Leah Richardson

Truly I didn’t know what to expect for I had never been on a mission trip outside of the U.S.  God took my hand and I walked in awe as He poured out His all surpassing power, beauty and love, like kisses from Heaven, on the precious Mayan people. Here are some of my photos, along with a few some team members took, and the field report Gail asked me to write, which tells more about the trip.

My first photo as the bus drove up to our hotel in Valladolid.

Gail getting our room key while I oogle the architecture!

Precious Mayan women who helped us throughout our trip.

Many trees were painted white around the base of the trunk. I asked why and was given 2 reasons: It helps keep insects out and THEY LIKE IT!  Me too! It has a cool contemporary look…I wonder if Jim will let me paint the trunks in the orange grove…hummmm  (:

All ages came to the see the premier of Magdalena: Released from Shame recently translated into Maya.

 

We walked the streets in teams handing out invitations to the showing.

Our hotel was lovely!

Fresh fruit every morning- loved the papaya!

 

So wanted to take this stone column home!

Gail in the main square in Valladolid.

 

Fresh tortillas with EVERY meal.

It was so dark at night and I loved the basket lanterns hanging in the trees.

Wonderful details

When our bus arrived in villages, all the children would rush to greet “the Americans”!

Precious sisters prepared us Sunday lunch after the church service.

The concrete structure was so simple, beautiful and colorful.

 

Martha, LuAnne, Gail and Ally

Bougainvillea in bloom everywhere

Organic little one room homes in these remote villages

We washed the head of the household’s feet and gave each family a pair of new shoes.

This colorful green concrete house stood out in the night.

The film shown for the villagers was The Story of Jesus for Children, in their native tongue.

Young and old saying yes to the call of Jesus!

The 22 year old young man that started Feet That Move! Amazing Dustin Sandoval.

One morning of sightseeing.

interesting designs everywhere that could be incorporated into fabrics and wallcoverings.

In this village we gave out toothbrushes, toothpaste and coloring books.

I took my Jesus bookmarks with John 14:6 on the back, in Spanish. They were a hit!

This woman knew everyone in her small village and took me to meet all her relatives and invite them to the showing that evening.

I couldn’t help but ask this dear Mayan woman to show me how to shuck corn…as you can see they got a kick out of me trying! She filled this basket quickly!

Four and five generations would live in these simple 1-room homes. Many sleep in hammocks. One woman, through the translator, asked one of our team members if she had a place to spend the night…because if she didn’t, she offered to put up another hammock. Such hospitality!

We can find beauty, if we will just look for it.

 

 

 

for the love of Jesus,

leah