Mission: Guatemala 2007
Today was a wonderful day of sharing, teaching, friendship and learning. We started the day by sending two students in to observe the plastic surgeons perform cleft palate repairs and a scar release on a burn victim. While they were in the OR, the rest of us were able to assist the Guatamalan therapists with their treatment sessions. At 9:30 the dancer from the day before arrived for her treatment. This time, the second years (Nenita, Belinda, and Nathan) were given the opportunity to finish the evaluation and begin treating the patient. She brought the film and results of her MRI to the clinic, so we were able to determine the exact levels and direction of her disc bulges. This new information, in addition to the information obtained the day prior by the third years, David and Heidi, allowed us to determine a treatment plan for the patient. With the assistance of David and Heidi, the second years were able to teach the patient and her therapist the treatment plan and therapeutic exercises.

The Guatemalan PTs were so eager to learn manual traction and the various exercises that could be used to help this patient. Everyone gathered around and took in the information excitedly. The first years (McKenzie, Rebekah, Sarah, Emily, and Jena) have not yet taken Orthopedics, so they were excited and eager to learn as well. The morning turned into a mini Orthopedics lab where the Guatemalan therapists and students were learning and practicing alongside the Belmont students. Even the Guatemalan Physiatrist was interested to learn some of our treatment and exercise techniques. There was so much comradery, excitement and learning taking place. I know God was pleased to see His people sharing in such a wonderful experience!



Throughout the afternoon, the remaining students rotated in to the OR to observe various surgeries while the rest of us remained behind to help with the patients and enjoy our last day with the Guatemalan Physical Therapists. In the evening we dined at the Seminary and then had a devotion that was lead by Heidi. She lead us in reading 1Timothy 2:1-7, 2 Corinthians 11: 23-29, and Isaiah 55 and then we had a discussion on the importance of recognizing God’s presence in our lives and this mission trip. We also discussed the importance of continued prayer for the Guatemalan people who do not have the “luxury of escaping” as we do. It is so easy to get caught up in our lives back home and forget what we have learned and experienced here. But the Guatemalans don’t get to forget. Long after we are gone, they will continue the lives we’ve had a brief opportunity to share with them. It truly makes my eyes water to consider this sad fact. It is hard to accept that we can not rescue these people. However, I find solace in knowing that we can continue to pray for them and their walks with Christ.