There was nervousness in the air. This mission trip was the first time we’d be working at Univalle Hospital, located on the southern outskirts of the city. What would the hospital be like? Would there be patients waiting to be seen?

What can I tell you about the people we serve in Bolivia? It’s very hard to communicate, but In our patients I encounter a directness that I rarely experience in the United States, a simplicity of soul, a humble and powerful capacity for clear, straightforward connection.

Bolivian Doctors Virna and Paulo completed two weeks at Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital on a Solidarity Visit to help shape our expanding children’s open heart surgery program.

We experience amazing grace on mission trips.

When I volunteered for this trip, I was not prepared for the emotional rewards that would be provided on a daily basis.

Just a small example of the great gifts we receive on mission.