Concluding our week in Cliza, Executive Director Ann Rhomberg cited the book of John (1:5): “The light shines in the darkness. And the darkness has not overcome it.” We are indebted to all the health workers in Cliza, in Bolivia, and throughout the world, who “continue to shine the light of healing care,” despite any darkness around us.

29-year-old Joselin lived for years with a benign but growing mass in her uterus. Pain from this issue had become debilitating, and her fertility was also threatened. Surgery was the only solution, but financial and logistical obstacles prevented Joselin from accessing care.

On Monday, we began our work at the Hospital Materno Infantil San Juan de Dios. As we were welcomed by the hospital director and met our partners in the medical exchange we are embarking upon, the invitation to engage deeply was clear.

There is growing consensus that pre-travel preparation is one of the most important practices for a successful global health mission. This fall, we are offering our preparation curriculum via an online learning platform tailored to each team, specific to their host community and medical specialties.