We are thankful for our dedicated OT students!

Sydney, another dedicated GOT Ministries student 

To say that our occupational therapy (OT) students are a big part of our mission is an understatement. That is why we are so intentional about who we accept into our ministry.  We have been so blessed by 4 incredible OT students so far from various Universities around the US, who have given their all to our work and to the children we serve in Santa Maria de Jesus.  
To say that they are different when they return from Guatemala is also an understatement.  These young graduate students go with many expectations and with various life views; when they return, they have matured greatly both personally and professionally.  These future professionals return to the states, with a new perspective and with a holistic view of what it means to serve their community through occupational therapy.  Our occupational therapy students have learned more about themselves through there partnership with GOT and service in Guatemala, so that when they do enter the professional world in the States, the service they will be providing is at a higher level. 

Sydney Marable has been no exception.  She returned to the states in the beginning of December after 3 months of service with GOT Ministries.  We are so grateful for her and her dedication to our kiddos.  She served 26 children, both students from New Life School and children from the community of Santa Maria de Jesus.  She provided 30 hours of direct service to the children on our caseload per week, seeing some children twice a week.  In addition to these hours spent with the children, she worked many hours preparing, documenting, and planning for her visits.  Our OT students work very hard and put in many hours to provide the best service that the children deserve.  We are beyond grateful for their service, and our opportunity to invest in their learning and development.  GOT Ministries supervises their therapy services, teaches them all aspects of our service to the community of Santa Maria de Jesus, educates on the important cultural similarities and differences, as well as invests in their personal journey while serving in a third world country.  We have been so proud of the OT students who have returned after our partnership; they are making a difference in their work, and sphere of influence because of this life changing, and wonderful experience.  

Thank you to those who have made our partnerships possible; to those who help us to be on the ground in Guatemala truly serving and sharing the message of love and hope.  

​"I think the biggest impact has been on how I see myself. I feel more confident in my ability to be an Occupational Therapist but also to exist as myself. I feel stronger and more able to deal with challenges on my own"
-Sydney Marable
University of New Mexico
Served with GOT during Fall 2018

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