People have different reactions toward the Covid-19 vaccine. While some are hesitant and skeptical, others look forward to being vaccinated and are waiting patiently for their turn after the healthcare workers, frontliners and elders are served.
Who would think that the staff at La Vida Mission would have the privilege of receiving their first dose of the vaccine without even planning for it? “It was a sweet surprise to several of us to be included in the process through the courtesy of Indian Health Services Healthcare Facility in Crownpoint, New Mexico,” said Dorie Panganiban, La Vida Mission office manager and outreach director.
“On the afternoon of Wednesday, January 27, I got a phone call from IHS-Crownpoint Healthcare Facility offering vaccines to our mission staff. I was told they have been working with La Vida Mission and recognize the mission as their partner in serving the community through its many outreach programs and its school that serves their children. The Health Services Center thought about us and reserved some shots for those of our missionaries who wish to receive one,” Panganiban explained.
The list of those wanting to be vaccinated was gathered in less than an hour so that it could be submitted to the hospital for the morning of the following day. The staff went and received their vaccines along with frontline workers and Navajo elders.
La Vida Mission was recognized for its ministry because of the partnership with the Navajo community that La Vida Mission Community Outreach and Healthy Lifestyle Education Programs has created with the different services of the Navajo Nation office. “There are times when the community recognizes us in a surprising way,” Panganiban added. “When asked for the cost to our staff, the representative said, ‘You will not pay because you serve our people.’”
The La Vida Mission staff are grateful to the Indian Health Services Crownpoint Healthcare Facility for their service and thank God for making it all possible.
Information provided by La Vida Mission
