"Welcome to NPH where you're always tired."

It's Saturday!!!!!!!

The two weeks of work on my own have been challenging. I am still learning A LOT about the kids, the language, and what I can do to better myself (in work). One challenge has been the long hours; they drain my body of energy—which sucks.  As I was quite the busy girl during the school year, this transition has been tough!

One of my students hard at work: 

Sign Language Class:

Once a week I participate in a lenguaje de señas class. This past week I had my first class. Well, the instructor never showed up because of lack of communication, but the other volunteers took me to a café and taught me the basics. The class is held at an actual sign language school in Jocotenago, and it was really interesting to be immersed within. It’s hard to believe on top of Spanish I am also learning sign language. I’m really excited!

Horse Therapy:

Every Wednesday, the Especiales (special needs students) and NPH staff go to a farm and ride horses for therapy. It is so much fun and the kids really enjoy the horses, fresh air, and time away from the NPH ranch. I used to ride horses when I was younger and I don’t know how long it has been since I got on a horse. Most of the time I am either walking along the side of the horse for safety, or I am riding the horse with the kids for support.

Special Olympics:

Before leaving the States I was able to take part in the Special Olympics with the family I worked with through UCP. It was one of the best experiences ever. It was so exciting to see the celebration and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

Small world? YES! Because here in Guatemala I am also going to be taking part in the Special Olympics! Well, we will be the first group of volunteers (if all goes accordingly) to connect NPH to the Special Olympics in Guatemala, which would be amazing.

This past week there was an actual tournament in Guatemala City and four other therapists and I went to watch. We were able to speak with the director of the Special Olympics Guatemala and chat with some of the sociable athletes. I felt like a celebrity because all of the male athletes wanted to take a picture with the women volunteers—go figure.

Address:

For those of you who dare to send me mail, let me warn you, the mail system is very weak here. Letters are not guaranteed arrival but packages stand a better chance. I have already received my first package from Eron full of books and candy. THANK YOU!! It is appreciated and needed. 

For the address you have to write exactly what’s below:

Voluntaria Katie Wendt

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos

Apartado Postal 4

Chimaltenago Guatemala, Centroamérica

**If they ask for any other numbers or postal codes I do not have them. If you write exactly what I have written it should be fine.