El Hogar 2019 Medical Mission - Day 1 | The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

A short trip south has landed us in a new and beautiful world. We left Cincinnati bright and early this morning under chilly conditions by comparison, and we end our day in the warmth and charm of this small Honduran safe-haven for the staff, the students, and their families. The people who call El Hogar home, come here (or were brought here) for a variety of reasons. Despite all of that, it is clear to see that for all of the complex reasons that landed them here, the simple truth of their love for one another as family is made evident on arrival.

As visitors and friends, we were welcomed with a meal and asked to make ourselves comfortable as we organized ourselves for the weeks’ work. One hundred and twenty five students need to have annual medical check-ups and dental screenings, and we only have a week to give specialized care.

This year at El Hogar, a new initiative to keep families and children together, has led to a dramatic increase in the number of “day students” or non-resident children. This brings new and exciting challenges as our medical mission team seeks to serve not only the students of El Hogar, but their siblings, parents, and other relatives too.

Each day, we will share with you here some of the joys we experience in the midst of this family, and perhaps pose some questions for you to consider as you examine our connectedness to this community. For tonight, know that we are safe and well, and enjoying our time on the porch under the moonlight with all of you in our prayers.

In Peace,
Melanie

El Hogar Medical Mission Trip

The Annual El Hogar Medical Mission Team from the U.S. and Canada is in Honduras this week (February 15-22). The Rev. Melanie W. J. Slane, Redeemer's Associate for Liturgy and Mission, has agreed to blog and send pictures to document the team's experience. This is Melanie's first trip to El Hogar.

Be sure to read her blog posts, as well.