This post authored by Jessica Holloway, an ATI physical therapist assistant in Westmont, IL, who recently traveled to Iquitos, Peru for ATI MissionWork’s 5th international mission.
I moved into my first apartment after my freshman year of college and everyday I read my neighbors bumper sticker. Live simply so others can simply live. Once in a while it would pop back into my head. The phrase was simple and true yet I couldn’t place a meaning with the words. Up until my mission trip they were just words. I fully understand their meaning now.
An Amazing Trip
This mission trip was more amazing, wonderful, and beautiful than I could have ever expected. Each person you met, despite their pain and struggles in life were more than happy to meet you, listen to you, learn from you, and were overly grateful.
What I saw, the conditions and lifestyles the people live in will change your view on life forever. The people of Peru live a very poverty stricken lifestyle without any idea that there is something else out there. I saw children and adults canoeing thru their flooded streets just to get to school, work, the market, or anywhere.
Why Iquitos, Peru?
After seeing the lifestyle that occurs after their winter/rainy season it made perfect sense as to why these people needed access to medical care. Because of the flooding, the water they drink, bathe, cook with, use as a restroom, and use for trash disposal is all one in the same. It is because of the inability for these people to easily access health care or gain knowledge about their living conditions is why they are in desperate need of help.
I felt more than honored to have a company who created a program to support me and make that happen. This mission trip allowed me to treat a multitude of patients; pediatrics, geriatrics, neuro, and orthopedic. It was so great to take patients and change their life in a meaningful way. Not only did we all get the opportunity to take away their pain with manual techniques but then being able to follow up with education and see that this was new information to them.
Life Changing Experience
My experience was a life changing one. I couldn’t walk back into my clinic that week and act like I hadn’t seen what I saw. I realized that there are huge demands all across the world, and I can do a little something everyday to make a change. Going on this mission trip changed my life and created a space inside me that wants to help and serve the world. I am already waiting for my next opportunity to sign up for my next mission trip.
About ATI Mission Works
ATI MissionWorks is an ATI Physical Therapy initiative that takes our practice and values beyond our communities and borders in order to provide high quality care and other services to those in need in developing countries. Staff from ATI Physical Therapy have participated in five ATI MissionWorks’ trips in 2012 and 2013.