Today, a chair for Miguel (Jan. 7, 2011)

Before:  Miguel in his stroller

After: Miguel in a properly fitted chair

I had visited an orphanage in Patzun in December (see journal Dec. 9) and had met Miguel Angel, who needed a wheelchair. When I mentioned this to Dick he didn't hesitate for a minute before saying, "Let's do it." So today, a little less than a month later, Dick, Fernando, Kevin, Heidi (one of the Hermano Pedro nurses) and I headed on our way.

When we arrived at San Fransico Home, we were immediately greeted by kids. One little guy immediately latched on to Dick, and "shadowed" him most of the time we were there. Though none of the kids there have families, this group of kids have really become "family" under the guidance of the Sisters and nannies who care for them. This is one of the happiest places I've visited in Guatemala.

The gift of this chair brought a great deal of excitement, not only to Miguel and his caretakers, but to the other kids as well. They were all so excited to see him get the chair, and couldn't wait to help adjust it or push him around in it.

Once again as I watched Dick work I was amazed at how he turns fitting a wheelchair into a true ministry experience. Though he is highly skilled in seating, it really isn't about the chair for him, it's about the kids. The one who he is seating, and the ones around wanting to help. Though as he has said before, his "helpers" can turn a ten minute job into a one hour process, he makes every effort to include anyone who wants to pick up a wrench. Today was no exception.

The seating began with Kevin and Fernando starting work on the chair, but soon many of the children gathered around wanting to help. Dick patiently instructed them, giving each some small part in the process, even if it was only to hold a screwdriver or turn a wrench. He really seems to "come alive" during these times, though I don't know how he does it. The number of kids helping would drive me to distraction, but he has infinite patience with them.

Two young men at the home, both named Mario, really caught on to the process, and were great workers, demonstrating real mechanical ability. Dick had to slow them down sometimes, because the would anticipate (correctly, though somewhat prematurely) the next step before he was ready to move on. These two guys seemed to blossom under Dick's direction and attention. Again, each part of the chair was adjusted as perfectly as Dick could get it, even making a trip into town to "rent" a vice to reshape a part that wasn't just right.

When the seat was ready, it was truly a celebration for the whole group, and almost everyone got into the act. Even the littlest ones got their share of attention, and anyone who could took turns pushing Miguel around in his new chair, as he grinned ear to ear.

We stayed and played with the kids as long as we could, but soon had to leave to get back to Chimaltenango in time to take some of Dick's kids to youth group in Antigua. It was hard to pull away, especially for Fernando and Kevin, but we promised to come back and visit again soon. The next time we come, we hope to be able to bring a therapist with us to set up physical therapy programs for a few of the kids.

Heidi with Miguel.
Heidi first brought me to this orphanage
where I discovered Miguel needed a chair.

As we drove away, we couldn't help but contrast San Francisco with Hermano Pedro, where we usually work. Though both institutions care deeply about their children, there is such a striking difference. The inclusion of kids with disabilities with non-handicapped kids at San Francisco seems to be the key. The "special" kids get what they need, but it's part of the natural environment where the Sisters and caretakers try to give each kid what they need. Nothing "special" about the kids with disabilities. What seemed special to me was the way the other kids accepted, loved, and supported those who needed a little more help!