With great sadness, Friends of Barnabas announces the resignation of Elmer Mejia. Elmer is realizing a life-long dream to have his own business; he has purchased a hardware store in Peña Blanca. Elmer began working for FOB in January 2005. Elmer has given Nury his resignation, effective the first week of September.
While most often recognized for his expert bus driving skills, Elmer has been a mainstay of FOB’s vision program, helping mountain medical team members navigate the clinic’s equipment in order to provide quality vision care in FOB’s partner communities. Additionally, he has been the manager of FOB’s agriculture program; providing nutritious fruits and vegetables for FOB’s patients, their families, staff and team members. And most importantly, Elmer has faithfully served as one of the “welcoming faces” greeting FOB team members when they arrived at the airport in San Pedro Sula.
Earlier this week, Nury interviewed some candidates for Elmer’s replacement and has chosen one that she believes will be a good match for our needs. Marco Tulio Sagastume Teruel lives in Peña Blanca and has two children. With a driver’s license for big vehicles and 15 years of experience, Marco worked recently for a poultry company in the Lake Yojoa region, driving a truck in the rural areas. Also he spent a year in Connecticut where he had the opportunity to gain agricultural experience.
Fortunately, Elmer and Marco will work together during the month of August in order to provide a smooth transition. Elmer has offered to help us even after his official time with us is over, to ensure the stability of the vision program and other activities.
We at Friends of Barnabas wish Elmer and his wife and their three beautiful children all the very best and ask that they not be strangers at Barnabas House.
If you have questions, please contact Mary Beth at 804-744-5624 or marybeth@fobf.org.
