By Stephanie Irwin, PT, DPT
Lech Walesa stated, “The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to fellow human beings.” What a powerful statement. An act of service, big or small, sets in motion a hopeful state of mind and a connectedness beyond explanation.
It is this connectedness that drives my passionate zeal and makes me feel most alive in the world. From my neighborhood soup kitchen, to local hospitals, to catch up schools in Rwanda Africa, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve others in many different capacities around the world. In all of those opportunities, I have never come across a more genuine people than those I met in Guatemala.
In 2016 I traveled to Guatemala for the first time with a team of US clinicians with ATI Mission Works to provide rehab services at the Quique Cerón Foundación in Esquipulas, Guatemala and various cities throughout the region. When we first arrived in Esquipulas, I was immediately reminded of the mutual joy and true gift of genuine service to one another as human beings. From the moment our team piled out of the van we were warmly greeted and heartily embraced by a man named Quique and his mother, the founders of the clinic where we spent most of our time. Within a few short minutes after greetings of ‘Hola’, ‘Bienvenidos’, and ‘Gracias” (and of course multiple hugs), we were familia! The hospitality of Quique and Momma Cerón was unparalleled, but it didn’t stop there. Everyone we encountered extended generosity beyond expectation. Dinners at a neighbor’s home, dancing with locals before our community outreach presentation, salsa lessons with new friends, games with the children and nuns at the orphanage, breakfast and morning stories with Sister Dina….the list is endless. Our team expected and prepared to spend our time in Guatemala serving people in need of rehab care, but we quickly found that we were the recipients of an even greater service – love.
Acts of service transcend race, religion, age and culture. And a genuine act of service cannot truly be given without love for our fellow neighbor. As I prepare to return to Guatemala, I know that I am returning to a place I call home. Where love, kindness, and generosity will be given and reciprocated. Guatemala is one of many places that remind me that none of us could be where we are without the other, like the South African Ubuntu philosophy, “I am because you are.” To me, there is nothing more fulfilling or gratifying than witnessing the power of our ability to love one another.