Marvelous Monday

Today was such a productive day for our team of six at Padre Martinhos- our liaison said we were working at "warp speed" today. Katie and Amy began their day by going over all of the donations we brought with Hermano Juan- the director of the orphanage.

Katie then worked with two boys on their oral motor skills, observed their feedings, and calculated how much food each child eating via a feeding pump should be receiving. Jenny, the physical therapist, worked on positioning for a young man named Becker, trying to make him more comfortable, and finding a second position he could be in besides lying in his bed.

She worked on wheelchairs and fitted AFO's for some other residents. Melissa helped photograph positions so we can leave visual reminders for the nannies, helped calculate feeding amounts, and photographed everyone else's work. Amy spent the morning working with Moises to teach him how to identify and write the letters of the Spanish alphabet.

The afternoon was spent going through the toys and therapeutic equipment that already exists at Padre Martinhos with Trisha. The ladies brainstormed how to present these resources to volunteers that come in to the home and desire to do something interactive and beneficial for the children. Trisha's morning included working with the two babies and joining Majesca for music time. Majesca did a small, three person music group to start the day, then worked with individuals for the rest of our time at Padre Martinhos. Some team highlights included how receptive and excited the Peruvian Physical Therapist was to us, our ideas, and our equipment, getting some awesome smiles and giggles, and learning how to fix a hydraulic wheelchair!

What a wonderful weekend!

Hello BRIGHT Supporters! We are wrapping up our weekend here in Lima, and wanted to take a few moments to let you know what we've been up to down here in the southern hemisphere. Our plane landed safely around 6am yesterday (Saturday), and after a leisurely breakfast, we went straight to Padre Martinhos. The therapists were able to sort their donations, meet the children, and begin some work! Majesca did some one-on-one music therapy with a few of the boys, while Trisha got to know the little ones. Jenny, our physical therapist, put together a hoyer lift, put together a child's stander, AND got everyone measured for AFO's (What a rockstar!). Melissa observed how the feedings were implemented, calculated the children's weights and heights to plan a feeding regimen (and took the amazing pictures below). Amy began working with a little boy named Sebastian on basic academic concepts, like letter identification and object labeling. Sunday is a day of rest for the children at Padre Martinhos, and since they don't allow visitors, we were able to experience Lima. After shopping at the local market, we had lunch oceanside. We then embarked on a three hour bus tour of Lima, Peru. We saw different parts of the city, and was able to tour the cathedral of San Francisco (and their catacombs).

We saw embassies, the presidential palace, parks, and more.

Dinner was on the go, as we had to get to a 7:30 church service. The service resembled a denominational "mega church" with about 3000 people, a very loud (and awesome) worship band, and a message (translated into ear buds for us English-speakers). We are now back at the hotel, ready to rest up for a week of therapy! Please check back in tomorrow to see what we were able to accomplish! *Good night*