The ICO team has a prophetic presence in Sucre and the surrounding area, living the realities of life with cancer. Our mission team is grateful to be among those learning from the patients, doctors, nurses, and administrators at the ICO this week.

Tania Avila and Fr. Steven Judd, Maryknoll lay missioner and priest, respectively, remind us to leave space in our backpacks (and in our hearts and minds) as we prepare for travel. If our bags are fully packed - heavy with obligations and loaded with expectations - they can become a burden that prevents us from seizing the opportunities for mutual learning that our encounters offer.

We may be tempted to rush into fixing and advising. Needs are urgent. Patients have waited for long-delayed surgeries, hospitals have waited for new equipment, and we have all waited to be together to advance our mission in person. But it is critical to remind ourselves: the first duty is to listen.

In the Gospel story of the loaves and fishes, Jesus shows the disciples how to ensure that ALL are fed, not just some. This is our mission as church!

While it was still dark, resurrection began. On this Easter morning, in the midst of a global pandemic, we boldly proclain our Alleluia!

The humble crosses in a Bolivian cemetery inspired the start of our Pacemaker Program. Where Chagas Disease wreaks devestation, we strive to bring hope.

Chaplains are important members of our mission team, they help missioners to reflect on their experiences and accompany our patients during their time in the hospital. Hear more about about their work in today's blog. 

In the first day of the mission trip, the team was welcomed by our Bolivian partners and had the opportunity to enter into a reality that is new to them. They are learning about both the richness of the Bolivian culture and landscape, as well as the immense struggles that come with deep poverty and inadequate access to health care.  

Because Solidarity Bridge believes that the goods of the Earth (including medical care and equipment) belong to us all, equipping Bolivian hospitals and surgeons with needed instruments and supplies is essential to our mission.

On the Feast of the Epiphany, we share a reflection on the Journey of the Magi, and the five elements of a mission experience. 

Today marks the start of back-to-back mission trips for Solidarity Bridge. Our multi-specialty mission team has just arrived in Punata, Bolivia, and next week, a general surgery mission team will be working in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.