Martina

I had a heap of ideas and aspirations on what I wanted to achieve while here in Guatemala. God is teaching me some about my ways and His ways. I wanted to write about a girl Deborah and Dave take care of in their home. It is her birthday, so today seems to be the perfect time.

I was expecting to do a lot of nursing type things with my new RN license when I got to Guatemala. As it is, I have done 2 weekends of clinic work in Canilla, Quiche and one week with a medical team to some villages in Guatemala. Not as much experience being a nurse as I thought I would get. I was so excited about my novel abilities that I have not even really thought much about physical therapy. But I guess what I am expecting does not always happen.

Martina has just turned 13. She came from Canilla a couple years ago. She had been burned in a fire and also appears to have cerebral palsy. She struggles with daily tasks most of us do without thinking. She has difficulty walking and cannot talk. Some of her muscles have perpetually contracted muscles (spasticity), while others seem to have very little strength or coordination. She is at risk for many complications with regards to her muscles, bones, and due to her decreased mobility.

Recently (the last two weeks), I have begun working with more concentrated effort with Martina. We are working on improving her walking, increasing her communication with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and defining her fine motor skills.

Please pray for Martina that she will respond to teaching, “learn to talk and walk” as the kids pray at each meal, and that she will come to understand the love of her Savior.