Friends helping friends in Central America

Please help us help our friend Sonia Chavez and her husband Adolfo in San Pedro Sula, Honduras as they are facing unexpected medical expenses.

In the mid-1980s when we were volunteers with Mennonite Central Committee in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Sonia Chavez became a friend. During the day she worked for us doing cleaning, cooking, and childcare. In the evenings she went to school and received a diploma in accounting. After we departed, she found work in a land development company and got married to Adolfo Pineda, who has worked for decades as a microbus driver. Together they were able to purchase a modest home and raise a son who is now a young adult, working as an auto mechanic.

As the only one of her family to leave their rural village to get an education, Sonia has been a pillar in her family, providing support in various ways. None of their immediate family members have migrated to the US so they have never had external sources of income, beyond what they earn in the local economy. On several occasions when we have returned to Honduras, Sonia and Adolfo have generously hosted us in their home, always taking great care for our welfare in a city that has experienced gang violence.

In late April of this year, Sonia contacted us, requesting prayer for Adolfo, who had experienced a mild stroke. Upon further examination and testing, doctors found that he suffered from bradycardia, a slow heartbeat. After consulting with a cardiologist, and getting a second opinion, it became clear that he needed a pacemaker as soon as possible. Although just a portion of what it would cost to receive a pacemaker in the US, the required $3,500 was beyond Adolfo and Sonia’s means. She tried to get a loan but was not successful. Thus, she turned to us.

Our family has made our own donations and fronted the remainder needed so that Adolfo could get the pacemaker in early May. We have not asked Adolfo and Sonia to pay back any of this amount since they have the added expense of the original medical attention following his stroke, and the loss of Adolfo’s income as he is in rehab. For this reason, we are inviting anyone who is in a position to do so, to help us share this expense. We will be grateful for gifts of any size. Any amount beyond the goal will go to Sonia and Adolfo, to help replace his income and cover any additional medical expenses.

Gerald & Joetta Schlabach