I am not a blogger. I am a volunteer who prefers to stay in the background and do whatever she can to help those on the front line. I am support. My heart is to encourage others by doing what I can to make their job easier. During these tough times we all need encouragement.
My husband, son, and I fell in love with Clinica Esperanza and the island of Roatan in 2006. We have continued to work to meet as many needs as we could since that first visit. We have many relationships with people in our island community who have become like family to us. These people have been a great blessing to our lives in so many ways. The journey through the years has brought many changes, maturity, and other growth. I am thankful to God for this journey even though it has been extremely challenging, tiring and difficult at times.
I am currently serving in the role of volunteer coordinator for Clinica Esperanza. I also assist with communication, and marketing. My role often includes sharing photos and experiences in an effort to promote the clinic. Nothing demonstrates a need or brings awareness like a photo or personal story. At times I am torn with what to share and what to keep private. Some images or experiences might move hearts to want to give more but they are simply too raw, too real. My heart is to help the clinic in any way possible while respecting the dignity and privacy of those we serve.
The truth is right now we are all feeling a bit insecure about the future. Nonprofits are already seeing loss of income due to the economic uncertainty we are all facing. Many have lost jobs and will struggle to simply feed their families. This is a worldwide pandemic and will affect most everyone we know in some way.
Our island family is no exception. Most of our patients live on very limited income and struggle to feed their families in good times. They are now suffering greatly, and this is just the beginning of what could continue for months. Nic and Adrian VanZee, who are part of our clinic, are cooking and providing meals with the assistance of others. What began as 70 meals has grown to currently over 1500 a week. We are working with our promotoras that are already in the communities to identify those who need it most.
Malnutrition is something we see frequently, and we provide bags of essential food items for those patients. The need is now much greater, so we are stepping up to the plate (pun intended), to assist on a larger scale. We are also giving away food and propane vouchers to those in need. This will ensure that our patients and close community will receive assistance. Organizations all over the island are doing the same but it will take a united continued effort to keep our island fed for the weeks, possibly months, to come.
We are continuing to pay our staff and are open to care for our patients. We have also been able to assist stranded travelers and expats who live on Roatan with medications until they could return home or receive their prescriptions from the US or Canada.
Our staff is diligently working to continue fulfilling our commitment to The Bay Islands, Roatan and Sandy Bay. We are grateful to all of you who help keep our doors open and allow us to continue serving our communities. We could not do this without your gifts of time, supplies and monetary donations. Our volunteer program has provided us with income and staffing but has been suspended during this crisis. This means a great loss of resources. The lack of tourists traveling to the island has greatly reduced our donations of medications and supplies. Even with these losses we will continue serving as best we can.
We are trusting God to provide during these times just as he always has. He is an on-time God and provides just what we need, when we need it. We pray your family is continuing to have your needs met and that you are reaching out to those in your community to assist in any way you can. It will take us all coming together as neighbors, friends and family to support and help one another during our isolation and possible lack of resources. We encourage you to stay connected even in your distancing. Do all you can while keeping yourself and your family safe and healthy.
There is much joy in meeting the needs of others and we all need joy because it brings hope. A simple phone call or video chat is a great way to reach out and encourage someone, even if your location or limited resources won’t allow you to give in a physical way. I challenge you today to reach out to someone who would love to hear from you.
From my heart to yours, be strong and be safe!
Susie Hall
Volunteer Coordinator
Clinica Esperanza, Roatan
Susie Hall
Susie, her husband, Darren, and son, McKenna first came to Roatan in 2006 on a short term mission trip. They fell in love with the island and its people. They have returned many times over the last 14 years and worked in numerous volunteer capacities. Susie is a certified Cardiographic Technician, has a diploma in Biblical Counseling, and an associate of Ministry degree. She has served in several roles and is currently working as Development and Resource Coordinator at Clinica Esperanza. When she is not at her island home she and her family live in Georgia.