This week, we encounter the familiar story of the Prodigal Son who experiences the abundant and unconditional love of his father. Jesus tells this story to illustrate the depth of God’s love for us. Wherever we are, God is ready to meet us and invite us into a deeper, more intimate relationship. Like the father in today’s Gospel, God doesn’t just wait for us to come, but runs out to meet us with welcoming arms and great joy. And, like the Prodigal Son, we can be changed and transformed by this love.

Solidarity BridgeMarch 28, 2019Lent2019Comment

Cambiamos juntos para mejorar: We change together to improve

The Solidarity Bridge team presented a proposal for a long-term, collaborative initiative with the Santa Bárbara Hospital focused on advancing neurosurgical care. Recognizing that the actual surgery procedure is just one part of the process, the proposed initiative would also seek to engage the many pre-, intra- and post-operative areas that are integral to the care of the neurosurgical patient.

Neuro team on its way to Bolivia’s "Ciudad Blanca"

The Neurosurgery Mission team will land this weekend in “La Ciudad Blanca” (the White City), which is the nickname bestowed on the city of Sucre, Bolivia, thanks to its many beautifully-preserved, white-walled, colonial-style buildings

Pray, Fast, Give: Third Sunday of Lent

This parable in Luke brings a message of hope and redemption with a simple reminder to us all - God forgives! Like the gardener pruning a fig tree, God loves us and is always ready to give us another chance to blossom. God’s tender, compassionate activity in our lives allows us to bear fruit. Let us remember God’s mercy and compassion this week.

Solidarity BridgeMarch 21, 2019Lent2019Comment

Pray, Fast, Give: Second Sunday of Lent

In Luke’s account of the Transfiguration, Jesus brings Peter, John, and James to a mountain to pray. There they are granted a vision of Jesus speaking with Moses and the prophet Elijah. God speaks to the group, declaring, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Today, we too are called to listen for Jesus’s voice in our world, and to be transformed by what we hear.

Solidarity BridgeMarch 14, 2019Lent2019Comment

Pray, Fast, Give: First Sunday of Lent

This short passage describes Jesus’s temptation by the devil after forty days of fasting and prayer in the desert. We see that the devil approaches Jesus when he is weak and weary and offers to satisfy his most immediate need – hunger. He then seeks to tempt Jesus with power, status, and wealth, and dares Jesus to prove his relationship with God. Jesus, relying on scripture and intimate trust in his relationship with God, spurns the devil’s offers. The devil leaves to await another opportunity

Solidarity BridgeMarch 7, 2019Lent2019Comment

Pray, Fast, Give: Ash Wednesday

It is easy to look at the beginning of Lent as a time of sacrifice and suffering, of desolation in the desert. But Lent can also be seen as a time of stripping away that which is keeping us from the love and joy that God intends for us. Pope Francis says, “Lent is a powerful season, a turning point that can foster change and conversion in each of us. We all need to improve, to change for the better.” Lent is a time that invites us to transform our lives - an opportunity to turn back to God with our whole hearts and reorient our lives.

Solidarity BridgeMarch 5, 2019Lent2019Comment

A Taste of Bolivia

Hungry for a taste of Bolivia? Enjoy this slideshow with recommendations from Dr. Alvaro Encinas, Solidarity Bridge board member, missioner, and Bolivian food aficionado.

Updates from the SB TeamSolidarity BridgeFebruary 19, 2019Betsy Station, Alvaro Encinas, Mizque, Cochabamba, BoliviaComment

Gifts Greater Than You Can Ever Imagine: An Interview with Father Bob Oldershaw

“[I]n the context of today, when so many walls are being constructed in the world, how would you like to build a bridge? The bridge is being built; it's under way. How would you like to add to that, to cross that bridge and share the talents and gifts and expertise you have?” - Fr. Bob Oldershaw

A Look Back on 2018

As we start a new year, we reflect on 2018 in preparation for our 20th year of mission. While we equipped, trained, partnered and served, we also challenged ourselves to understand what it means to be Somos Uno.

Updates from the SB TeamSolidarity BridgeJanuary 7, 2019Jodi GrahlComment

Engineers are Key to Surgical Ecosystem

In the OR machines power our surgical tools, provide vision where our eyes cannot see, and function as a bypass for our most crucial organs, but as with all mechanical equipment, attentive maintenance overseen by well-trained professionals, is necessary to keep these machines functioning safely.

Medical Mission Trip BlogSolidarity BridgeNovember 28, 2018LindsayDoucette, Biomedical Engineering, EquippingComment

The Next Generation of Neurological Surgeons in Latin America

As lifelong teachers and students, we are all committed to continuous learning as the only way to provide for the well-being of our patients. The Neurosurgery Boot Camp model is the truest expression of our obligation to prepare the next generation of neurological surgeons.

Biomedical Engineers Join Our Mission

For the first time this week, a small team of biomedical engineers will visit our partners in Cochabamba and provide a wealth of knowledge, specialized tools, and replacement parts for some of our most critical equipment.

Medical Mission Trip BlogSolidarity BridgeNovember 13, 2018LindsayDoucette, Rachel McDonnell, EquippingComment

Forging Deep Connections

Our mission trips are about more than simply providing a service. We strive to work in a spirit of solidarity, forging deep connections with our partners and patients.

Neurosurgery Team Begins Whirlwind Week

A diverse team of 13 missioners, including spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons, industry representatives, and physician-educators will hit the ground running this week in Santa Cruz.

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