Today, a very small group of us (Sam, Ellen, Meagan, Carol, Renee, and Julie) went to Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. We suffered from pinches and hair pulls, a broken headband, and three bites, all from one really cute kid. Although we were only there for about 6 ½ hours, it felt like a very LONG day because there is absolutely nothing to entertain the kids, other than a ball pit (not the easiest thing to get into when you’re in a wheelchair though). We can’t even imagine what life is like for the children there because there is little for stimulation or meaningful occupation. Many of the children turn to picking on one another for attention. The caretakers are calm and attentive to the basic needs of the children. This makes for an environment far different than anything we have seen before.
Before arriving to the orphanage, many of the children that we saw had suffered from severe neglect, malnourishment, and different types of abuse. While handling one of the most severe cases today, we successfully made the child laugh and enjoy himself for a short period of time, making the other things we faced today completely worth it.
Sam (student)
Meagan (student)
Ellen (student)
Our day began with fireworks at 3:18 a.m. It was explained to us that the fireworks were set off to celebrate Father’s Day, which is today in Guatemala. Ryan’s roommate Rolando told him that the civil war had begun again, but this was only a joke! Eighteen of us worked today at Misioneros del camino. In the out-patient sensorial clinic, we saw eight children and offered suggestions to both the two in-house occupational therapists and the parents of the children. We worked with several children with autism and Down syndrome, as well as children with neurological issues. After consulting with the therapists and parents, we worked on the biggest concerns that they had regarding the children. I spent the day interpreting for therapists, taking notes and photographs of the children as they worked with our therapists, and working with the students to prepare therapy plans on each child. The plans included photos and instructions. They were printed and left for each family in order for them to follow-up on our suggestions at home. All plans were also copied to the director’s flash drive and will be placed in each child’s records.
We were very impressed by the organization of the director and the professionalism of the staff at this facility. It includes a school, an out-patient clinic and a home for children. Gabby was so happy to see all of the toys and therapy equipment. Experiencing such a facility where the children are stimulated was a rewarding ending to our journey of service for the orphanage homes we have visited in Guatemala. It is gratifying to see families that are so interested and involved in the care of their children. The wheelchair team provided modifications and/or new wheelchairs to 7 children. The “resources” (i.e.: parts, materials, supplies) became slimmer with each chair throughout the day. Our week of work has been worthwhile and will influence each of us for the rest of our lives.
Several of the students spent a few minutes in Antigua at the end of the day before dinner.
Gabby (student)
Diane (faculty)
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