The Peru Gazette

By Sister Debbie Blow, Director of the North Country Mission of Hope

Today is International  Women’s Day and I’d like to introduce you to this remarkable woman who has a unique connection with us.

Many many years ago, the Dominican Sisters of Hope (Sr. Steph and me, along with other members of our congregation) paid for Magaly Velasquez to finish her high school education and to be the first woman the Mission was sponsoring, to finish college.  (Mind you, the cost was approximately $240 annually to go to college.)

In recent years, Magaly has also completed several courses in English as well as a First Responder Program through the International Red Cross.  She then initiated a first responder program in multiple poor barrios where we serve with the support of key folks like Bill Calmbacher and the Mission of Hope.

We’ve always had a special belief that Magaly would and could empower the women in her barrios.  She has trained them in sewing and making pinatas, as well as coordinating much of our ECO and Education pillars.  We got to know Magaly when she was teaching sewing at Nino Jesus de Praga school and was our key guide when visiting the people in the barrios.  Her knowledge of the people, clarity about their needs and sensitivity to all the families in need, modeled well what the Mission of Hope sought.  She has now been employed with the Mission of Hope since 2004 and is our Assistant Administrator.

Magaly is well versed in all our pillars and programs.  There are so many stories to share about this woman which will never reach the news, but those of us who have met and ministered with her, know how integral she is to the success and service of the North Country Mission of Hope.

Her greatest role is being an educated, empowering woman in leadership!  Equally important, she is totally committed to the Mission’s service to the poorest and most marginalized.  She is highly respected, a woman of deep faith, committed to her family, and has a passion for serving others through the Mission of Hope!  We are incredibly blessed to know and love her.  Magaly is an amazing woman and one I’m proud to call friend and colleague.   We raise her up to you on International Women’s Day as our very own living example of HOPE on this special day!