October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween everyone! We had a very busy day today but as they tell you in Guatemala, patience and flexibility are very important virtues! This morning, we met bright and early to drive into Guatemala City to Funda Biem, the largest privately funded multidisciplinary rehab center in Central America. There are 24 total sites with the largest in Guatemala Center. We had expected to work with the PTs there, but unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding and we were only allowed to tour since we were not cleared by the director. However, we received an excellent tour and viewed PT, OT, and speech therapy in action. Kids are seen every 30 minutes for all disciplines. We also got to compare and contrast our educational system as compared to theirs as our interpreters were 2 PT students in their 1st year of school. Their system allows them to learn about all 3 areas during their 4 years of college. The place was very well funded. They receive their primary support from a National telethon every year. We were going to go there again on Friday to actually work, however, the staff is going to go to a seminar.
This afternoon, we loaded a large pickup with donated clothes and drove about 30 minutes to another city for a clothing distribution drive. We assisted moms to pick out several items for themselves and their kids. So, all of your donated clothing goes to a great cause! It is amazing to pick out things for people we would probably never wear and give it to someone who smiles and hugs you with joy.
Tomorrow our plans have changed and we are going to go to a nearby village to watch the kites. This is a traditional celebration for All Saits Day.
I will post more pictures tomorrow as it is already late now.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
We Made It!
Hi all,
This very road weary group finally made it to Guatemala City at 5:00am today. 3 plane changeovers; 5 hrs in Denver and 3 in LA (exhausting), no lost luggage (a miracle) and 6 of us bumped to 1st class...Priceless!
We arrived in time at the Dreamer Center to view a graduation ceremony at the school for the 1st and 6th graders - they now have a 2 week break prior to summer session. CUTE kids. Patrick Atkinson happened to be there so he assisted in the orientation. After 6 trips, I am continually amazed at all the wonderful work they do and how the program continues to grow and prosper.
This afternoon, we boarded our tour bus to a nearby village called San Antonio and viewed a presentation by a group of indigenous Mayan women on the traditional customs, weaving/textiles, and the making of torillas/coffee and pepian (a traditional soup). It was wonderful for us all to learn about the very rich tradition and culture of this very colorful group of people and certainly helps us to understand a little more of their lifestyle prior to observing and mingling with them over the next 2 weeks.
We are going to have an early night tonight as we are picked up at 6:30am to go to an outpatient pediatric physical therapy center in the am and a clothing distribution drive in the pm. Should be another very exciting day.
This very road weary group finally made it to Guatemala City at 5:00am today. 3 plane changeovers; 5 hrs in Denver and 3 in LA (exhausting), no lost luggage (a miracle) and 6 of us bumped to 1st class...Priceless!
We arrived in time at the Dreamer Center to view a graduation ceremony at the school for the 1st and 6th graders - they now have a 2 week break prior to summer session. CUTE kids. Patrick Atkinson happened to be there so he assisted in the orientation. After 6 trips, I am continually amazed at all the wonderful work they do and how the program continues to grow and prosper.
This afternoon, we boarded our tour bus to a nearby village called San Antonio and viewed a presentation by a group of indigenous Mayan women on the traditional customs, weaving/textiles, and the making of torillas/coffee and pepian (a traditional soup). It was wonderful for us all to learn about the very rich tradition and culture of this very colorful group of people and certainly helps us to understand a little more of their lifestyle prior to observing and mingling with them over the next 2 weeks.
We are going to have an early night tonight as we are picked up at 6:30am to go to an outpatient pediatric physical therapy center in the am and a clothing distribution drive in the pm. Should be another very exciting day.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Anticipation October 26, 2007
Greetings,
After months of planning, 13 3rd year University of Mary DPT students and I are eagerly awaiting our service learning experience to Guatemala. This is the 6th annual trip the PT students have taken in collaboration with the GOD's CHILD Project. Please view the GCP website http://www.gcpnc.org/ to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the wonderful work that they do. We will be taking off on Oct 29 from Bismarck and will be arriving in Guatemala City on Tuesday Oct 30 at 5:00am. Please check back periodically as we journal our adventures.
After months of planning, 13 3rd year University of Mary DPT students and I are eagerly awaiting our service learning experience to Guatemala. This is the 6th annual trip the PT students have taken in collaboration with the GOD's CHILD Project. Please view the GCP website http://www.gcpnc.org/ to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the wonderful work that they do. We will be taking off on Oct 29 from Bismarck and will be arriving in Guatemala City on Tuesday Oct 30 at 5:00am. Please check back periodically as we journal our adventures.
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