Dear Family and Friends,

It has been one of the most unusual trips to Peru for me in my 25 years.

It is something I never expected.

First there was a great excitement on arriving early in February in anticipation of the arrival of my first dental group going to Otuzco. Right now it seems like it was a long time ago. The first problem was in Trujillo when only about 11 people arrived from Lima from a group of 24. The remainder were still in Lima due to luggage difficulties ...all kinds of problems from losing luggage to having not left enough time to check in ...24 people with 60 or so pieces of luggage.

After resolving that and getting to Otuzco, the mission went extremely well. We saw about 400 patients in 3 and a half days ...each patient had numerous dental issues. It was a very successful mission with delightful people who were dedicated, caring, and very hard working. I want to thank them all for such a successful trip!

Center Thomas Helm in Callao has been under renovations for 8 months. During this time space was rented elsewhere to accommodate the children. The contract for this location ended at the end of February 2020. So when I returned that Monday we were packing to move back, although the work at the Center was not yet completed ...tables, benches, cabinets, refrigerators, freezers etc. had all been moved to the second floor of the Center for storage. The problem was that the children had no place to go - possibly until the end of March. Now it looks like the quarantine might be extended for another 2 weeks so the renovations will even take longer. The hope is to be able to move back to the Center in May ...but all depends on Covid-19.

My second dental group was expected March 20 ...So a temporary location was found for the week in Chucuito Callao to accommodate them and see as many patients that had dental issues. Everything was arranged and all set to go when I received an email from the team leader that the mission was suspended, and no travel was allowed to Peru because of Covid-19.  It took several days to cancel transportation, lodging, notify the Ministry of Health, School of Odontology etc. to undo what had taken several months to arrange.

Two days later March 14th the President of Peru made an announcement that all borders were closing March 15^th ..airports, land and maritime all closed. There was one day notification to leave the country. Needless to say, the airport was chaotic, the telephone lines were jammed so that no one was able to communicate with airlines about leaving the country.

So as to date, I am still waiting to leave Peru. I have made numerous calls to the embassy of the USA and also contacted the State Dept. only to have them tell me to wait. I have filled out all the StEP and LIMASAC papers to let them know all my information.

It has been 10 days so far of quarantine and I have not left my apt. Had notification today that as of last night, Peru has given permission to repatriate the citizens of our country....hurrah.

I have been keeping busy by catching up on my reading and enjoying some Netflix movies...but in all honesty I feel stressed not being able to work or move around. It is harder than it sounds but I feel extremely blessed to have a roof over my head, water and food that some in Peru do not have. I am not complaining, really.

So, I have learned to be more patient ...It is all for our well-being.

I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support while I am here. It really means a lot.

Wishing all to stay safe and be well.

THANK you all for your continued support to HOPE FOR PERU.

May God keep us well.

Vera