the Bowl's kitchens employ in-country nationals who are passionate about taking an active role in caring for their communities and sharing God's love.  This blog series will introduce them to you and bring you their stories.  We are truly a global team and we look forward to helping you get to know these amazing team members who make our work possible.
Introducing: Vilma from Tijuana, MX.

Vilma Tul de Jacinto is the Kitchen Manager for the Outside the Bowl kitchen in Tijuana, Mexico. She is originally from Guatemala and felt called to mission work in Mexico several years ago.
“My parents introduced me to God’s love when I was young. From that time, I wanted to be in ministry. When I was thirteen years old, I began teaching Bible school in my church and decided to continue my education and become a teacher.”
While teaching in a Christian Spanish School, Vilma met a missionary from Mexico. He asked her if she and her family would like to join him in God’s work in Mexico. “My husband, daughter, and I felt it was God calling us to Oaxaca.”
After serving several years in Oaxaca, they felt led to Tijuana. While working with another ministry, Vilma was introduced to Outside the Bowl. “I learned about Outside the Bowl from a friend who used to work for them. She told me that they were looking for a Finance Assistant for their Tijuana Kitchen. My Father is an accountant; and when I was a child, I had wanted to follow in his footsteps.” In addition to working with the finances, Vilma oversees the day-to-day operations and the organization of the 2,000 meals produced each day from the kitchen. 
Outside of work, Vilma is very adventurous! She enjoys the outdoors and spending time walking in the woods with her husband and two daughters. “Being out in the country and away from distractions allows me to be in tune with God’s presence and His amazing creation.” She also enjoys traveling to see her parents in Guatemala, by bus. “I love seeing the landscapes and different places along the way.  It is really fun!”
Truly a servant, Vilma also enjoys people and listening to them to discover ways she can help.
God’s faithfulness from generation to generation is exemplified in Vilma and her family. Her parents planted the seeds of service in her at a young age and they continue to serve Him in Guatemala. And, through the examples of her and her husband’s service, her two daughters are also serving the Lord.
Vilma says, “Outside the Bowl aligns with my beliefs, values, love for nature, and passion to help others. I am truly blessed to work here and am looking forward to what God is going to do through Outside the Bowl in the years to come.” We are blessed to have Vilma as part of the Outside the Bowl team! 

Help staff members like Vilma reach other communities in Mexico by supporting the building of our seventh kitchen in Jalisco, Mexico.  All contributions, large and small, make a difference.