The Mau-Pata, Hospital Boat, in Brazil

Blog vol 5.20. The Mau-Pata, Hospital Boat, in Brazil.

Woke up this morning (Nov. 6) to the reality of a very political world, and unfortunately, at least on the surface, a very divided one (and to be fair, that world was there the morning before too). The hope is that we can work together, in spite of our differences, for the greater good.

This is where the work of Medical Ministry International, MMI, and the Amazon hospital boat, the Mau-Pata, is really bringing hope.

Last week we looked at the clinic they were having in Puerto Nariño, Colombia, with surgeries and dental work, glasses, and doctor’s visits. Again, the refrain: ”Just make it work!” The work of providing care is greater than the individuals, greater than the dividing politics; the boat is providing ongoing care to 325,000 indigenous people in the Amazon basin. The MMI staff could not get the necessary paperwork together for a visit to Peru last week, so it was off to Brazil. The needs are so huge that when they did set up clinic in San Antonio, Brazil, the people came from the nearby villages, and with low water levels in the Amazon, they had quite a walk, but they came. 

The boat has been there since Tuesday morning and they have decided to extend their visit because of overwhelming needs, bringing help to at least three different tribes.

The pictures we are getting from Karen (our office manager at Burlington Eyecare who is there helping out on the boat for two weeks) have been breathtaking, a truly beautiful region. The team was treated to a slide show the other day which recapped the making and launching of the Mau-Pata, one year ago!  We hope to be able to share that slideshow with you in the coming weeks.

Closer to home, instead of concentrating on what divides us, we should be drawing together to build each other up. I am not talking about a sentimental, ooey-gooey thing, but real, tangible ways of taking care of each other, showing kindness, and working together. I am truly grateful for the team at Burlington Eyecare, who do see the greater cause, who do pitch together to make it work, and who really enjoy doing this together every day. Keep up the great work.

Til next week,



The good doctor