GOT Ministries for Independence Independence is the goal of so many and absolutely at the center of Occupational Therapy. On Friday, September 15th, Guatemala celebrated their independence from Spain that occurred in 1821. Unfortunately, it was met with further government-directed denial of rights. The Guatemalan people were told they could not celebrate Independence Day with parades or raising of the flag due to major political unrest. The people persevered and celebrated their national holiday with music, pride and a deep love for their country. It was a beautiful day to be a part of! I cannot help but think about the INDEPENDENCE of the children we serve as I watched Guatemala celebrate this week. As Occupational Therapists, the independence, quality of life and accomplishment of goals are the center of everything we do. As Guatemala celebrated their INDEPENDENCE, I wanted to celebrate the INDEPENDENCE that we support and facilitate in the children we love and serve. In Occupational Therapy many people struggle with INDEPENDENCE. Sometimes like the Guatemalans during their Independence Day, people with disabilities are denied their rights, and told that they cannot celebrate or value their accomplishments. Children with special needs here in Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala are seen to have no value and no possibility of INDEPENDENCE. Due to the culture, regarding people with special needs, Occupational Therapy services are even more important to assist individuals participating in meaningful activities. We have a unique skill set and position to not only make a difference in the education of these children, but in their daily lives. We, as Occupational Therapists, help modify tasks and teach adaptive techniques to support our clients to accomplish their goals, dreams and especially their INDEPENDENCE! We at GOT Ministries strive to love, serve and help the children at New Life School daily. We assist our students to move one step closer to finally have a chance to say THIS IS MY INDEPENDENCE DAY, I am INDEPENDENT and I want to CELEBRATE the obstacles I have overcome! 'I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.' -Philippians 4:13
0 Comments
It is hard to explain how beautifully the Lord works during our time in Guatemala. We have been to the school only twice so far and WOW! We received the most graceful, grateful, joyful welcome from the kiddos and faculty alike. To be welcomed here is such a privilege and such a blessing. We have worked hard to be a part of the community and serve the people in ways they desire and need. After 6 years of continued prayer, relationship building, and God's provision, we have become a part of the New Life team and the community of Santa Maria de Jesus. We were welcomed before we even arrived at the school! Damaris is a beautiful child of God who we have had the pleasure of working with since Megan's first trip. On our way to school the first day up the mountain, Damaris saw us in the streets of Santa Maria outside of the market. She came to us with the biggest most amazing smile, full of joy, and of course the warmest of hugs. It is such a blessing to be here; it is OVERWHELMING. Melanie also got to experience the outpouring of love these children share from their abundance the Lord offers them. The little girls of the school were so excited to touch her face, love on her, and know more about her! It is so strange how we come with the desire to love and serve these children, but in reality, God pours out His love for us through them more than we can imagine! We have 5 children on our outpatient schedule already-the parents have been showing up at our door asking for therapy for their kiddos wanting to get on our schedules! What a blessing to be a part of this amazing community of God's people. Our God is so good, so faithful, and so OVERWHELMING with his love. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” - Revelations 3:20 We are not Jesus, but we desire to be Jesus' hands and feet every day. We came to Guatemala waiting for an opportunity to serve. The Guatemalan people are opening the door, giving us the beautiful opportunity to sit and eat with them. Through this, we can love and serve the people of Santa Maria by providing therapy services. Thank you to our partners for supporting us in the GIFT that is GOT Ministries. Admeth, from Northern Arizona University, will be partnering with GOT Ministries to serve our kiddos in February. He needs your help! My name is Admeth Vargas; I was born and raised in Fresno California. I was drawn into health care from an early age, born into a family of migrant agriculture laborers; the rehabilitation field was both respected and profoundly feared. I witnessed fear within my community and wanted to understand the body so as to dispel the irrational trepidation. As a therapist, I hope to improve the community perception of occupational therapy and utilize my training to help the quality of life of others. My studies of the human body have challenged me in such a way that no other field could offer, and yielded rewards even greater as I have the opportunity to have a lasting impact on the people I encounter on my journey. My experiences have taught me that this remarkable profession of Occupational Therapy goes far beyond the bounds of diagnosis and treatment: it is devotion to a life of teaching, continuous learning, and sacrifice, but most important of all, service is a commitment I have accepted. I anxiously await the day I may immerse myself in the study of therapy and patient care among like-minded and compassionate peers.
Click below and CLICK THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND to give and help Admeth in serving our children with special needs in Guatemala. Melanie will be serving with GOT Ministries starting next week, 9/6/17, for 12 weeks at the New Life School. We are so excited to have her; her passion for others and the Lord will serve our kiddos well. She is a lovely addition to the GOT Ministries OT team from Maryville University. Welcome, Melanie! Stay tuned for stories of her adventures and work with GOT Ministries!
Read more about her and her passions below! |
Categories
All
Archives
December 2019
|