La Ciudad de la Esperanza

Ever since I was invited to participate in the 2026 Alumni Trip to Coban, I've felt God @ work. This Mission is for 7 days (many are 10 days to 2 weeks). This trip coincides exactly with Lizzy's summer camp @ Make Promises Happen.

First day in Coban began in quite a rough way for me due to contact lense issues in R eye.

I personally experienced caring compassion of Dr Richard & Dr Eric attempting to remove the faulty lenses out of my eye.

Despite my total chagrin to be needy on the 1st morning of Clinic, receiving such genuine reassurance that these things happen on every trip.

After being treated by a kind Optometrist in downtown Coban, my day improved dramatically. The contact was OUT. I could clearly see out of my R eye!

I'll be forever grateful to my chauffeur, Perla for making me laugh & not keep beating myself up about this ordeal. 

There is NO caste system a la Ciudad de la Esperanza. Each person receives respect, compassion & unconditional positive regard - as our world should always behave.

"Do unto others as you would want done to you."

My take home messages as I begin day four:

1. The burdens, the hardships these people endure throughout their lives is unfair, unjust, inhumane... 

2. The resilience, perseverance & eternal search to improve life for their children is incredible to witness. My heart hurts & I am humbled to the core.

3. "Teamwork Makes The Dream Work"  has become cliche' , however seeing this alumni team in action exemplifies this adage beyond belief.

Interfaith, interdisciplinary 

yet conjoined in the  mission & purpose of RU(Regis University)Building Capacity. 

Physicians, Therapists, Translators & Students all pitching in as needed/requested to do whatever is needed @ that moment.

The most rewarding, fulfilling & heartwrenching experience with patients so far:

3 y.o. with bilateral below the knee amputation due to amniotic bands 

Sofia was fit with extremely custom prosthetics. The precious smile & total joy on her face   and tears of joy of Mama' & Papa... 

I had to tap out for a bit to privately weep.

The second exhilarating, gratifying moments were with Rosa. She reported complete relief- zero pain after I treated her for severe R leg sciatica that had been excruciating & debilitating for 2 years. Rosa walked out of PT no longer using her cane! 

My feelings are hard to put into words. I thank God for this opportunity & allowing my hands to do HIS work to provide relief through human touch.

A favorite hymn has come to mind several times these past few days: 

"Let us build the City of God,

May our tears be turned into dancing,

For the Lord, our light & our love has turned the night into day".

Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

Peggy Newman, Physical Therapist