Each morning, my interpreter Fernanda and I navigated our way along the rocky narrow sidewalk, admiring the glorious purple blooms of the jacaranda trees, and up the steps of the church; a ramp alongside the steps makes the clinic wheelchair accessible. If we arrived early enough, we would see Dr. Fuentes zoom up the ramp on his motorcycle, which he parked across from the long wooden bench, placed outside of the clinic, that served as the waiting room. 

Dr. Fuentes is an excellent, experienced internist and I found much to admire in his wise, compassionate approach to patient care; discussing his cases allowed us to exchange knowledge…

Upon arrival at Tiquipaya Hospital, I listened to the cacophony of sounds, including the voices of anxious patients and family in the waiting rooms, the cry of infants, the calls for the next patient, the hum of machines and the scurry of nurses trying to make their way through the labyrinth of narrow hallways and crowded rooms to deliver their services.

I listened to medical students tell the story of their education, express dreams for their future careers, and explain the winding and uncertain path to becoming a physician in Bolivia. I listened to the assessments given by Puente de Solidaridad employees of the stability of the country, state of medical care, greatest needs of area hospitals and challenges in distribution of medical supplies, particularly to very small clinics in remote areas.

Fred Rogers, TV’s beloved Mr. Rogers, used to say that when there is a crisis, look for the helpers. During our week in Vinto, Bolivia, as part of Solidarity Bridge’s Multi-Specialty Mission Team, we never had to look far to find helpers.

Solidarity Bridge and Puente de Solidaridad are two sides of the same coin, both promoting solidarity as central to who we are and why we do what we do.

Sometimes there are words in Spanish that just can’t be translated. Mission chaplain, Dr. Joe Sherman, shares three that have held new meaning for him since his first mission trip.

Chaplain Bob Oldershaw shares the inspiring story of this mother-daughter duo who received treatment during our 100th mission trip!

Dr. Shelly Agarwal shares what she learned on her first mission trip to Bolivia.

Veteran missioner, Dr. Jay Herrmann shares one of his favorite things about visiting Bolivia—the working relationships he develops with Bolivian doctors.

Galia had prayed to find a doctor who would perform her surgery. She didn’t have enough money for the expensive operation, but she knew that she really needed it.

Our team has spent significant time preparing for this trip, but there is always more to learn. To give us a better understanding of our patients’ lives and communities, our partners arranged visits to the homes of former patients.

We embark on our 100th trip!

First-time mission nurse, Kristina Via-Reque shares her experience at the close of the 2018 multi-specialty mission trip.