Meet the Spindt Family

The Spindt Family have been members of St. Paul’s Catholic Church for over 15 years and service to others as a family is very important to them. They are long time volunteers with local organizations in Waukesha such as the Hope Center and the Eras Senior Network. Even though Charlie and Miranda have served with the medical missions before, this is the first time the entire family is serving together in Peru and are very excited.

Miranda “Charlie” Spindt has been a part of the Peru Outreach Ministry since 2013. This will be her third trip as the medical coordinator for the mission. She is a Physician Assistant in Family Medicine and serves as a volunteer provider at St. Joseph’s Free Medical Clinic serving the homeless and uninsured. Currently, she is the Clinical Education Coordinator and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Carroll University’s Physician Assistant Program in Waukesha. She serves St. Paul’s as a Eucharistic Minister and together with her husband Marc, as a pre-marriage FOCCUS facilitator. She loves to spend time with her family and helping the community. 

Marc is the Vice President of Service Delivery for an internet security company in Brookfield. He serves as a group leader for high school age kids with the religious education program at St. Paul’s. He is also a Eucharistic Minister and a pre-marriage FOCCUS facilitator. Marc and Charlie have been married for nearly 24 years and have two great kids together, Miranda and Nicolas. He loves to spend time with kids and is currently a coach with the Kettle Moraine Sporting Clays and Trap Team. He is looking forward to traveling to Peru to help with water filtration program and support the medical mission.

Miranda is a Sophomore at Marquette University where she is a double major studying Political Science, Economics with a minor in Spanish. She is in the Burke Scholars program where she has the opportunity to volunteer in the Milwaukee community and has become involved with the Next Door Foundation working in the pre-school classrooms. This will be Miranda’s third trip to Peru. As part of her Girl Scout Award in 2016, she helped our mission bring 50 water purification systems to help families have access to healthy drinking water. She looks forward to helping again with medical translation, the water filtration program and is super excited that she gets to share this experience with her brother Nico for the first time.

Nico Spindt will be finishing his sophomore year at Kettle Moraine’s School of Health Sciences where he is an active participant of the Lake Country Fire and Rescue Training Center’s Firefighter I workshop. He hopes to be a volunteer firefighter and EMT while he pursues a career in medicine in the future. He has been serving the homeless veteran community for many years. At the age of 10, he started a service project that he called Socks & Sole-diers, which collects new socks and gently used shoes for homeless veterans. He continues to engage the community with drives and to date has collected well over 4K pairs of socks and over 1K pairs of shoes donated to multiple local homeless outreach organizations. He raised funds to purchase sandals to donate to the mission to help decrease the spread of parasitic infections from walking barefoot. He is a member of KM Sporting Clay and Trap team, Tri-M National Honor Society and is the Student Representative for his class.

Meet Dr. Peggy

Dr. Peggy is a Family Medicine Physician and works at Froedtert in Sussex. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2002 from the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) as well as her residency at St. Michael's Hospital with MCW. 

She is known for her caring and compassionate approach to patient care. In 2010, the Wisconsin Medical Society recognized her with the 2010 Citizen of the Year Award for her commitment to the community in which she lives and her work with our team is another example of that commitment. 

She is very passionate about sharing her time and talent and serving the Lord in her community close and far. This is her second medical mission trip with Connecting Hearts and Hands with Peru. She has also done many other mission trips with other churches. She and her husband Chuck have three beautiful daughters and two dogs. She stays active with volleyball and running. She loves traveling and looks forward to serving the people in Peru. 

Meet Roseemary and Doug

Rosemary and Doug met in 2007 and have been together since. They enjoy time spent with their four children, grandchild, and many other family members and friends. They love to travel and have visited a number of countries throughout Europe, Mexico, Canada, the continental US, and Alaska. They enjoy reading, fishing, and time spent outdoors.

Douglas has a degree in Business and has spent many years in the pharmaceutical industry. HIs primary focus for 12 years was the treatment of Asthma and Allergies and later selling chemotherapy for breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Currently, he owns his own business working in the commercial trucking industry testing and treating commercial drivers for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. His passion has always been helping others which is why this mission is so important to him.

Rosemary is a bachelor’s prepared registered nurse with early education in the medical field alongside her father who was a veterinarian. In the past 29 years , her experience has included work in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic surgery, Trauma, Medical Surgical, Home care, palliative care, and hospice. She has held roles as Director of Nursing and assistant Director of Nursing in the hospital setting. Currently, she is working as a senior case manager for a level one trauma center in Milwaukee, WI. 

Rosemary has had a lifelong passion  to be involved in a medical mission and she's looking forward to serving the community in Peru. The Peru mission has been made possible by  her long friendship with her past co-worker and friend Dr. MaryAnn Papp and her spouse Dr. Louis Papp. She has been a lifelong member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Watertown, WI.

Meet Sylvia

Sylvia is a Licensed Practical Nurse at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, She is currently living in Waukesha, WI with husband, Alfredo and son, Casey, She is fluent in Spanish and is very excited about her first mission trip to Peru,  and looking forward to working with a great team!

Meet Michael and Deb

Deb and Michael have been married for over 33 years and have two

children from Guatemala. They received a calling to international mission work after they heard that St. Paul Parish would be twinning with a church in Guatemala City, in partnership with the School Sisters of St. Francis (SSSF). This relationship began around 1992. During the 18-year twinning relationship, they had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala on a variety of mission trips either to the orphanage in Santa Apolonia, the clinic in San Marcos, or the church in Guatemala City. They also traveled to Guatemala in 1994 and 1997 to pick up their boys from an orphanage in Guatemala City. They both feel that the twinning relationship has helped them grow in their faith.

In 2013, St. Paul Parish explored the idea of doing God's work at St. Clare School in Paita, Peru. Deb, Lisa and Sarah traveled to Paita, Peru and felt that it would be a perfect fit for the congregation. 

Michael is proud to volunteer as a member of the Martial Arts Veterans Project (MAVP - www.themavp.com). MAVP is a team of black belts teaching martial arts and self defense to veterans at the Milwaukee Veterans Administration. They are celebrating their sixth anniversary this summer. 

This will be Deb's sixth trip to Peru and is pleased that Michael will finally  be joining her on this mission trip. 

Meet the Vavra Family

The Vavra’s are a family of six who are all very excited about going on their first medical mission trip to Peru this summer.

[From left to right: Jim, Abby, Morgan, Jordan, Denise, and Justin]

Jim has over 25 years of experience working as a podiatrist. He is part of Foot and Ankle Associates of Wisconsin and works along with ProHealth Care and Aurora. He is a father of four children and has been married to his wife Denise for 27 years. Jim has been on one mission trip before with his daughter, Abby, and is excited to embark on this mission trip as a family.

Denise was a physical therapist for about 10 years until the birth of her third child, Abby, in 2000. She enjoys volunteering and helping others; some of her time is devoted to volunteering at St. Paul Church, Catholic Memorial and Knollwood Farm. She has never been on a mission trip before and cannot wait to go to Peru.

Justin is the oldest child in the family. He is an alumnus from UW-Milwaukee, graduating with a major in computer science. He now works in IT for North Western Mutual. Aside from his work, he loves music and can play guitar, piano, bass, and ukulele. Justin has also never been on a mission trip and is very excited to go to Peru to volunteer.

Jordan is graduating from UW-Eau Claire in May and is heading to graduate school for speech language pathology next fall. Jordan is proficient in sign language and has lots of experience working with individuals with special needs. She loves volunteering and is currently volunteering at a dog shelter in Oregon while waiting for graduation this spring. Jordan has gone on a Catholic Heart mission trip before and had a blast. She loves traveling and is looking forward to Peru.

Abby is a soon-to-be-sophomore at Wisconsin Lutheran College. She played soccer and basketball at WLC her freshman year and is looking forward to playing basketball next year. Abby is a certified nursing assistant and is in the nursing program at WLC. Abby has been on two mission trips in the past and loved them. She enjoys volunteering in her free time and is excited to go to Peru to help others and gain learning experience.

Morgan is going to be a senior next fall at Catholic Memorial High School. She participates in musicals as a singer, dancer, and technology help, and golfs as well. Morgan loves to be in touch with her creative side and spends her free time painting, drawing, and creating beautiful pieces of artwork. She has never been on a mission trip before, but she is excited to go to Peru.

Meet the Weber Family

The Weber’s are returning to Peru on their second medical mission trip!

In 2016 Olivia, Lisa, and Lindsey lent a helping hand and this time around Grace, Jon, Lisa, and Olivia are going! Lisa is currently a professor at WCTC teaching Anatomy and Physiology and has 18 years of experience as a chiropractor. This will be her third mission trip as she and Olivia have gone to Guatemala and Peru on previous medical missions. Olivia is graduating in May with her Master’s in Physician Assistant studies and will be entering into an emergency medicine fellowship through Marquette. Grace is going to be a junior at the University of Illinois Springfield where she has played two years of collegiate basketball and is majoring in Business with a marketing emphasis. Jon is going to be a Senior at Kettle Moraine High School. He is currently on the trap shooting team and spends some of his afternoons tutoring math and science students.

The Webers are enthusiastic about the opportunities to help the Peruvian people, learn more about their culture, and make a lasting impact. They are excited about strengthening and deepening their relationship with God. They are also eager to use their Spanish!

Meet Nancy

Nancy is a recently retired RN. Her last job as the outreach nurse to the homeless of Waukesha County was also her dream job. Nancy’s been blessed in her life with a wonderful husband and family – 5 children and 9 grandchildren. She feels it is important to give back to those who have not been so blessed.

Nancy has traveled to Guatemala and now to Peru thru the auspices of St Paul Parish and the School Sisters of St Francis. She continues to volunteer at shelters, outreach sites and with those in need.

Nancy enjoys quilting, reading, gardening, camping, biking and spending time exploring new experiences.

Meet Drs. Lou and Mary Anne

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Drs. Lou and Mary Anne have been married for 43 years and have three children and five grandchildren. They both served as medical officers in the US Navy. 

Lou is with Children’s Medical Group at Bluemound Pediatrics. Mary Anne worked at Froedtert and MCW as a cardiologist and now works as Cardiologist at the Zablocki VA.

They look forward to sharing their God given gifts with their brothers and sisters in Peru.

Adios - See you Next Year!

Sister Monica and Sister Paula left for their home in Peru on September 21. They will be missed...until next year!!

The Sisters accomplished a lot while they were here. Some of the major accomplishment during their visit:

• Met with the Peruvian Consulate in Chicago. They were a great help to us and provided us with the necessary information so that we could get approval to travel to Peru next year.
• Visited St. Paul School and met the new principal, Angela Gunderson, and all the teachers and students. They were able to talk with the children and tour the school.
• Talked at the Knights of Columbus Parish Breakfast
• Had dinner and a planning meeting with the team going to Peru in 2019. Parishioners Lisa and Roy served a delicious dinner. We were able to have a birthday celebration for Sister Monica, Lisa B. and Lisa W.
• Celebrated a half-day of friendship, prayer and relaxation at Holy Hill.
• Visited the Mother House; met with the international team  and met with some of the retired Sisters.
• Made a lot of new friends such as Ruth and Steve,  the first host family, and Lou and Mary Anne, the second host family. Thanks to the host families for making such delicious meals and for transporting them to their appointments.
• Enjoyed their last evening at the home of Deb and Brian. Deb prepared a scrumptious dinner for a group of 10. What a fun evening! 

Thanks to all who made their visit happen. 

Day on Lac la Belle - September 17

What a relaxing day on Lac la Belle! Judge for yourself!

• Thanks to their hosts Scott and Michelle!

Dinner and Team Meeting - September 16

Thanks to Lisa and Roy for hosting the dinner and meeting at their beautiful home in Genesee. Seventeen people took time out of their Sunday to be at this meeting. Thank you, everyone. We met to finalize the dates of travel and other details. Here are a few pictures from that day.

Sister Paula, Sister Monica, Father Dan att St. Paul Church Prior to Meeting

Knights of Columbus Breakfast - September 16

The Knights of Columbus Volunteers

The Knights of Columbus sponsored a breakfast on Sunday and invited the two Sisters, from the order of the School Sisters of St. Francis, to the parish. A PowerPoint presentation was shown and the Sisters took time to answer questions. There was one poignant question, "how can we as parishioners help you?" Sister Monica stated that the 2019 medical mission team needs vitamins, medicines and medical supplies. 

Sister Paula

Sister Paula talked about the pharmacy that is associated with St. Clare School. She graduated from school and is a pharmacist, interning at a local hospital. She is managing this pharmacy.  She had stated that all medications left at the clinic after the mission trip is over are providing medicines to the people in the community of Paita. One parishioner immediately went to the store and bought nine bottles of vitamins. Thank you!

Sister Monica and Sister Paula

Sister Monica, Steve, Ruth, Sister Paula

Sister Monica Answering a Question

Holding the Vitamins Donated by Lucille

Visiting St. Paul School - September 14

A PowerPoint presentation was shown to the children of St. Paul School. This presentation had pictures of St. Clare School in Paita, Peru and the community surrounding the school. Sister Monica answered the many questions the children had for them.  What a vibrant, Catholic Christian community! The Sisters really enjoyed their visit! Thank you for the opportunity to talk with the children!

The "Welcome Sisters" Bulletin Board

Visiting Holy Hill - September 13

Another beautiful day in Wisconsin. Holy Hill is located in Hubertus, WI. It is the National Shrine of Mary, built high atop a glacial hill. Too early in the season for the Sisters to see the color changes of the trees surrounding the church. As a challenge, the Sisters walked the 178 steps to the top of the steeple. What a view! See for yourself!

Ruth, Connie, Sister Paula and Sister Monica

Sister Monica and Sister Paula

Ruth, Sister Paula, Sister Monica and Connie

Getting Ready to Welcome the Sisters

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In two weeks, Sister Monica and Sister Paula will be arriving in Chicago. This is Sister Paula's first visit to the USA.

We've decorated  a section of the Human Concerns bulletin board. We can't wait to see them!

Meet Sister Monica

I am Sister Monica Olguin from Lima, Perú. I am 50 years young (September 2nd is my birthday). I live in Paita, Peru, a large port in Paita.

I worked for many years at St. Clare School, as an English teacher, then as a manager,  and then as a principal until March, 2018. I also worked at our parish In Paita, on the Liturgy team. I was also responsible for the Confirmation Program at the parish. 

I like my religious life. Next January,  I am going to celebrate my 25th anniversary as a sister in the Franciscan order of the School Sisters of St. Francis. I recognize many gifts that God has given to me and I am very happy to serve people at my local parish and to serve the students at St. Clare School. 

I hope to see you soon and answer all your questions about Peru and how we live there!

Sister Monica

Meet Sister Paula (English)

My name Paula Girón Parrilla, from the Franciscan religious order School Sisters of St. Francis; I am a teacher of religion, history, geography and economics at Santa Clara School in Paita, Peru.. I am in charge of the administration of a pharmacy for the dispensing of medicines and training for people from different human settlements. For this reason I studied pharmaceutical chemistry, which I am currently completing. The objective of my second career is to continue offering a better service in health, pharmaceutical accompaniment and medical campaigns offered by the parish of Saint Paul Parish, Genesee Depot, WI.

I like to work with people from different human settlements because they are people who in many cases need training in the field of health, an aspect forgotten by the authorities.

My goal is the implementation of a larger pharmacy where there can be variety of medication and preparation of them to satisfy more needs, I hope in God to achieve it with the support of good people.

Conocer a Hermana Paula (español)

Mi nombre Paula Girón Parrilla, religiosa Franciscana, soy profesora de religión y de Historia, Geografía y economía en el colegio Santa Clara.

Soy la encargada de la administración de una farmacia para la dispensación de medicamentos  y formación para la gente de diferentes asentamientos humanos. por esta razón estudié  química farmaceútica, carrerra que la estoy culminando actualmente. El objetivo de mi segunda carrera es para continuar ofreciendo un mejor servicio en salud,  acompañamiento farmaceútico y campañas medicas ofrecidas por la parroquia San Pablo USA.

Me gusta trabajar con la gente de diferentes asentamientos humanos porque es gente que necesita en muchos casos formacion en el campo de la salud, aspecto olvidado por las autoridades.

mi objetivo es la implementación de una farmacia mas grande donde pueda haber variedad de medicamento y preparación de los mismos asi satisfacer mas necesidades, espero en Dios poder lograrlo con el apoyo de las buenas personas.

Delay in Shipping to Peru

Shipping donations to Peru is never easy. We are a small ministry. We don't have the money to send a container to Peru. However, St. Anthony on the Lake sends to Peru each summer or fall. Over the years, we've asked them to help us get our donations to Peru.

This year, St. Anthony on the Lake was busting at their seams with donations from parishioners and non-parishioners doing  missionary work in Peru. Since so many people had donations to send to Peru,  the shipping container filled up quickly. Some donations didn't fit in the container.  St. Paul's donations were some of the donations that didn't fit in the container.

What are we going to do now?

St. John the Baptist Church,  outside of Oklahoma City, has shipments going to Peru three times a year. St. Paul Parish has shipped with them in the past. We have asked Cheryl, head of their Peru Ministry, if they could help us again by sending our donations. She said, "Yes, we'll help you."

In October, St. Paul Parish will be driving to Oklahoma City, to drop off all the donations that'll be used during our June, 2019, medical mission trip.

In a few weeks, Charlie S., the physician assistant who oversees the medical staff and clinic activities, will be ordering all the medications needed for our clinic.

Please pray that all donations are shipped to Peru and available for our  June, 2019 medical mission trip.

Dear Lord,

Give us hope  that all things will turn out alright, and the way you intended it to be.
While we are doing our best to be strong and optimistic and true to Your teachings, please surround us with Your Love.

Your will be done!

AMEN

Shipment to Peru...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Thanks to St. Paul Parish for taking a collection during Lent, 2018, and enabling our ministry to purchase 55 sets of Berkey water filters. Thanks to all the donors, large and small. You are giving families the opportunity to drink clean water.

Some of your donations were used to purchase miscellaneous supplies that'll be used when the team of missionaries goes to Peru in June, 2019. Thanks for your generosity to provide money to purchase these supplies.

Thanks to St. Anthony on the Lake in Pewaukee, for shipping these items to Peru!

Michael P. marking the St. Paul containers

Thanks to the people who have provided some unexpected donations. These donations will make a difference to many people.

• Nicholas S. for purchasing over 100 flip-flop sandals. Thanks for sharing the money you had raised and for providing sandals to those in need in Peru.
  
  

  

  Blue container filled with flip-flop sandals

   
• Lynn B. for sewing and donating over 100 sundresses. 

Sundresses made with Pillow Cases

The shipment will take anywhere from four to six months to get to Peru and to get through customs. Please pray that all the donations make it to Paita, Peru.

Thank you Everyone, for your Time, Talent, and Treasure!