08/06/2026
Guatemala Mission Trip – June 2nd to June 11th
From June 2nd through June 11th, returning home in the early morning hours of June 12th, our team traveled once again to Guatemala for another mission filled with hard work, friendship, and service. Joining the trip were Kathy and I from Ohio, Silvia and Juanito from Mexico, and our Guatemalan family, including Jonatan, his father Andrés, Julio, Enrique, and many of the workers who support and work alongside our lead builder, Walter.
In my mind, the primary goal of this mission was to construct a greenhouse on the Mission of Love Foundation property. However, as always, I knew there would be much more to do, and I was both ready and excited to help wherever I could. What began as a single project quickly grew into something much larger. As the week unfolded, we realized we were not only building a greenhouse—we were helping establish the future home of the Mission of Love Foundation in Guatemala.
For many years, the foundation had operated out of a rented location. During this trip, the decision was made to close that site and permanently relocate operations to the new property. The greenhouse would become an important part of that vision, helping generate funding and support for future programs and projects.
Construction work filled much of our time. Together, we planned, transported, and unloaded building blocks that will be used for future expansion of the foundation. Plans were established to eventually add a second story to the facility, creating additional space for work, temporary housing, and community services. We also disassembled an existing storage shed, relocated it beside the greenhouse, and rebuilt it as an agricultural storage building to support future farming efforts.
Beyond the greenhouse and storage building, discussions and planning began for an even larger dream: the construction of a bodega that could provide additional resources and opportunities for the foundation and the surrounding community.
While construction was a major focus, service to the people remained at the heart of everything we did. We distributed food to families in need and held meetings with several local blind families to better understand their needs and discuss ways the foundation could continue supporting them. For those in vital need of medical aid, our friends Julio and Juanito guided them to the local doctor, as many cannot afford to make the trip on their own. Doing what I could to help, I assisted with construction projects, installed a sink, and repaired several wheelchairs that had been donated to children, helping ensure they could continue using equipment that many depend upon every day.
Not all of our work involved construction or repairs. One of the most joyful moments of the trip was celebrating the birthday of Jonatan's niece. What started as a simple birthday gathering became a wonderful celebration filled with laughter, family, and friendship. Moments like these remind us that mission work is not only about building structures—it is about building relationships.
Another highlight of the week was our time at the House of God. During this trip, we hosted not one but two gatherings for the children battling cancer and their families. We distributed gifts, shared food, served ice cream, and spent time simply enjoying each other's company. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces and watching families come together in joy was a powerful reminder of why we continue these missions year after year.
Before finalizing our trip, we held one last meeting to discuss another important project. Our friends in Mexico have begun efforts to re-establish a clinic in Yucatán that the Mission of Love helped start many years ago. After being abandoned for some time, there is now renewed hope that the clinic can once again serve the people who need it most. Together, we began developing a plan for the future and discussing what steps would be needed to bring that vision back to life.
As the trip came to an end, I reflected on how much had been accomplished in such a short time. We built a greenhouse, relocated and rebuilt a storage facility, laid the groundwork for future expansion, repaired equipment, distributed food, supported families, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, we strengthened the foundation's future in Guatemala and continued building relationships with the people who have become our family.
Every mission brings unexpected challenges and opportunities. This trip began with plans for a greenhouse but ended with the establishment of a permanent home for the Mission of Love Foundation in Guatemala. It was a week of hard work, hope, and progress, and I am grateful to everyone who made it possible.
Kathy often says that we cannot save the world, but we can help those within our reach. That simple philosophy guides every mission we undertake. We do the best we can with the resources we have, and we strive to make a difference every single day.
Sincerely,
------- Ashton Kemp -------
