Wheelchair Workshop in Chimaltenango Guatemala

I was able to spend the day visiting the Bethel Ministries Wheelchair Workshop.

   What an amazing place! The wheelchairs that are donated and shipped from the states are refurbished here.  Some of the chairs are completely redone including new vinyl, seats, backs, laterals, headrests or whatever they might need.

They employ locals with and without disabilities and provide wheelchairs and other equipment for people all over the country of Guatemala.

Ruby, the mechanic for specialized chairs, took me through the entire process of cutting down and rebuilding a wheelchair to fit a child.  Here I am lending a hand (and hopefully not getting in the way)!

      Thanks Chris, Donna, Lizeth, Carlos, Ruby and all of the staff for taking the time to show me what you do at the workshop.

Guatemala Family Retreat April 2012

      It's been an amazing weekend at the Joni and Friends Guatemala Family Retreat. We have 15 families enjoying their time at the beautiful El Faro resort center. The kids have participated in singing, watched clowns, played games, did crafts, swam and had a talent show. The parents were able to spend time talking and even had date night away from the kids tonight. The weekend centered around how special each family member is to God as they learned how they are His workmanship.

    See the empty chairs on the dock?  All of the kids are in the water having fun.  I joined them after I took this picture.

        Look how hard Darwin is working on his craft project.  He is one detirmined little boy!

     I was able to work with 4 Guatemalian physical therapy students.  We met with each family individually to give therapy suggestions or encouragement.  In this picture, we are meeting with Katerin's family.  She is such a sweet girl with the biggest smile.

              Such a great weekend!  I know that each family was touched in a special way.