The North Country Mission of Hope Presses On
March has arrived and with it, a lot is unfolding within the Mission of Hope. Sister Debbie Blow
Here are just a few highlights:
1. Relief efforts for Texas: As of this morning, we have received $3230 in funding. Yes, we will continue to accept donations to assist those in recovery after the most recent disaster there. If you wish to join this effort, please remember to write “Texas” in the memo section of your check, Venmo and flag it for Texas or call the office during morning hours to use your credit card. Hope is alive….
2. Venezuela’s children suffer: As you also are aware, we are assisting an orphanage in Venezuela which is struggling due to the political turmoil and the lack of food or the astronomical costs for access to food. Along with the children at the orphanage, the Sisters are attempting to feed street people who are also very food-deprived. We are wiring funds through a trusted contact of Sr. Mirian’s….and she has received all funds to date. Included are two photos from Venezuela, one of the children eating in the orphanage and one of the street children and people lining up to be fed by the Sisters. Hope is alive…..
Indeed, there is great need in so many places, and while the Mission cannot feed the entire world, we can offer hope to one heart at a time, where we can, when we can, because we can!!
3. Nicaragua: You might wonder what is the Mission of Hope up to these days in Nicaragua?
A. Another 4000 masks were made by local women as well as over 1,000 bottles of sanitizer. This brings our ongoing mask totals to close to 40,000 thus far. These masks were distributed throughout our 13 barrios. Hope is alive….
B. Our Mission of Hope clinic is operating, and we’ve recently added a part-time Psychologist to assist with the increasing mental health issues among those who suffer so much illness, isolation, political turmoil, food scarcity and more. So, at present within our own “small” Mission clinic, we offer general medicine, dental, eye care and psychological services. Hope is alive….
C. Lab in a Box program (which began as a partnership with Providence College) and now continues on its own is held weekly on our property in Nicaragua. Over 120 children and adults are taking classes on the weekends in a structure on our property which was built with funds from the Greg Pinard Estate (a man who died a few years ago and wanted us to continue to “make a difference”. Hope is alive….
D. Education sponsorships: Close to 700 children are being sponsored through our regular education program in more than a dozen small area schools. In addition, over 100 girls are also being educated thanks to a Buddhist Global Relief grant we have received. Over 100 children are also being supported within our OHP program (Orphans’ Hope Program) in 4 orphanages, as well as HIV children in foster homes. Hope is alive….
E. Home Shelters: You will be amazed to know that 25 home shelters will be constructed for homeless families between now and end of June. Hope is alive…
F. Fuller Empowerment Program: We also have a program funded by the Fullers who coordinate various educational endeavors which may also lead to ways of employment. Hope is alive….
G. ECO water tanks and latrines: And yes, we are continuing the ecological efforts of constructing latrines and setting up water tank systems. Right now, we are in the midst of doing this for a family with two severely disabled children. Many of the schools we support already have the water tanks we’ve provided…and hope lives….
So, lest you thought we were just vegetating at home during COVID, I assure you we are not. While we’ve been unable to travel to Nica due to the political unrest, our projects and programs continue.
4. MOHtown will reopen on Wednesday, March 3rd. Hours will be 9-noon and all COVID protocol will be enforced. You should also be aware that even while our warehouse has been officially closed for a few months, we have continued to network with local families and healthcare folks to provide needed medical equipment and supplies on many different levels. YES, hope is alive…
Thought for the week: For many of you who are new to my news/notes, I usually include a personal reflection. This week, I’m choosing to include the following from Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, who seems to encapsulate what the Mission of Hope is “doing” and who we “are”… as well as who we are called to be.
“In the spiritual life, we are meant to prod our souls to regular discipline, only so, that in doing so, our hearts will be softened to serve those whom Jesus served.” (Joan Chittister)
Or as Scripture says, “Rend your hearts, not your garments”. Joel 2:13
My thought: Our actions must reflect who we say we are!
Live and be HOPE this week.
Sr. Debbie Blow, OP
Executive Director
North Country Mission of Hope
3452 Route 22
Peru, NY 12972
Cell: 518-572-4246-please note change of number as of 9/25/2020
Office: 518-643-5572
Posted: March 1st, 2021 under Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru News.