2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
We would like to preface this by apologizing for our error yesterday by replacing split with splint… Now onto our day!!!
The Guatemala team was split up into groups again today. One group went to Fundabiem while the other went to the Children’s hospital. At the Children’s Hospital OTs had an exciting day. The students, under the supervision of the practitioners, were able to be extremely hands on during treatment sessions. Upon entering the OT room, students and practitioners were excited to see previous suggestions given to Guatemalan therapists implemented in their practice. The therapists were putting more emphasis on placing the patient in a correct posture in order to further functional ability. The students and practitioners got to observe a group session conducted by Guatemalan occupational therapy students. During the group, the children showed enthusiasm while taking part in preparing a chicken salad that they later would get to enjoy. The PTs came into the group session to help work with the children on posturing. A break was taken for lunch and everyone enjoyed another home cooked meal while sitting in the sun. After lunch, OT students and practitioners worked collaboratively with Guatemalan therapists to create a splint for a child.

Today was a very productive day in the PT gym. Ellen went to Fundabiem for the day which meant that the students were in charge…(kinda scary right???) The therapists were very open to us assisting with the treatments and asked for suggestions on what we would do for the patient. There are 2 children at the hospital that are recovering from Guillen Barre Syndrome and we were asked to take over the treatment sessions. Sarah Jo and Ashley Campbell worked with one of the kiddos and introduced many therapy options as well as having him walk. After he left, they were told that he hadn’t walked in the session Monday. Lauren and Linnea worked with the other boy, focusing treatment on balance in tall kneeling, half kneeling, and while walking, as well as strengthening his lower extremities. We also were able to observe Patti do an evaluation of an adorable 6 month old little girl who has Down’s syndrome. It was awesome to see the similarities between the evaluations that are done here with evaluations back in the States. We had a pretty slow afternoon and some of us went over to OT and observed the work they were doing.

We were all relieved to have an early evening today and get a little down time. Several of us gathered on the floor of one of our rooms and played Phase 10, which is both the most frustrating and fun game EVER!!! After a very yummy dinner, we all gathered for a discussion about our day. We seem to have all had a very positive day and have planted the seed for some very strong relationships. As a PT student, I have had some issues with leaving our little building but we are now quite excited to all be under the same roof since we have gotten to know each other more. We also had a discussion about how we need to not get all caught up in our own success. We should strive to make sure we lift others on our climb (hence the title).

While the first group had an amazing time at the Children’s Hospital, the second group went to Fundabiem. It is an outpatient rehab clinic that makes you wish you sprained your ankle just so you could rehab there. They treat patients of all ages by providing specific programs for each age group. There were different rooms that had specific therapeutic purposes such as the matt room for one-on-one care, the mechanical room, which had weights, parallel bars, and orthotics, and the special sensory room which looks like a child’s heaven. Its floors and walls were cushioned, it had a ball pit that lit up in different colors, a swing, and other amazing lighting displays. In another room, Fundabiem also had a Locomat which is a highly technological treadmill that suspends the patient in a harness in order to eliminate the amount of weight the patient has to support. It makes it easier for a patient to progress to independent walking. In the next room, they had an AIREX which is a therapeutic device that visually captures the patient and projects them onto a screen which may contain a scenario such as an under the sea maze through which they have to travel. It can also be an activity such as snow tubing, playing soccer or volleyball, or driving a racecar. The patient is in front of a green screen and when they change body positions, their movements are mimicked on the television screen in the chosen activity. Fundabiem also had two main programs for adults including baking and a craft workshop. The baking class treated adults who have suffered a stroke or another traumatic injury. Through kneading and baking bread, they could receive therapy and learn an occupation. After completing the program, they are hired at local bakery and are able to provide an income for their families. The workshop taught adults to weave and make other crafts that they could later sell for income. Parent involvement is highly encouraged which makes for an easier transition for the patient from the clinic to returning home.

After the second group went to Fundabiem, we were able to once again serve at “The Lord’s Kitchen”. In a time span of only 2 hours, we served 619 people. It was really incredible. One of our students actually got a blister on her finger from spooning out 619 servings of scrambled eggs. Whenever one of us needed a break, there were plenty of ninos with chubby cheeks to cuddle and love. Prior to serving the meal, one of the workers gave a message reiterating Jesus’ love and forgiving mercy for all of his people. Yet again, we were humbled to serve so many people in such a great way and blessed to have the opportunity to do so.

To wrap up another long day, we are anxiously awaiting our comfy beds while trying to retain all of the new lessons we learned throughout the day. We are continually grateful for those back home who helped make this trip possible.

Moms…. All that were sick have gotten better, while unfortunately, others have gotten sick. Oh, Guatemala. Nothing serious, just pray for the health and continued safety of all our members.