by Sr. Kris Schrader, ASC
On October 3 in Guatemala, Srs. Dani Brought and Kris Schrader joined members of the Sangre De Cristo Healthcare Project to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its founding, in large part due to the leadership and vision of Sr. Dani.
There have been many changes in those 30 years, including outreach to several remote and forgotten communities, medical care that previously was only accessible by a long and expensive trip, services to the capital city, and leadership of those services assumed by four Guatemalan doctors (all female) and more than 25 Guatemalan technical staff, carrying on the mission with dedication and commitment.
Over the past 30 years direct services have been provided by the Healthcare Project to over two million people in La Labor and the surrounding areas. As the sign says, “Place everything in God’s hands and we will see miracles.” (Maria De Mattias) A special thanks to the Leadership Team for the kind greeting and donation they sent to the project.
I was thrilled to have an opportunity to connect with the teachers and staff of the Maria De Mattias Institute. That project is completing 35 years and is fully under the direction of Guatemalan professionals. They have done a marvelous job of outreach to area schools and teachers. They have expanded programs within the Institute such as connections with the Education department of the National San Carlos University and several on-site laboratories. (such as carpentry, food preparation, and graphic design). Our spirituality and our foundress are so evident, and Sr. Dani and I are both grateful we have been a part of the ASC presence and ministry in Guatemala that continue to this day.
