Attitude and Gratitude

    This trip is my third time to Guatemala over a 30 year period of time. The first time was as a college student while on break between semesters while studying at La Universidad de Costa Rica. The second time was as a teacher chaperone for students from Cincinnati, Ohio about 12 years ago. This is my first time on a medical trip where I am serving as an interpreter for the Cobán community. 

    Two days into Clinic, these are the words, I’ve had to look up so far: wart, armpits, freckles, blisters, thighs, blurry, pliers, thread (of a screw). So even a teacher with decades of experience can still learn new words! Our first day to Clinic, we were delayed for almost 2 hours due to bus keys getting locked in the bus.  We arrived on site to a sizable group of people waiting to be seen. Not a word of displeasure, instead we were greeted with only a deep sense of appreciation for receiving medical attention. The medical team later commented on how a similar situation in the US would have resulted in angry emails or worse. 

Attitude and gratitude. 

    The difficult circumstances here in Guatemala remind me that one can’t always control what life throws at you, but you can control your attitude and level of gratitude. Today I witnessed firsthand, a beautiful three year-old who stood for the first time on prosthetics. The joy on her father‘s face was overwhelming to all who were blessed to witness it. Never mind that they waited patiently over more than a handful of hours to get adjustments and education on how best to aid her upon departure. Many eyes were moist at the deep level of appreciation showered upon all who helped them get to this point. Such a web of support and commitment to make this become a reality. From sending digital files to 3-D printing to YouTube videos to multiple FaceTime calls. All for one purpose – to allow this beautiful girl to stand and walk on her own.

    Gratitude. 

     How many things do I need to be reminded to be grateful for? Too many is the honest answer. Yet, I am grateful to add my small piece to the puzzle, connecting need
s and resources to a grateful community with a positive and fighting attitude. It’s a start, but even as a veteran teacher, I have much to learn. 

Thank you, Cobán,  for being my teacher.

- Kathleen Wilke