learning how to lead

What a week! I spent this week working with occupational therapy assistance students from Wisconsin. The hearts in motion therapist who typically leads the mission trip teams with her husband was unexpectedly unable to lead because of a family emergency. So I stepped into more of a leadership position alongside our field director helping the group feel welcomed and well taken care of the entire week. Our week was packed full with five days of clinical work treating patients in our established clinics and pop up sites, visiting an elderly center, and unloading a container shipment from the states packed full of donations. We also had the chance to visit a basilica, waterfall, and spend the weekend in Antigua.

It was interesting to see the difference between how the OTA students treated patients in comparison to the PT students I worked with at the beginning of March. The OTA students’ sessions were more focused on talking with the patients about activities of daily living they find challenging and providing education and equipment to make those activities more adaptable. I also observed more stretching, kinesiotaping, and splinting. While I prefer working with PT groups this week was a great opportunity for me to grow my understanding of OT as our professions often work closely in clinical settings. 

Helping lead this team taught me so much more than I anticipated… 

• leading is all about them and not at all about what you want
• it’s important to be available and involved 
• a good leader is a good listener 
• first be their friend 
• set the tone that no question is invaluable and there are never too many questions 
• it’s important to share your personal experience 
• step up when needed even if it’s uncomfortable for you  
• be their biggest cheerleader 
• Do Not forget what it was like when you were in their shoes
• treat everyone as equally worthy of attention and care

This week felt very full circle because I started my time here working with a team from the states and now I was ending my time with a team. It was such a tangible way to notice the ways I’ve grown from my knowledge about hearts in motion, spanish skills, confidence in working with patients, and understanding of Guatemalan culture. I brought the group to my favorite crepe restaurant their last night in Antigua (the same spot I went to for the first time as a freshman in college with the Belmont team). It absolutely amazes me to think of how the Lord was scheming that many years ago. The shy anxious freshman I was then could have never imagined that she would be back at Luna de Miel as a leader of a team living and serving in Guatemala before PT school. And that is exactly why life with Christ is an adventure His plan is always better than anything I could have ever constructed. 

As challenging as it was to give this week, I discovered a renewed joy in getting to share my love for Guatemala. Caring for so many different patients reminded me of my mission here and my love for PT. And embracing the little moments like dancing in the rain, learning bachata, playing cards, and swimming in the river reminded me of the importance of letting go and laughing.