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A LETTER FROM THE FIELDBOLIVIA · THE ANDES

Reaching the villages that still have no doctor.

A letter from the Bolivian Andes, where reaching a village and bringing it medical care are the same problem.

On the road in Bolivia. A video from this field report.Pressing play loads the video from Vimeo, which then sets the cookies its player needs. Nothing is loaded until you do.Watch on Vimeo

The people waiting for us

In the high Andes of Bolivia, we are often the only medical team reaching these remote villages — places where no doctor comes, and where people still die from treatable illnesses.

Children as young as 10–13 years old are forced to leave their small villages to study, traveling up to 15 hours, depending on the means they have. Many never return. Elderly parents are left behind, often never seeing their children or grandchildren again. The grief and loneliness are overwhelming.

We feel deeply called to go to these forgotten places.

From Rik and Carolien’s April letter: a consultation, medicines being prepared, and a child at the dental chair.

Getting there is the hardest part

With our 20+ year old jeeps, loaded with medications, equipment, and together with our Bolivian medical teams, we travel for hours across dangerous mountain roads to reach those who have no one else.

Everything the clinic needs comes off the back of the vehicle.

But the reality is: we can barely reach them anymore. Our vehicles are worn out and under extreme strain. Every journey becomes more difficult, more uncertain… yet we continue, because they are waiting.

These jeeps carry more than supplies. They carry life-saving care, dignity, and hope.

Why we are writing

Would you prayerfully consider helping us continue reaching them?

Please do not forget them — in word and in deed.

Every gift helps us care, save lives, and bring hope where no one else comes.

With gratitude,Rik & CarolienDr. Rik & Carolien Celie

Every letter starts with a journey.

Your support helps bring medical teams, medicines and equipment to people who need them.

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