Final Thoughts: Part One

Hello Friends and Family,

It's been a bit sad as we approach the end of this trip. I am writing this as we travel to Miami International Airport from Lima, Peru. On Friday night week, we said good bye to the friends we've made over the last two weeks. Our pastor/project director, interpreters, fellow PTs, and support staff were wonderful people to be around. Some spoke English quite well and others spoke English much like I speak Spanish - in one/two word sentences (i.e. "Muy Bien"). The whole time I couldn't help but think, Man, I wish I knew how to speak Spanish, cuz these cats are pretty cool. I hope that this experience will spurn many of us on to learn another language. Though most of us could only muster up a few canned Spanish phrases, I would argue that those brief interactions spoke louder than the Spanish words themselves.




Throughout our two weeks on this trip, all 9 of us experienced a patient(s) that tugged at our heart strings. Thursday last week was especially hard. Not only were patients arriving with physical pain. But there were several patients came to us with a feeling abandonment by their family. I will briefly share a story about a patient named Matilde:



Matilde showed up to our clinic in a wheel barrow... Yes, you read that right, a wheel barrow (for 8 years this had been her mode of transportation). At the age of 17 (21 years prior) she began to lose the ability to move her arms and legs. She spent 2 days in a hospital recovering from being in a short coma. When she woke up from her coma the doctor's told her something like this: We don't know what is wrong with you... so, uhhh... see ya later. They discharged her without imaging or a diagnosis. Eventually, her disease became so limiting that she couldn't tolerate being upright without passing out. So she had two options, lie on her back or lie on her stomach. During the day, the shallow wheel barrow allowed her to lie on her stomach. And at night her sister moved her to the bed where she would sleep on her back. She has not sat upright in 8 years. We measured her for a wheel chair that would gradually allow her to be reintroduced to sitting upright. She will receive this wheel chair later in the year. That was physically all we could do for Matilde. 

Time for healing prayer. We wanted this woman to walk. To no longer be confined to a wheel barrow. That is just inhumane. Alongside pastor Asdrubal Almador, we gathered around Matilde and her sister and prayed with her. Matilde is a follower of Christ and has leaned on him to find the strength to live everyday in such unfavorable conditions. As we prayed with Matilde for healing... nothing happened. So we kept praying. Still, nothing. Then, Asdrubal felt led by the Holy Spirit to ask, "Matilde, is there was anyone your life you need to forgive." 

Silence. 

Again: "Matilde, is there was anyone your life you need to forgive." We were met with silence once more as Matilde starred intently at the floor in a moment of reluctance and hesitation. I could related to her in that moment, its hard to admit you are holding onto a bit of resentment.

Asdrubal asked, "Matilde would you like your sister to leave the room?"

"Yes." Matilde nodded. She began to tear up and told us how her 6 other brothers and sisters abandoned her. Her 2 daughters abandoned her. Her brother-in-law had treated her poorly and hurt her in a way that she didn't disclose to us. She held the most resentment towards him. Asdrubal asked if she wanted to extend forgiveness and receive forgiveness all at the same time. As she did both, she described feeling a heavy burden being lifted from her. She was free. God wanted to heal Matilde that day; however, in a way we didn't see coming. This was a reminder to all of us that God, is so much more concerned with our heart. Yes, he performs physical miracles. But Jesus died and now lives in us for this very reason - he is after our hearts. Our basic need is to know the love of our Father. To know who and whose we are. Isaiah 43:1, "Do not fear... For I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name. You are mine." Only when we recognize this truth, might we have the foundation to experience physical healing.

Do you need healing today? Is your soul downcast? Do you have an illness that won't go away? Do you have circumstances that seem oppressive? Look to Jesus. He is he one who forgave the paralyzed man's sins and then healed him. 2000 years later, Jesus can do the same for you and me. He is the one who is lifting Matilde's burden so she can be free. Will you let him carry your burden?



Love,

The Peru Crew

P.S. If you feel led, prayers for Matilde and others like her who came to our clinic are ecouraged. Also, stay tuned for more on our trip to Machu Picchu and a wrap up of our trip.

Broken hearts - hope restored

Friends and family,

As the two weeks of treating patients comes to an end, there are lots of thoughts streaming through our heads. I think we'll take a few posts to wrap up our two weeks. 

Today (Thursday) was a heavy day emotionally. Days like today remind us that we aren't just physical therapists. We are God's humble vessels of hope to the broken hearted. are a few thoughts from Ron from today:

What can be said about today... so much pain filled the air and questions clouded the atmosphere. Some came for relief. Others for answers. Some for forgiveness. At times we found ourselves at a loss for words. We find ourselves looking for the answers that only God can provide. We hope to be that answer when we are merely the medium, not the catalyst. And that's difficult to swallow. It's hard to say "I don't know". It's even harder to say, "I can't help". 

Today I felt my heart was broken. My joy was shattered and I too felt pain. Helpless and lost in a sea of questions. But then I was reminded that it's not completely up to me to provide. In times like this I am responsible for bringing others closer to the word of Christ. It is in these times that I exit my role as a therapist and step into the role of missionary. My prayer becomes more powerful than my hands and my words more than my mouth. This lesson is one in which I will carry forward forever. 

Something I must remember is to never forget who sent us here. That God, first and foremost, deserves the praise. When the tide of torment is heavy, and we are weak, only He can provide the answer and the strength.

Continued prayers for the patients are encouraged. Prayers for our safe travels home are also appreciated. Stay tuned for more updates.

Blessings to you all,

The Peru Crew

Alabare a mi Señor

Hola Amigos!

Where to begin? Well, let's begin by translating the title of this post: All praises to my God. That's truly how we feel. From the people we've met/treated, to the meals we've eaten together, to the laughter and inside jokes, to devotionals in the morning - it's hard to miss God working in our lives. Here are a few of our favorite snapshots of God's grace here in Arequipa:

1. Walter (Ryan): This week, a man by the name of Walter came to us because of complications he was experiencing from his Parkinson's disease. Walter had been falling more often than usual and he was experiencing lots of anxiety due to his unsteadiness. Although strong as an ox, Parkinson's disease leaves Walter at a disadvantage because he cannot coordinate movement well. He also suffers from severe facial muscle resting tremors, these resting tremors are so severe that he has trouble uttering even the simplest of sentences. Walter has courageously battled this disease for 30 years.

Prior to being sidelined by Parkinson's Walter was an Olympic gymnast for the Peruvian national team. Walter made a living of perfecting balance, strength, and grace, and now he is struggling to stay upright. I cannot begin to imagine the frustration that brings. We taught Walter how to properly use his walker to walk, turn, sit and stand with confidence and steadiness. The improvement we saw was incredible. He was a fast learner and I imagine that ability stems from the ability God had given him as a gymnast. As we finished with Walter I was amazed at how a few tips made the world of difference in quality of life. Though we did not cure his Parkinson's disease, Walter received a part of his dignity back. He gained ownership of his quality of life. This is what PT can do in the Kingdom of God folks. I'm not done tho. 

The mission of MMI Peru is not just to address physical needs. If we did that we'd be selling our patients short. Can you imagine spending 30 years feeling like you are trapped in your own body? I can't. We need to address the how Jesus plays a role in all of this if we want to bring true healing. We prayed for Walter, and as we were praying I felt the heaviness of his burden. As we were praying, tears streamed down Walters face. They were tears of two origins: of pain and of joy. It was a joy that is only felt when someone comes alongside of you and says: I see your in pain. Let me sit with you in that pain. Let me acknowledge you are hurting. I won't offer you any conjured up empty phrases but offer you an open heart. Walter left the clinic that day with hope and a smile to boot.

Folks, tho God incarnate, Jesus was also human. He experienced hurt. He was crucified, separated from God, beared the weight of all our sin (sin hurts by the way, no wonder he was sweating blood in the garden of Gethsemane), wept for Lazarus, starved for 40 days... in the desert. He knows our pain. He knows what it feels like when Parkinson's is all you have known for 30 years. He knows what it's like to feel alone. He knows what it's like when you lose you spouse. He knows what it's like when depression knocks at your door and won't leave. I can't understand what it means to have Parkinson's. But Jesus can. Do you know some one who needs their pain ackowledged? Be Jesus' hands and feet, sit with them in their pain.

2. Soccer with the Peruvians: At the beginning of the week a few of us discussed that we wanted to play some soccer with some Peruvians. Well, this Friday, we got our chance. After we finished work for the day we played with some of the construction workers at the school. It was amazing to see two worlds collide. Though we spoke different languages it didn't matter because the language of soccer broke through. High fives, laughter, sweat, sportsmanship and a ball. We had a blast. Maybe we should have the olympics more often? Perhaps then the world might be a better place.

3. Gladys (Ron): What is greater than to receive a smile, to feel the joy of another light up the room. Not a day has passed where our treatment rooms were empty of joy and passion. When I first met Gladys she simply stated her diagnosis as pain everywhere in her body. Everything hurt. She had been dealing with the pain for years. What do we do? What was the root of this pain and how can we treat all of that in 30 minutes? Overwhelmed and resistant to failure, we began testing, mobilizing and questioning Gladys. By the end of the session her pain was gone and her motion was better. For the first time in a long time, she said, she was happier because she was in less pain.

As we bowed or heads to pray, tears began to escape her eyes as she lifted her hands in praise. Following our prayer, she too prayer, for us, the work we are doing, the lives we are touching and the impact we are having. She prayed for our safety, for our minds and for our hearts. Moments like this lift my spirits higher than the volcano of Misty. They bring purpose to my life and they bless my soul. God placed us here for a reason and moments like this prove such a thing is true. 

All of us came on this trip with our own faults; our own hang ups, yet something about serving makes you forget those things. Would you pray for strength for us to use this experience to submit our whole being to God when we return to the states - hang ups and all. Thank you all for your continued support!

Hasta luego,

The Peru Crew

Hola from Arequipa!

Buenos Noches Amigos!

After a long day of travel this weekend and a few minor blips along the way we made it to Arequipa safe and sound. With eager hearts and hands full of donations we stepped foot onto the tarmac. Vincente was the first friend to greet us at the airport.He drove us through the bustling streets of Arequipa to our hotel. We quickly learned the rules of the road here are much different than in the States, but Peruvians make the organized chaos work.

Sunday we went to church here in Arequipa. We worshipped alongside our Peruvian brothers and sisters in Spanish to songs that our familiar to us in our churches back home. Though I, Ryan, stumbled through the words we sang, (Spanish is far from my first language) I couldn't help but smile and appreciate the beauty of two cultures colliding for one purpose: to praise God. 

Additionally, we have explored the city, held a llama, and eaten Peruvian ice cream!

We have had a few days of treating patients under our belts and it has been incredible. The patients have been incredibly thankful for the services we have been able to provide to them. We have seen our treatments make immediate improvements in the lives of the Peruvians. Stay tuned, later this week we will share some of our personal stories from our time here in Arequipa.

Thank you for you continued prayer and support!

Dulces Sueños,

The Peru Crew