Happy Halloween

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.