It is easy to look at the beginning of Lent as a time of sacrifice and suffering, of desolation in the desert. But Lent can also be seen as a time of stripping away that which is keeping us from the love and joy that God intends for us. Pope Francis says, “Lent is a powerful season, a turning point that can foster change and conversion in each of us. We all need to improve, to change for the better.” Lent is a time that invites us to transform our lives - an opportunity to turn back to God with our whole hearts and reorient our lives.

Hungry for a taste of Bolivia? Enjoy this slideshow with recommendations from Dr. Alvaro Encinas, Solidarity Bridge board member, missioner, and Bolivian food aficionado.

“[I]n the context of today, when so many walls are being constructed in the world, how would you like to build a bridge? The bridge is being built; it's under way. How would you like to add to that, to cross that bridge and share the talents and gifts and expertise you have?” - Fr. Bob Oldershaw

As we start a new year, we reflect on 2018 in preparation for our 20th year of mission. While we equipped, trained, partnered and served, we also challenged ourselves to understand what it means to be Somos Uno.

In the OR machines power our surgical tools, provide vision where our eyes cannot see, and function as a bypass for our most crucial organs, but as with all mechanical equipment, attentive maintenance overseen by well-trained professionals, is necessary to keep these machines functioning safely.

As lifelong teachers and students, we are all committed to continuous learning as the only way to provide for the well-being of our patients. The Neurosurgery Boot Camp model is the truest expression of our obligation to prepare the next generation of neurological surgeons.

For the first time this week, a small team of biomedical engineers will visit our partners in Cochabamba and provide a wealth of knowledge, specialized tools, and replacement parts for some of our most critical equipment.

Our mission trips are about more than simply providing a service. We strive to work in a spirit of solidarity, forging deep connections with our partners and patients.

A diverse team of 13 missioners, including spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons, industry representatives, and physician-educators will hit the ground running this week in Santa Cruz.

Our Gynecologic Surgery Mission Trip shows how women are moving from a dominant role in the home to dominance in the healthcare field. First-time missioner, Gabby Serratos, RN, shares her impressions.

Our mission team received a very warm welcome from the hospital staff in Sucre, and was inspired by the story of love and commitment that brought about this new publich hospital where we are partnering this week.

Our busy fall mission season continues as four missioners begin their journey to the south-central Bolivian city of Sucre, in the department of Chuquisaca.