Mission to Guatemala
from Joe Muchmore

A team of students, faculty and partners from Belmont University’s School of Occupational Therapy and School of Physical Therapy are ministering in Guatemala during Belmont’s spring break, the seventh year a team has traveled there.

Another exciting day for Team Catalyst. After a two-hour scenic drive, we spent the day with the wonderful staff and children of the JT Children’s Foundation. The JT Children’s Foundation provides therapeutic services for children with disabilities and their families who reside in the Tecpan, Guatemala area. They preach the importance of a holistic approach to healing and this is evident in their practice. After learning about the organization, we had the privilege of watching a performance that was prepared through music therapy sessions with a group of children. The performers graciously invited us to join and we happily danced and laughed with our new friends.

Our team had the pleasure of meeting several families at the JT Children’s Foundation. A small group of therapists/students worked with each child and their parent(s). A group of us worked with a child named Andy, who had cerebral palsy. We focused on stretching out some of his tight leg muscles and worked with him on top of a ball to help strengthen his core.  Despite a myriad of tiring exercises, Andy was still laughing and smiling throughout the session, lighting up the room with his joy.

The afternoon consisted of two visits to children’s homes to collaborate with their therapists and provide services. Half of our group visited with Carlos, a five-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. We worked to help Carlos sit upright without support and improve his head control and ability to reach. He was a sweet little boy and was so cooperative during our time together! Our resident therapists offered advice to his mother regarding exercises she can do with him and she was very appreciative.

The other half of our group visited a little girl named Wendy who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. When we arrived at Wendy’s house, the Guatemalan therapists debriefed us on Wendy’s condition and the exercises they had been doing.  Wendy, who was seven years old, was quick to point out that her Guatemalan therapist was also her boyfriend (which we all thought was hysterical).  Our team of physical therapists helped show Wendy and her family some basic exercises she could do to strengthen her legs.  A few of us also worked on measuring Wendy for new Ankle-Foot Orthotics in the hope that she will be able to walk better with them.  After the therapy session, our group played some games with Wendy and her friends.  Despite her condition, Wendy was one of the most animated, comedic, and enthusiastic children in the whole neighborhood.  This just goes to show how no matter what the circumstance, we can still have joy in our lives through God and be a light to others.