Mission: Guatemala 2007
Today began with a surprising addition to breakfast. When we sat down to eat, we were greeted by a Guatemalan favorite side dish of fried plantanos (bananas). We all sampled the tasty treats (some of us for the very first time) and decided that this unusual mix of flavors was something sweet and good. After we finished our toast and juice we loaded up the bus for a 45 minute ride through the congested streets of Guatemala city to Hospital Infantil de Infectologia y Rehabilitacion. Our time began with a debriefing and information meeting with Dr. Pacheco. He welcomed us and informed us of the hospitals typical patient population. The patients are currently being treated in the rehabilitation wing of the hospital for diagnoses including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Guillain Barre. After meeting with Pati, the lead physical therapist, and receiving a tour of the hospital, we began observing several therapeutic treatment sessions lead by the physical therapy staff and local university physical therapy students. While at the hospital we were also able to participate in a sensory integration class for young children and their mothers. Our time at the hospital also lead us to talk with the orthotics department about their needs and wishes to help plan for future trips.

After talking with the staff it was evident that both the skill and expertise to fabricate orthotic devices was indeed present but that a serious need for materials and supplies does exist. Even with minimal supplies their ability to create orthotic devices using creative adaptation techniques was quite intriguing and educational.
During a break for lunch, we discovered that many of our afternoon patients decided to stay home due to the “cold” weather. Might I also say that I got a sunburn from laying out in the sun during our lunch break. The temperature today was 70 degrees, which to us was hardly “mucho frio”. We then split up into two treatment discussion teams. The rest of the afternoon was spent by reviewing and recommending treatment techniques concerning two of the hospitals inpatients with the local physical therapy students. We were then on our way home to the seminary.

En route to the seminary we enjoyed a brief break at the internet cafe to reconnect with our family and friends back in the states. Our dinner this evening included guatemalan soup and some grilled chicken. David and I lead the devotional, focusing on the calling to feed, clothe, and care for the poor as found in Matthew 26:34-46. We ended the evening with an encouraging word from Ephesians 3:20 which says “to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us.” It was a great way to end our first day in the hospital and we are excited to see how God will continue to work through us.