Day 6

Today our group went to two sites beginning with Hogar Marina Guirola and ending at Amor Del Nino. Both homes for children were very different with a common theme: love. The love in both homes was almost palpable beginning with hugs from the sisters at Marina Guirola and ending with dinner time in a room full of infants having dinner. The first home catered almost exclusively to children born with special needs. These children demonstrated varying diagnoses ranging from Cerebral Palsy to severe Autism. There were only 15 children/young adults at Marina Guirola. Because of this, we felt like the caretakers were very attentive to each individual child. Every sister and tia really welcomed us and were open to our suggestions. They often put the need of the child over their tradition and set routines. This was really remarkable to witness. We even met a Physical Therapist at Marina Guirola that travels four hours each way to the childrens home. That is true dedication.
After we left Marina Guirola both groups met at Amor del Nino, which is the children's home that Steve and Shyrel run. This home has 50 children who are mostly typically developing. The majority of the children are newborns up to two years old. However, there are some older children who are waiting for their international adoptions to go through. They have been waiting since 2008 when the international adoption law changed. This is really sad, but at the same time each and every one of the children are being given such great care and love. One student asked Shyrel a question, "what is your favorite age group to work with?" To which Shyrel responded, "giving love to a child changes the shape of the brain." These are words to live by.
-Katie Finn, Occupational Therapist
-Annie Holubeck, Occupational Therapy Student.




Our group went to Anini which is a children's home with 65 children with severe mental and physical disabilities. The housing environment is different from the others such that they have six individual homes in which the children are grouped together based on their age, gender, and disability. Today we worked with children with cerebral palsy, autism, and cancer. We have many ideas for different therapy techniques; however the resources and staffing are very limited. This reminded us to be grateful for each small success, because even the smallest changes can enhance the children's quality of life. We were also reminded that everything is not a quick fix and change takes time. After an interesting day at Anini, Amor del Nino reminded us that loving the children can have a greater impact than any other therapy techniques we can provide.
~Kellie Tekulve, Occupational Therapy Student
~Valerie Hill, Occupational Therapist, Xavier Faculty
- Emily Mertz, Occupational Therapist, AKA The Ghost Writer