I can only imagine, and often that’s too difficult to bear. What does it feel like for our neighbors and friends in Honduras who live in severe poverty? For many, it’s a day to day survival of finding something to catch, kill and eat. For others it’s a long day of hard labor in extreme heat and meager pay. Life is challenging enough, and then an accident occurs. There is no health insurance, there are no savings.

Recently we learned about one of Esperanza’s former students, Daniel. Several years ago Daniel had attended mechanic school and was currently working in the city of Comayagua. He was riding his motorcycle home from work and was hit by a car. Daniel was transferred to the capital of Tegucigalpa because his fractured ankle was so severe and they couldn’t control the bleeding. His family was reaching out to ask for assistance in purchasing three pints of blood that they couldn’t afford. The cost $75.00.

Daniel was discharged on an “emergency basis,” returning home by bus (two hour ride), knowing he would need reconstructive surgery to repair his ankle. On the trip home he developed a fever and headache and he went directly to the emergency department where he was diagnosed with dengue fever. Daniel’s surgery is no longer considered an emergency because he needs to wait until he’s recovered from dengue. He is struggling physically and emotionally as his days are spent lying in bed, suffering in severe pain and worried if his family will be able to purchase medicine and the pins needed for surgery. In the U.S., he would be having skin grafts, in Honduras they’ll make do without. When I inquired if the hospital was providing acetaminophen, the answer was “you know they’re often out.”

Once again I’m reminded how difficult life is for the impoverished people in Honduras. There is no “safety net” to provide medical treatment, food assistance or housing. We’re thankful for our donors who afford us the opportunity to provide surgery for Daniel, and the gift of hope while he clings on waiting.