Words can't express the beauty of Guatemala. Incredible mountains, lush greens, amazing architectural structures, ancient ruins, amazing history...I could go on and on. But of all those things, the most precious and valued memory has been the people.
The lady who was raising her brood of seven children alone, because her husband chose the bottle over his responsibilities. The blind child, who's smile radiated all those around. The little girls with big curious eyes...I melt with every memory, every picture.
Some day I'll go back. Until then, I'll just treasure my portraits of these amazing people who taught me to enjoy the simple things in life.
"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." --Mother Teresa
All images are copyright Heather Connell Pedersen 2009.
36 Sweet Comments!:
That's amazing. I can't wait to join my Dad on a mission trip to the Philippines.
Beautiful pictures!
That's sounds awesome!! I would love to do something like that!
What an amazing experience! I love your photos.
Wow, I bet those trips were life-changing! In high school, I went on a mission trip to Belize. It was the most amazing experience of my life. We actually ventured into Guatemala for a day to do some shopping at a market while we were there :-)
Absolutely wonderful photos! I haven't been to Guatemala, but have visited Belize & Mexico... both are such amazing places too!
Saskia x
Ahh... this post just warms my heart. I love the photos. Mission trips are so amazing and life changing.
What a great experience to visit and re-visit Guatemala, and to form friendships with the people there. Your photography is beautiful (as always!) You can see into the hearts of those little children.
Aw love the pictures!! And the Mother Teresa quote is awesome!
Good for you....
What a nice look into the lives that bless us more than we could ever bless them.
Love your passion on your blog.
Very sweet!
Those are beautiful pictures and beautiful children...I am sure that was an amazing trip I am sure and you touched many lives.
Really great pictures. I went on a mission's trip to Tijuana once, and really just wanted to take the children home with me. :)
Very nice! I love the pictures. My BFF goes to Africa every year and I want to badly to go with her. Not just because of helping others, but just think of the photography that would come of it. Lovely photo's!
My hubby has done several missions in Guatemala and wants to go back - I hope to tag along to next time. What a special experience.
My BFF has been there!! She felt the same way. She has this really neat photo collection of all of the kids that is the cutest thing ever!
The kids are so beautiful :)
I spent time in Panama: I know what you mean.
Gorgeous shots!!
Beautiful pictures and wonderful memories.
I've always wanted to do something like that...bravo! And those portraits are just amazing.
Amazing pictures. I love them!
I know what you mean. I've been on 4 mission trips, 1 to the Yucatan Peninsula and 3 to Chattanooga, TN. They truly are life-changing experiences and you keep them with you forever :-)
oh those pictures are so beautiful, what an incredible experience! i can completely relate! i feel the same way about Panama, i went for a month mission trip through an org between my jr and sr year of high school, amazing!!
I saw your link on SITS and was amazed to read this post!! My husband and I are serving in Guatemala as missionaries. We LOVE it! Your pictures are beautiful. Enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to checking back soon. Hope you are having a great day. Blessings!
Beautiful photos!
My church back in Seattle went to Guatamela but I didnt had the chanc eto go as it was also my trip to the Philippines. I do some charity work for "Gawad Kalinga" which started there in the Philippines and now helping out on some other Asian conutries also.
Stopping by from SITS to show some love...
I agree 100%. When I went, we visited an orphanage for kids who's parents couldn't take care of them, but would not legally give up their rights. I got attached to a little 6 year old who was no bigger than a 3 year old. She fell asleep in my arms one night. That was 4 years ago, and I think about that little girl ALL the time. She's 10 now!! I can't believe it! I would go back in a heartbeat.
Hi..
Thanks for your comment.
Your journey sound amazing..and I love the photos too.
I never been to Guatemala..by the way,where is this place??
Let's us be blogger's friend.
Nice to meet you.
What an awesome experience! I think it would be so humbling.
What a wonderful oppertunity in life! The more I read your blog, the more amazing you become.
I picked some wonderful Ladies I must say, to follow their blogs!
Bravo me!:)
Your photos are amazing:) It really opens your heart when you have the opportunity to go out into the world and give a helping hand. You rock!
Your pictures are beautiful! I have never been to Guatamala but I have been to Haiti and I imagine that the poverty level is similar. It just breaks your heart, doesn't it?
Beautiful post, it's wonderful when the people are what really touches your heart.... Over from SITS!
That sounds like such an incredible experience! And your photos are gorgeous!
Thanks for coming over to my blog. I must say, I love your blog!
I had the priviledge of going to Ethiopia last July. These photos, these kids remind me of my time over there. It's amazing that Ethiopia, Mexico, and Guatemala are thousands of miles apart, but the need is the same. I love Mother Teresa's quote. Each little child, each little face, each little hand reaching out...it's all Jesus in disguise. Thank you for sharing with us!
I would love to go to Guatemala- I've been on a few mission trips to Belize, Mexico & New Orleans and they were all on my list. I think I'd come home with a few kids though...
You are most excellent at taking photos...among a lot of other things. Wow. I'm sure it was difficult when it came time to leave them and go back home.
Do you stay in contact with the families you've met? Snail mail or do they have access to computers? Either way, they'll always be in your heart.
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