On Nov. 13, Clinica Verde holds its third annual meeting of the board in Granada, Nicaragua. Attending will be our complete board of directors, and many of their spouses, representing three continents. We’ll review our progress in the past year and our strategy for the coming year, meet in committees to discuss and brainstorm the challenges ahead, visit our land site, convene with leaders in the community where Clinica Verde will operate, and spend some time with the children and families who remind us why all of our hard work matters.

No doubt there is a lot of hard work ahead. Refining the clinic design itself is important detail work – making sure that we’ve thought through well the particular uses, cultural considerations and possibilities for sustainable technologies. We want to progress at a steady forward pace, while not overlooking elements that will improve the function and ambiance of the clinic. The medical committee is delving deeper into the work of staffing, administration and operation. And we continue to put effort behind getting the word out about our exciting work and garnering support around the world.

But also at our meeting, we’ll be acknowledging all of you – the people who have made Clinica Verde happen. Each one of you is vital to this project. You will be forever linked to the good work of bringing health and hope to women and children in need. You were willing to take a chance on something big because you care about others in the world. And I think that makes each of you pretty cool and amazing. So, thank you for helping us get to where we are. We hope you stay with us on this incredible journey for many years to come.