Hola! Mary and Madison checking in after lunch. We had a wonderful morning and met awesome people. First we visited Fundabien, an NGO that provides services for children with disabilities as well as a few adults. Upon arrival, Megan befriended a young boy who was there waiting to see the doctor with his parents. Sean happened to have a beanie baby bear that Megan used to entertain the little boy! Soon everyone gathered around to play with the boy and he loved the attention! Soon after, we started our tour led by the doctor at the facility. The facility was surprisingly advanced and very comparable to what we see in the United States. The facility was not large and did not have many resources but the doctor said they humbly try to help everyone they can. There were many different rooms for different therapies-speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education. We learned about a new therapy technique used by the speech pathologist that was so simple yet very effective and easy to apply in one's home. This was a box filled with confetti and covered with tulle that children would blow on and make the confetti move all around; this was used to improve linguistic abilities. Next we entered an occupational therapy room and saw a nine year old girl, Ema, who was missing parts of both her arms slightly above the elbow as well as her leg. They were amputated upon birth. She acquired quite the fan base among us! All of the sudden, she took off her shoe on the foot she still had, took out markers, and started drawing a flower with her foot..better than most of us..(all of us). It was incredible!! Madison was especially moved by the abilities and beautiful, happy personality of this little girl since she is also missing part of her left arm below the elbow. Before we left, she asked the mom and Ema if she could take a picture with Ema, and she showed them that she was similar to her. They agreed. (Madison speaking): It was such an amazing moment for me. Her spunk, spirit, and determination reminded me so much of myself when I was her age. I gave her a hug after the picture, wished her good luck with all her endeavors, and had to leave as I was on the verge of tears! It was a beautiful beautiful experience for me❤️

While we were leaving, Lauren smiled at a baby and the mom thrust the baby into her arms! Sean also left the toy bear with the little boy to keep. It was a fantastic visit! 

After this, we went to Landivar University, a Jesuit university in Xela. They greeted us with extreme kindness and gave us a tour of their school. We saw the chapel, their classrooms, and the library. The technology at the school was very advanced and modern, the microscopes in the labs put Alter Hall to shame, in look and in odor (they didn't smell like cats)! We then sat in an auditorium and mingled with other students our age. We watched videos about the school and they gave us a gift bag with a t-shirt, a pen, and a keychain! After this we all got a picture with the students and the faculty, and of course threw up the X; the Guatemalan students were confused but went along with it anyways. Then we had leftover time to continue talking with students and viewing the school and taking selfies, of course. After this we returned to the school and headed back to our host homes for a delicious lunch and great conversation. 

Check back for another post tonight! Adios!