What felt like the biggest disappointment turned out to be the greatest victory.
We all felt the weight of not being able to get Juan Carlos into a hospital a few weeks ago. And now, 25 days later, we understand there was a much bigger plan.
Juan Carlos passed away early yesterday morning in peace and with his family at his side. He and his family had 25 more days together that they would not have had if there would have been a bed in a hospital the night that Jason and his sons spent six hours searching for oxygen and additional medical help.
We thought we knew what we needed.
We know that patients with COVID are not allowed visitors in most if not all hospitals right now. And we also know that Peru’s hospitals are stretched to their limits. What we thought he needed that night ended up being something so much better–not just for Juan Carlos but for all of our community.
There was a much bigger purpose.
Juan Carlos received care at the Hope House far superior to what he would have received at a hospital. His three adult sons and his wife made sure he was never alone. Jason taught them how to check his vital signs, keep him comfortable and mostly how to make the time count. He had visitors who came to sing songs and pray for him and children who made him cookies. They laughed and cried, shared old memories and made new ones. Most importantly, they were together.
Today we celebrate.
We celebrate Juan Carlos and how much life we shared these last 25 days. Somehow the days seemed more significant knowing how opposite the alternative would have been — lonely, dark days in a hospital bed somewhere in Lima. The days were deep and at times long. We watched Juan Carlos gain complete peace, and we saw how happy he was. Happy to see his wife and children happy. Happy to be a part of a vibrant community, dedicated to helping each other along the way. Happy to be shedding the struggles of this life for something better. In his final days on this earth, Juan Carlos taught us that the end truly is the beginning.
Tomorrow we get to work.
Now that the Hope House has weathered the worst of this COVID outbreak, they are ready for a new beginning. Armed with an incredible bonding experience and COVID antibodies, they want to get to work. Some have found a job, others are starting businesses and there are some pursuing a career for the first time. All have the goal to contribute to the daily operations of the Hope House and even go beyond their own needs so they can help others.
Jason is right in step as he returns to the U.S. and to his work. It has never been about the paycheck for him, and he will continue to work so that 100% of your donations will go to help people who need it the most.
There are exciting things ahead.
I can not wait to tell you about Angel’s pet business. It is a business that is much bigger than simply providing a place for Angel to use his veterinary training. And then there is Milagros, and you will love meeting her. She is 21 years old and makes the BEST fried chicken I have ever tasted (even better than Chick fil A!). She already needs to add a helper to keep up with the nightly sales. There is also a new delivery service of Venezuelan imports that was hatched right in the Hope House and is now a fully operational business that gives two special young couples an opportunity to work together.
I can not wait to tell you more and share opportunities for you to get involved. This is
how we honor Juan Carlos and all the ones who have invested in the vibrant life at the Hope House. Your support this last month has made a huge difference. We appreciate it and we appreciate you.
Thank you for being in it with us —
Becca Armstrong
Executive Director
