06/02/2026
Mission Trip to Mexico – May 12th to May 17th
From May 12th until nightfall on May 17th, our group traveled to Mexico for another unforgettable mission trip. Although not everyone was able to join us this time, the journey was still filled with purpose, hard work, and celebration. Throughout the week, we distributed candy, hats, watches, medical supplies, and basic necessities to children, teenagers, and workers at local schools and throughout the community.
The main purpose of our mission was to celebrate the grand opening of the new school that had been under construction for the past year and a half. During our stay, we completed the final preparations for the opening. We put up signs, cleaned both the inside and outside of the property, and built the remaining walls, shelving, and other finishing structures needed throughout the school grounds.
The completed school was beautiful—glowing white beneath the Yucatán sun, with ocean-blue floors that brightened the classrooms. The facility included two main classrooms along with a dedicated space for our friends, Saul Martinez and Silvia P**t, who will be leading the programs and classes held there. There are spaces for learning English, sewing, and wood carving, along with a peaceful garden in the back shaded by a large tree overhead.
For Saul and Silvia, this journey represents a major life change. Both are accustomed to the fast pace and energy of larger cities in Mexico, so relocating to the small village of Pisté in Yucatán is a tremendous commitment. Yet their passion for helping the people of the community is greater than any challenge they may face.
None of this would have been possible without Silvia. Several years ago, Silvia reached out to Kathy with a dream—to build a school and support the people of her community. Now, after countless hours of labor, planning, and dedication from many people, that dream has become reality. Seeing the finished school standing proudly in the village was one of the most rewarding moments I have ever experienced.
I am deeply thankful to have been part of this mission—not only as someone who helped gather materials, establish the foundation, and complete the finishing touches, but as someone who witnessed firsthand what people can accomplish when they work together with compassion and purpose. Saul and Silvia are incredible people, and it is truly an honor and privilege to call them my friends.
I am also grateful to everyone who joined us on this mission: Julio and Angelita from Guatemala, Juanito from Yucatán, Claudia from Isla Mujeres, and Andrea, Bob, myself, and Kathleen Price from Ohio. Most importantly, I am thankful for Kathy. Without her, none of us would have known each other, none of us would have had the opportunity to contribute to the Mayan people of Mexico, and none of this would have been possible. Kathy brought together people from different places, cultures, and backgrounds to help make Silvia’s dream a reality.
Before returning home, we invited the people of the village to celebrate the completion and grand opening of the school. The evening was filled with music, dancing, chicken, tacos, and Jamaica, a beloved local drink shared among friends and family. It was a joyful celebration not only of a building, but of the friendships, hard work, and hope that made it possible.
To close out the mission, we traveled to the island of Isla Mujeres, where we enjoyed the sights, music, and meals along the streets and beaches before finally heading home. It was a peaceful and memorable end to a week of hard work, friendship, and service—one that I will never forget.
~ Ashton Kemp ~
