The first case of the Covid 19 virus was documented in Bogota, Colombia on March 6, 2020. One week later, during a phone conversation with Sister Valeriana, she explained, “If this virus comes through our doorways, it would mean certain death for any and many of our children.” And, in her wisdom, she immediately issued a full lock-down for the orphanage, where there are currently 230 children and adults, living in full-time residency.
The Light and Life Foundation has been communicating on a regular basis with Sister Valeriana and Nathalia, the resident doctor at Hogares Luz y Vida. We have offered support for the seemingly endless needs that are experienced on a daily basis within the orphanage. And, now that the availability of many of these items is both limited and restricted, we are diligently seeking resources in Colombia which may be able to assist us in providing these sorely needed items, which range from protective equipment to nutritional products. Financial support is needed, and we welcome and encourage all donors to join us in our efforts to finance these needs.
As Sister Valeriana wrote to Colleen Morey on March 24, 2020, "With the help of God, we are all going to get ahead, and together we will get out of this painful situation that has put our humanity in a corner. For this reason we pray daily with strength and a lot of faith, so that we can see each other once again and embrace each other."