Authored by: Desirae Tinsley
When I chose to volunteer for the ATI Global Reach program, my goal was to help as many people as I could in as little time as possible. Growing up, I traveled the world because of my parents’ service in the military, which molded my love for travel as long as I can remember. Joining Global Reach gave me the opportunity to experience another culture for the first time.
I had so many thoughts running through my mind before the trip; would I be able to understand them since I’m not fluent in Spanish? Would they be receptive of my help? What would I see that I haven’t seen in my years of practice? All these expectations and questions pondered my mind before and on the way to Guatemala. I thought to myself; I have a lot to offer, I hope Guatemala is ready for me. To my surprise, I had no idea that I wasn’t ready for what Guatemala had in store for me: the memories, the experiences, the teachings, the culture.
Guatemala is a country where healthcare isn’t at an easy disposal as it is in the United States. Upon my arrival, I learned that patients lie in hospital beds until the family can raise enough money to pay for the surgeries. Those same families also have to obtain and pay for the hardware necessary for the surgery. Unfortunately, we rehabbed more than enough patients that had hardware too big for their bodies. Not to mention, we treated multiple children with birth defects due to the lack of proper nutrition and education during pregnancies.
Healthcare is scarce and the people of Zacapa, Guatemala pray for the necessities they need just to live. There are no high paying jobs and residents travel far and wide by foot or caravan to obtain any source of healthcare. Being part of a team that was able to provide that assistance to them was truly a rewarding feeling. I thought that my years of training would be a huge contribution to help others, but I had to conjure up creative ways to improvise for the lack of equipment in order to help patients achieve their goals in an hour or less to get them back to their lives.
I was shocked by how grateful the residents of Zacapa were with what I felt was little knowledge. The patients, families and children were grateful for our time and the services we provided to help them continue living functional lives. Despite the poverty of the country, everyone I came in to contact with in Zacapa had something bigger for me to experience and take home – perspective and gratitude. You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive tools to help someone.
I learned that the most important things we could offer the people of Guatemala were knowledge, time and a heart to give 110%. I never thought that physical therapy would take me out of the country to treat, but I am beyond thankful to have the opportunity.
Thank you Guatemala for allowing me to be immersed in the culture and giving me things that can never be taken away through this experience; your smiles, your language, your gratitude, memories and a perspective to appreciate the most minuet things in life.
I thank ATI Global Reach and the HIM teams for having the largest hearts to give and allowing me to go along for the ride! Dios te Bendiga; ahora y siempre.