Both Liberians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in November. It is a national holiday in both nations (the 1st Thursday of the month in Liberia and the 4th Thursday of the month in the United States). Dignity:Liberia has been showered with an abundance of blessings this year, and for that we give thanks.
A few months after Hope House began accepting patients, Dignity:Liberia began Phase II of its building project: the construction of a dedicated fistula clinic. From the start, we have received substantial support from Lakeland Community Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. This year, Friends of Liberia and The Butterfield Foundation provided additional funding through grants that are restricted to the clinic’s construction.
Just last month, another dream of ours came true: we were able to purchase an ambulance! Since Hope House began accepting patients in January 2025, those needing care in a hospital setting were transported in a 4Runner which had been outfitted to serve as an emergency vehicle. This left us short a vehicle for use by board members and dignity advocates to complete other work while in Liberia. In a recent sermon, First United Methodist Church Brenham’s pastor, Mike Lindstrom, invited the congregation to donate money toward an ambulance. The church members’ generosity not only covered the entire purchase but also provided additional funds that are being used for the construction of Dignity Clinic!
While the incoming resources are a cause for celebration, a huge blessing this year has been the impact our presence is having on maternal health in Liberia. Much of that is due to the dedicated clinic staff at Hope House, who have seen 98 patients since January!
Five babies were delivered at the home, while six other patients were transferred to a nearby hospital for delivery. In one of the pregnancies, the baby was positioned in such a way that it would not have been able to pass through the birth canal during natural childbirth. Another expectant mother had been told she was carrying twins, but actually was carrying a baby that weighed over 10-lbs. We are thankful that these women were able to deliver by C-section and avoid suffering an obstetric fistula injury.
Our nurse midwives have visited 42 towns for community outreach. They have forged a working relationship with the Traditional Tribal Midwives (TTMs), hosting them at our compound for sessions of education and information exchange.
We continue to enjoy the support of volunteers (both in Liberia and the US), who donate hours of their time and talent to preventing fistula. Since our incorporation, each of your generous monetary gifts has supported our efforts to end obstetric fistula in Liberia. You can meet some of our supporters on our website.
Every time a woman gives birth by a delivery that does not cause obstetric fistula, there is cause to rejoice. We are blessed. We are thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!
A few months after Hope House began accepting patients, Dignity:Liberia began Phase II of its building project: the construction of a dedicated fistula clinic. From the start, we have received substantial support from Lakeland Community Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. This year, Friends of Liberia and The Butterfield Foundation provided additional funding through grants that are restricted to the clinic’s construction.
Just last month, another dream of ours came true: we were able to purchase an ambulance! Since Hope House began accepting patients in January 2025, those needing care in a hospital setting were transported in a 4Runner which had been outfitted to serve as an emergency vehicle. This left us short a vehicle for use by board members and dignity advocates to complete other work while in Liberia. In a recent sermon, First United Methodist Church Brenham’s pastor, Mike Lindstrom, invited the congregation to donate money toward an ambulance. The church members’ generosity not only covered the entire purchase but also provided additional funds that are being used for the construction of Dignity Clinic!
While the incoming resources are a cause for celebration, a huge blessing this year has been the impact our presence is having on maternal health in Liberia. Much of that is due to the dedicated clinic staff at Hope House, who have seen 98 patients since January!
Five babies were delivered at the home, while six other patients were transferred to a nearby hospital for delivery. In one of the pregnancies, the baby was positioned in such a way that it would not have been able to pass through the birth canal during natural childbirth. Another expectant mother had been told she was carrying twins, but actually was carrying a baby that weighed over 10-lbs. We are thankful that these women were able to deliver by C-section and avoid suffering an obstetric fistula injury.
Our nurse midwives have visited 42 towns for community outreach. They have forged a working relationship with the Traditional Tribal Midwives (TTMs), hosting them at our compound for sessions of education and information exchange.
We continue to enjoy the support of volunteers (both in Liberia and the US), who donate hours of their time and talent to preventing fistula. Since our incorporation, each of your generous monetary gifts has supported our efforts to end obstetric fistula in Liberia. You can meet some of our supporters on our website.
Every time a woman gives birth by a delivery that does not cause obstetric fistula, there is cause to rejoice. We are blessed. We are thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!
 | Kathy Beth StavinohaKathy Beth graduated from high school in Monrovia, Liberia in 1977. She retired from St. Edward’s University in 2022 after 21+ years of service. She lives in Brenham, TX with her husband and cat. |
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