Category Archives: Guatemala
Guatemala from A to Z
Guatemala 2011 Mission Trip
From Lacey Little
Physical Therapy student Lacey Little shares about her experience in Guatemala on her personal blog. Check it out by clicking here.
Excerpts:
Awesome. Word of the week because it sums up everything.
Faith. I learned so much about faith and joy this week. Everyone from Shalom and all of our interpreters were such an example of living joyfully. This man (Israel) has such faith and joy exuding from him. Tears flowed when we had to say goodbye to all of the wonderful people we had met.
Humbled. Again, and again, and again.
Justin Bieber (oh you better believe the interpreters called me Mrs. Bieber). I tried (to no avail) to convince a 6 year old that the Biebs was better than the Jonas Brothers.
Volcanoes. Had no idea that Guatemala had active volcanos. Cool.
What can I do now? This is the question that I am left with. I am itching to go back to Guatemala, but until then what can I do here in Nashville?
See more at Lacey’s blog, including lots of pictures.
Final Day in Guatemala
Guatemala 2011 Mission Trip
From Jamie Adam
Today began with another wonderful breakfast (eggs, hotdogs, pancakes and toast). We headed to Antigua for a day of adventure. After an easy 1 hour drive, we arrived about 9:30AM. Our first stop was a coffee plantation in Antigua. We walked around the plantation grounds and several of us enjoyed coffee, cappuccinos, and a favorite, the mochachino. Most of the staff understood and spoke English, an indication to us that English speaking visitors are common in this area. The look of the city was quite different from what we have seen the last several days. It was a little tourist village tucked into the mountains with cobblestone streets, beautiful landscapes and quaint little shops. We noticed several tourists and what we thought might be study abroad students in the streets and markets.
Please spiders don’t crawl into my suitcase….
Guatemala 2011 Mission Trip
from Tamara Garvey
6:34 am
Bob the spider is muerte. (Sadness!) Stephen is triste that his ninja reflexes kicked in when Bob jumped out of his shoe….thus ending Bob’s time in Guatemala.
8:03am
Breakfast of eggs, fried bananas, toast and most importantly COFFEE! Israel teaches the team a VBS song in Spanish then we return the favor with a rousing round of “Tootie-ta” ;). Nathan, inspired by the musical start to our morning continued to channel his inner Rock Star on the drive to Palencia.
Wednesday in Guatemala
Guatemala 2011 Mission Trip
From Dr. Renee Brown
After breakfast with Tony the Tiger the entire team headed for Tecpan, picking up the faculty from The University of Mariano Galvez on the way. The scenery was beautiful – including volcanoes, farm land, and indigenous people. We visited the JT foundation clinic in Tecpan.
The visit started with watching videos of the work that the foundation is doing with the children and families with disabilities. It was incredibly inspiring to see how they went into the communities and mountains to seek out those with disabilities as often these individuals are hidden by their families. We were impressed with the creativity and ingenuity of the staff to do so much with so little.
Guatemala Day 3
Guatemala 2011 Mission Trip
Gloria Isaacks and JennaLynn Drake
We began our day with omelets filled with yummy peppers, served with delicious mangos, and Guatemalan Tang. The OT/PT teams went to the hospital while the nursing team went to McDonalds!!! (Actually, they got lost and made it to the hospital eventually.) While at the hospital, the OTs collaborated with 2 OT students from the university who are completing their thesis project on using music interventions in occupational therapy sessions to treat several children.
Sophia, a 6-year-old girl is being treated for postural instability of the trunk and neck, and is working on developing functional grasp. Gloria provided stimulating music with a strong pulse to gain Sophia’s attention, facilitate lateral flexion, and provide proprioceptive input. Tamara provided support to help Sophia extend her trunk and flex her neck.
Day 2 in Guatemala
Guatemala 2011 Mission Trip
from Stephen Dawson Graham
This morning we woke up bright and early to a great breakfast of pancakes, bacon, papaya and pineapple. Then we headed over to a local children’s hospital to help work with the patients there. We split up into teams by discipline: OT, PT and nursing.
Hello Guatemala!
Guatemala 2011 Mission Trip
From Julianne Russell and Amanda Woodall
We’re here!!! We all met bright and early on Sunday morning at the airport. During our short layover in Atlanta, all 13 of us joined in on a dynamic new card game called “AWESOME,” then we departed to our destination of Guatemala. After de-boarding the plane, we were met by our amazing hosts Kevin, Claudia, and Steven. Once we were all packed up into the van, we pursued our first priority – LUNCH. Our hosts directed us to Tacontento, where we enjoyed the most fantastic guacamole and strawberry cream cheese filled chimichangas. We were both delighted and slightly intimidated by the large, colorful pinadas hanging overhead.
Health Science Students, Faculty and Alums Head to Guatemala for Mission Trip
2011 Mission Trip to Guatemala
For the fifth consecutive year, Belmont University’s Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences & Nursing will be sending a team of health professionals and students to Guatemala for a Christian service project. This year’s trip will occur during the university’s spring break, March 6 – 12.
The mission trip was originated in 2007 by students in the School of Physical Therapy. Since then, students and staff from the other allied health disciplines in the College have joined the annual effort. Last year, a multidisciplinary medical team of 36 travelled to Guatemala City, where they taught at a Christian high school serving one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods and at a local university, served over 400 individuals at a soup kitchen each evening, and helped treat and immunize patients at several area clinics.
Support the Upcoming Guatemala Mission Trip
Once again this year, a group of students from the School of Physical Therapy, the School of Occupational Therapy, and the School of Nursing will be traveling to Guatemala over Spring Break for a missions trip. They are currently selling Christmas Ornaments as one of their fundraisers. They are for a wonderful cause and would be the perfect addition to your Christmas tree or make a great gift. They are only $8 and all the money goes towards the missions trip. Feel free to email Lacey Little at lacey.l.little@gmail.com with any questions.
Thank you for your prayers!
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
We are back in Nashville! We arrived late last night with two smooth flights. We appreciate all of your prayers and support through this incredible, unforgetable trip to Guatemala City. We will try to get some pictures up so that all of you can see what we have been up to. God bless.
Ahhhhh! (screams from 219 ft above the coffee fields)
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
Buenos Dias! Today is the day we head back to the states. It is beautiful here this morning after a rainy night. Yesterday was a full day and we arrived back at the seminary late last night. We have met so many wonderful people here in Guatemala and it was sad to say our goodbyes yesterday at the Children’s hospital. One little boy found out that it was our last day there and wanted to sing for Linnea Jordan, a 2nd year PT student, who had been working with him this week. He was shy about it, so he hid behind a curtain. So precious! We were able to see a case study of a patient with Guillen-Barre and were able to give suggestions as well as learn the exercises and treatments they were applying. After many goodbyes to both the patients and the PTs, OTs, and nurses at the hospital we headed to Antigua. Antigua is a beautiful city in Guatemala with many shops and colorful buildings. We drove to a coffee plantation in Antigua.
A note from the nurses: Emergencia!
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
from: Natalie Eaton, Megan Oakley & Beth Higney
Hello from the nurses! Sorry we haven’t updated lately, we couldn’t get to the computer last night but hope we got your attention with the title. No, there was no emergency but we did spend Thursday working in the emergency room at the Children’s Hospital.
After utilizing the translator we were able to meet with the director of the hospital and arrange the opportunity for us to work in the pediatric emergency room on Thursday. The translator was so helpful and made it possible for us to finally express how much we really want to help. Yesterday was the first day that we were asked to really jump in and “do” something. I think it took a couple of days for them to warm up to us and really see how much we know and how much we really can help. The nursing roles here are a bit different compared to the states. For example, nurses do not do any assessments on the patients; in fact, we have yet to see one use a stethoscope. Luckily, we had a translator and one of the doctors in the ER spoke English. We were able to help with assessments and initial diagnosis as the patients came in. We administered medications, started IVs, and drew blood. Like we stated earlier, things are done a little bit different here but it is interesting to see how their hospital units function.
Today’s theme: Surprise (times 50)
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
Today was filled with many surprises. We had many schedule changes and had to be flexible.
Physical Therapy
Today, one group went to the Children’s Hospital and the other group went to the Shalom School and the University. The group at the Children’s Hospital had a very productive day again. Today was tennis day in PT which was very interesting and fun (and HOT!!!!!). A tennis professional came in and worked with the kids to increase their hand eye coordination. We asked and were allowed to have the two boys with Guillen-Barre participate while standing to increase their strength and endurance. We also asked if these two could stop using their wheelchairs altogether, and the therapists agreed to give it a try.
“Lift as you climb”
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.
“No more Chanel bags for Bill or Angelina Jolie”
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
So Mom’s not much luck on staying healthy today but all sickly individuals have bounced back and feel much better as of now… We are hoping it stays that way.
Today the groups splint into teams one traveling to the Children’s Hospital and the other going to the Shalom School, the University, and the soup kitchen.
The individuals who went to the Children’s Hospital splint up into their specific disciplines. In the OT clinic students worked hands on with a group of children working on sensory stimulation. They used rice, coffee beans, and different textures of cloth as sensory tools. The students and practitioners observed Guatemalan OTs evaluating a patient with severe CP with multiple serious medical issues. Once the evaluation was complete the Guatemalan OTs asked the students and practitioners for suggestions. The differences in techniques were evident but both were open to communication and excited to learn from one another.
“Back that bus up!”
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
To start our day we had a delicious breakfast and headed on the school bus to the Children’s Hospital. Once we arrived at the hospital the guard was not sure if he could let us through the gate. After 10 minutes of blocking all traffic we ended up backing through 8 lanes of traffic (traveling both ways) needless to say anyone in the 8 lanes of traffic was late to work… BEEEEEP is all we heard!! Although passengers were very worried we made it through safely with no casualties.
We made it!
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
Just a quick little blog as we drive down the roads of Guatemala City. We have all arrived safe and sound after an EARLY morning, very long layover in Miami, and a adventurous landing in the rain. We are on the way to take a tour of the Shalom Surgery Center. More to come later!!
An early morning start
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
Thirty two somewhat blurry eyed healthcare professional and students met at the Nashville International Airport in the wee hours of the morning to begin their week long trip to provide heathcare and training in Guatemala. This years’ multidisciplinary team consists of nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathologist. By 5 am everyone was checked in with their luggage and supplies including orthotics, gloves, masks, casting supplies, (and lots of Belmont T-shirts!). After a layover in Miami, they should arrive in Guatemala this afternoon. Good luck Team!!!!
Guatemala Missions Trip 2010
2010 Mission Trip to Guatemala
On Sunday, we leave for Guatemala City, Guatemala for the 2010 Guatemala Missions Trip. There are a total of 32 students and clinicians going on the trip this year in a variety of fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and nursing. For a handful of students going, it will be their first time out of the U.S. We are excited for this wonderful opportunity to serve others and we appreciate all of the support and prayers as we travel almost 1500 miles.
Safely Home
2009 Mission Trip to Guatemala
The Team arrived back in Nashville safe and sound in the early hours of Sunday morning. We had a fabulous trip. We are grateful for all the prayers and support and well wishes throughout the trip. We were so blessed by the experience and hope that we were able to contribute to the people of Guatemala in some small way.
Saying Hasta Luega
2009 Mission Trip to Guatemala
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We went back to the hospital on Friday morning to say goodbye to the staff. We had the opportunity to see the children again and help with their treatments. The OTs had an interesting experience. In Guatemala, when it is someone’s birthday, they set off firecrackers. So, Friday must have been someone’s birthday because firecrackers went off close to the OT room, but the OT students thought it was gun fire and they all “hit the deck”. After they realized that it was firecrackers, the staff and the students all had a good laugh! After that, the OT students and staff discussed the similarities and differences in their schooling and professional careers. They talked about using their resources and being creative to make whatever they need for therapy without funding.
The PTs treated some of the patients again, and then had a “goodbye” party with their new amigas and colleagues. They made traditional Guatemalan snack for us: tostadas. Our speech therapist, Gwen, fed a baby who was usually taking an hour and a half to eat. With Gwen’s help, the baby was eating in 20 minutes. The mother was so grateful! It was a great morning.
In the afternoon, we went to Antigua for “retail therapy” (tourism). Finally, we went to the Casa Santa Domingo for dinner. This restaurant is inside the monastery and hotel, where you must make reservations a year in advance to stay there. It was a perfect end to a beautiful week!
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Thursday’s Adventures
2009 Mission Trip to Guatemala
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Thursday, March 12, 2009 – One group went to the school. We talked and played with the children. Then we talked with the 10th graders about making goals (spiritual and educational), PT and OT, Health (how to stay clean and abstinence), and the benefits of exercise. We had them answer questions and tried to get them to practice some of the exercises we taught, but they were shy.The other group went to work at the hospital with the physical and occupational therapists. We got to see several precious children during occupational therapy treatments. We also had the opportunity to make a splint for one of the kids. The physical therapists and students were able to see great progress with one of the kiddos that is really trying so hard to learn to walk. It is really hard to see so many kids with such severe disabilities. The therapists here really do the best they can with what they have. Then we went to the hospital with the rest of the group for lunch and informative talks. This time, the Guatemalans taught us about some genetic disorders that they’ve seen (one of these genetic disorder babies came in, having no left pectoral muscles, club left hand and both feet, and no facial expression even when he cries). Our OTs taught about sensory integration and the huge importance of intertwining the multiple fields of therapy (PT with OT with speech therapy). After that, we went to the soup kitchen for the last time. I think that we all have stories about how the people at the soup kitchen have touched our lives, but last night some people were especially touched by how 4 or 5 of our team members worked together to make a sling for a young lady with a broken arm out of a t-shirt from one of our members because that was all we had with us at the time. We just wanted to stabilize it until she could go to the doctor.
Today was a breakthrough day in connecting with people and seeing God’s hand at work in us and them. |
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Just Pictures
2009 Mission Trip to Guatemala
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A Day of Change
2009 Mission Trip to Guatemala
Today the group that has been going to the hospital in the morning instead went to the university to take a tour and get more information about the physical therapy program. The other group that was at the Shalom School yesterday went to the hospital this morning. The group that went to the hospital was able to see some great collaboration between our PT’s and PT students and the Guatemalan PT’s and PT students. Today Judi, a PT from Vanderbilt, assisted a blind young child in walking. This patient was walking before we came to Guatemala but the PT’s were having a hard time figuring out the best way to assist him. With some great collaboration between all people involved he was able to walk.
Then there was a young boy that was using a walker incorrectly and again we were able to help the therapist by correcting the height of the walker and helping to improve his posture. Then we were able to experience and assist in a dance therapy class with patients in wheelchairs. We learned some dance moves and were spinning the children around in their chairs. It was a powerful, inspirational experience where we were able to see the children truly happy. There was a part of the class where we closed our eyes and just held the hand of the patient that we were dancing with and tried to connect just by touch, it was an amazing experience that touched all of us more than we could have expected. After the dance class we attended a lecture on malnutrition where we learned that over 80% of children in Guatemala are malnourished. The time today at the hospital was exciting and very encouraging because the knowledge that we have can be shared with others.
Our group was able to go and visit the university again. I was really impressed with their program that sends them t o rural areas in Guatemala. This experience challenges them as a PT and helps them grow as a person. Many of them have to travel through the countryside to help fellow countrymen that have never had PT before in their life. We were also able to go to the soup kitchen again and we served over 500 people last night. Our group felt more comfortable working with the staff and talking to the people that came through the door. Each time we have worked there I am touched by the faces of the people. As we were leaving, our bus driver was able to talk to two women who had come out of the kitchen. He started to talk to them about Jesus and God used him to lead them to Christ. We were all very excited about this news. One of the women was 80 years old.
Sarah Jo and Rachel S.