Central / South America
HOPEww Panama Puts Faith into Action
My name is Olivia, and I am a member of the Northern Virginia Church of Christ. It is truly an honor to write about the way HOPE worldwide Panama impacted my family.
In October of 2015, I received a call, "Your dad is not taking his medication. His mental health has declined to the point that he was found in the streets of Panama and had to be admitted." I had traveled to Panama over and over, seeking for help. Unfortunately, my prior efforts only led to dead ends, so this news was devastating.
HOPEww Bolivia: Breaking New Ground
April 2, 2015 – Today 30 members of the HOPE worldwide Bolivia team gathered in the sunny neighborhood of La Florida in Calacoto, Zona Sur, La Paz for the Hope Centro Medico International (clinic) groundbreaking ceremony. This event represents one of the many things that are happening in our “2015 Year of Dreams Coming True”(a four-year dream).
Happy New Year and Good News from HOPE worldwide Bolivia
We hope that your family and loved ones enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday season. December was a busy month for HOPE worldwide Bolivia. Among many activities this Christmas, we coordinated donations to over 40 families of food, clothing and toys and lots of love. On Christmas Eve we held a special joyful evening of movies, gifts and popcorn for orphans.
HOPEww Bolivia & American Embassy in La Paz: Powerful Partnerships
On Monday, August 18th, the United States Embassy Chargé (Ambassador) Peter Brennan and his wife, Lizanne, were welcomed by a delegation of Hospital Arco Iris (HAI) staff, Foundation Arco Iris (FAI) representatives, FAI youth, and the HOPE worldwide Bolivia team at Hospital Arco Iris in La Paz. HOPE worldwide Bolivia is a program of HOPE worldwide, a non-profit, international relief and development organization founded in 1991. HOPE worldwide Bolivia and the Arco Iris Foundation have joined together to provide healthcare to the neediest people in El Alto and La Paz. Chargé Brennan announced the donation of two large 30 KW generators, over 350 Lego sets and games, a collection of over 200 brand new children’s books, and a large laboratory freezer to the hospital. This event was the culmination of significant donations from the Embassy during the past two years from the Health Unit and General Services Office.
Innovative Healthcare Program Meets Multiple Needs
Bolivia has a severe shortage of nurses. In U.S. hospitals there are less than five patients for every nurse, while in Bolivia there are 30 patients for every nurse. During the night shifts at public hospitals, there are 50 patients for every nurse, thereby reducing the safety of medical care and risking thousands of lives.
Empty Nesters Sell the Nest and Move Abroad to Serve
If you’re an empty nester looking for opportunities to serve and support social or medical projects in other parts of the world, we encourage you to take the plunge and get involved. We did, and we are enjoying helping to support the work of HOPE worldwide Bolivia in La Paz, Bolivia. You can consider serving for short periods of time or even moving abroad as we did. We sold most of our belongings, our cars, and our home in order to move to Bolivia.
A Story About the Power of Love
Paola, a nurse from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, went to Honduras in January 2013 with the HOPE worldwide medical brigade. Her heart was forever touched by Genesis, a five year girl, living in Chemelecon – one of San Pedro Sula’s poorest communities. Genesis came to the medical clinic that day alone to be treated by the doctors because no one at home could take her. She patiently waited in the long lines to get her vitals taken, to be seen by the doctor and then later waited in line at the pharmacy to receive her medication. Paola’s heart was moved and a month later when I was visiting the States, she sent a care package with me to bring to Genesis. A few weeks later, I was able to go back to the clinic and found Genesis (and her mom) and gave her the care package (filled with clothes, shoes, toys & goodies). I also included a photo I had taken of Paola and Genesis when the brigade was here so Genesis knew who it was from. Their hearts were moved beyond words. A little while later, I was still at the medical clinic, and Genesis came back – she had bathed, done her hair and put on her new clothes, socks and shoes and was so happy!A story about the power of love from Vanessa Embling on Vimeo.
I am reminded once again of the power of LOVE and how Paul reminds us that without it, we are just a resounding gong, clanging symbol, we are nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Note from the editor: Vanessa has moved down to Honduras to serve in the church there, you can keep up with her on her blog and recently had all her camera equipment stolen. If you would like to contribute to her replacing them click here.
Looking for a Spanish-speaking physician to serve a non-profit foundation in Bolivia
Foundation Arco Iris (FAI) is a non-profit organization established in La Paz, Bolivia twenty years ago. FAI has two main divisions – the social programs and the hospital. The FAI social programs provide housing, food, clothing, schooling, and social services for over 300 orphans and helps care for the estimated 30,000 children who live or work in the streets of La Paz.
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“Voluntourism” – Hearts to Serve
Tony Galiani and Mira Gloss are examples of those with a heart to serve. I have worked with them within the Duke Health System for many years. They have not only been colleagues, but friends. Tony and Mira wanted to see what HOPE worldwide Bolivia was doing in La Paz and wanted to help. They took a week of vacation to serve with us at Hospital Arco Iris (HAI) and the orphanages (Foundation Arco Iris).
Hww First Community Service Brigade to Nicaragua Announced
Join us in Central America June 22 - 24, 2012
By Walter and Lori Kotkowski
Please join us for the Community Service Brigade (CSB) scheduled for Managua, Nicaragua on June 22 - 24, 2012. Although CSB’s are primarily medical / dental missions, there are also many other opportunities to serve: Teaching or assisting in the Children’s Program (education, crafts, music, sports), Translating (Spanish/English), and fitting patients for reading glasses are just a few examples of how team members contribute.