slowing down

Hola desde Gualan y el centro de nutritición! I am settling in to life at the nutrition center and physical therapy clinic here in Gualan. After the busy weeks with teams, I was so grateful for a slower pace of life. Something I have grown to love about Guatemalan culture is what they call “Guatemalan time”. Guatemalan time merely means things begin simply when people are ready. There is no sense of urgency or an agenda. At first this was challenge for me, back home it felt like everyone has a personal agenda places to be at certain time appointments events. I was used to a busy schedule penciling in all the details of my day into my loved google calender. But at the center I have to simply surrender to whatever the day will be which can be such a challenge for my schedule oriented brain. Regardless, this change is teaching me an invaluable lesson on being present to the person and to the work in front of me which is an incredibly freeing feeling.

Working in the PT clinic three times a week does give me some sense of structure which makes my heart happy. To be honest the work is different than what I anticipated because I am learning the way PT is practiced here in Guatemala can differs in some ways than in the States. There is a heavy emphasis on the use of modalities in PT session (ice, heat, TENS, ultrasound). More than 50% of a session could be made of modalities which leaves less room for one on one movement with a patient which is my favorite aspect of PT. However, I feel very grateful for my relationship with the PT I am working with and trust that as I learn more my responsibilities will grow in the clinic.

On the days I do not have clinical work, I help out in the nutrition center which can look different everyday- painting a display, paperwork, helping in the kitchen, and watching the kids. Everyday, I have to learn how to surrender to the needs of the center.

Finally, the biggest blessing are my growing friendships! There are 3 teenagers who live at the center who I am grateful for… this week we went swimming, exercised, learned a dance, and played cards. The 4 kids in the nutrition center always make me smile… we eat every meal together and their faces are always covered in frijoles (beans) by the end haha. And I am grateful for the staff (directors, caregivers, cooks)… the director hosted me at her home for a night which was so sweet. I feel so spoiled by all the women who run the center. One of my favorite moments from the week was one of the women teaching me how to sew a bag (they have a sewing program for the mothers at the center).