Several things stood out to me on our trip to SFCV, but one of the big things that stood out was the therapy conference they hosted. Nanny’s came from all over the country to hear us present on therapy topics. They left their homes and orphanages to further their knowledge and education on therapy to provide the best possible service for their kiddos, they were so interested in what we had to say! They were there for two straight days listening to presentations and participating in labs we put on. They were very eager to learn. My hope is that they retain the information we gave them, and it is just what they needed to help the kids at their orphanages. The students were responsible for three different presentations on the topics of anatomy, balance & gait training, and transfers. We all worked really hard on our lesson plans and were all happy with how the conference went. Two PT’s that went with us also presented on the harder topics and went more in depth on certain diagnoses. The labs were fun because a few of us got the kids to get involved so the nannies could see the information at work. My group, balance and gait training, got a young boy named Richard to help us and he did great! He was a superstar and performed marvelously like the superstar he is, he gave everyone quite a few laughs!
Another event I want to share on is when I got to see one of the kids, Charissa, meet one of her sponsors for the first time. I was away from the group when this happened, and I wish everyone else got to experience it like I did but I’m glad I got to share it with them afterwards. Charissa is in a motorized wheelchair almost all day everyday and so I was asked to help modify a desk chair that would be more comfortable for her in the classroom. While I was doing this with some of the interns and Charissa her sponsor came in to see her. I kept working off to the side but got to listen to the conversation that occurred between them. Her sponsor was very excited to meet her for the first time and as soon as he saw her smile he said she had a very contagious smile and was beautiful and this caused everyone in the room to go “AWW!” The most touching moment was when he brought out the gifts he got her; a comb, a bracelet, and a charm to hang from her wheelchair. The one thing you must understand is that these kids don’t get gifts all that often, 2 times a year, so they don’t have too many things they can call their own. When she received these gifts Charissa started to cry and I knew it meant a lot to her for someone to give her these few items. After she started crying everyone else teared up as well and we all got to share this special moment together. This is the moment that showed me how much these kids are cared for not only for the people at SFCV but by the people that sponsor them as well. The sponsor’s money goes to good use providing the essentials for these kids.
The last thing I want to include in this post are the names of all the kids I saw with my therapy partner Nicole. Mico, Zack, Graham, Charissa, Charlie, Sid, and Matthew. Each of these kids brought joy and happiness to everyone they encountered. Please pray for them as they grow up and live their lives to the fullest. God is watching over all the children at SFCV closely and showers his love on them daily!
The bible verse that our trip was based around was James 1:27 “What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep one-self from being corrupted by the world.”
-Caleb
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SFCV, where do I even start? I absolutely love this place and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. The staff, nannies, interns, coworkers, and most of all the children bring so much joy and love into people’s lives. I had been looking forward to this trip for years and finally had the opportunity to go! I didn’t know what to expect, especially the culture, traditions, and environment. However, when I got there, SFCV felt like home. Being a part of the culture for two weeks was an indescribable gift. Seeing how people live day in and day out, what they eat, where they sleep, etc., was very eye opening. Sightseeing was fun, but the children of SFCV is what stole my heart.
I loved all the children unconditionally, but had a special bond with the children that were assigned to me and my wonderful partner, Caleb. I can’t even begin to describe each and every child because that would take days to do, but I can give a brief summary. Mico was a little girl with a cleft lip, who really did not need physical therapy, but was too cute not to see. She became like my daughter and I wish I was old enough to adopt her! Caleb and I spent our time with her blowing bubbles, dancing to music of her choice, and loving her until she couldn’t breathe (not literally). Zach was another little baby we saw. He had hydrocephalus, so mainly we worked on strengthening the muscles of his back and abdomen. Helping him gain the ability to hold his head up would in turn give us the opportunity to see his cute brown eyes and chubby little cheeks. He never cried and always brightened my day! Graham is a little boy with autism, he also does not really need physical therapy. However, spending time with him was amazing. He would always give hugs and hold on to you, never wanting to let go! He loved this one specific puzzle that we would do every single day. He was so good at it and to observe how content he was with it was so interesting! Now on to my afternoon kiddos. First was Charissa, what a sweet girl. I have never met anyone who has had a bigger heart than this girl. Going through what she was, and still always smiling and laughing was so inspirational that I wish I didn’t have to leave her. Caleb and I struggled trying to decide what to do with her in therapy, but mainly we worked on ways to increase her comfort in different positions. Charlie, the best couple words to describe him are, BIG PERSONALITY. He was stubborn and shy but once you got to know him, he was a sweetheart! He always had a joke to tell or a way to make us laugh, whether it was fake sleeping, saying his name was Jason, etc. Charlie is such a smart boy and there was never a day that he didn’t make me smile. Sid was a young boy who didn’t really need PT either, however I felt the way I could best help him was to simply be his friend. He is one of the oldest, if not the oldest on campus. He has aged out and can no longer be adopted so working on life skills is his main goal. Being able to just kick a soccer ball with him and watch as his face lit up was so heartwarming. I think he really enjoyed having Caleb there, since he is never usually around men. So having Caleb to look up to for two weeks, I’m sure had a significant impact on his life! The last kid we had was Matthew. He is very developmentally delayed, so we really tried to work on walking and stair climbing. He was so easy to work with and always brought a good attitude to therapy!
Overall, I cannot be more thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in this mission. I grew not only with the Lord, but also as an individual. SFCV will always hold a special place in my heart! I definitely can see myself going back whether it be next year, or in the years to come. Once again, I want to give a special shout out to my team for being the best I could imagine. I love you all and hope we can experience this together again!
- Nicole
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Gosh! So much has happened in the last two weeks at SFCV where I can probably go on days just chatting. But I will try my best to narrow it down to two personal highlights I had on this trip.
The first highlight is with one of my favorite kiddos, Simeon. He pretty much embodies my spirit as just a goofy child with many faces and will do almost anything for a snack! Without going into too much detail, Simeon has a few conditions which requires him to be either seated on his wheelchair or laying on his stomach or side-lying on a mat or bed. At first when Lindsay and I wanted to introduce him to a mobile stander, Simeon was definitely not having it. He cried a bit and shook his hand crazily so that he would not have to leave his comfortable wheelchair (which doesn’t really fit him, might I add). But trying to be good therapists, we gently forced him into it anyway and the result was amazing! Not only did Simeon love finally being able to stand and can look forward more, he learned quickly how to propel himself and turn corners to where he was flying through the hallways. Every day after that day, the moment we bring out the mobile stander, Simeon would just point to it with a large grin wanting to get back into it. This was just a perfect picture to show how an equipment can make such an impact for a child in need.
The second highlight was on the last day of the trip. We did not have anything scheduled for the morning but to spend a few hours cuddling, playing and just showing love to the kiddos we had created bonds with for the last two weeks. I remember going into the last house before leaving for the airport and was playing with every kiddo I can think of. The last hour went by way too fast and as time came, I spoke to one of my kids in their language saying that, “I have to leave now and return to America. I love you friend!” I remember looking up and seeing that one bead of tear falling down their cheek and how they were trying to not make eye contact but still wanted to say bye. I could’ve never imagined how deep bonds can be created in just two weeks. As I was reflecting in the moment, I realized that although I was there helping with therapy and hoping I can make an impact in their lives, the kiddos have left a much deeper impact in mine instead. The love and joy they showed me when they have so little reminds me that God is present and doing great work in SFCV.
Can’t wait for the next opportunity to go back especially with James 1:27 on my heart.
-Calvin
----------------------------------------------------------
Upon accepting a position on the East Asia team team back in December, I knew that come summer time I would use my two-week summer break to travel and help orphans at SFCV. What I didn’t realize is how much this trip would open my heart to these children and all of their sufferings. Most days from 8:30am to 4:30pm, we would spend our time doing therapy sessions on our assigned children each day. Day after day these kids would come into the therapy room with such positive attitudes, ready to do what was asked of them. They have been left, abandoned and put in some of the worst physical conditions possible, but they still had a smile on their face and a laugh you could hear across campus. I think this is one of the things that surprised me the most. You could still see happiness in their eyes in the midst of their sufferings. They were just kids being kids, patiently waiting for their forever families.
Among many other reasons and children, but Anthony especially, opened my heart up to the idea of adoption. Anthony is almost 4 years old. He has a severe form of spina bifida called myelomeningocele and associated hydrocephalus. Out of all of the children I saw as patients, and played with in their houses the past two weeks, I connected with Anthony the most. Every day Anthony was my first patient of the day, which made me look forward to morning time each night. His smile was unique and his laugh was contagious which made our morning sessions always entertaining. Seeing him across campus where he would race over to me in his wheelchair as soon as he knew it was time for therapy made my day. Anthony was extremely hard working between all of his laughing sessions of course. His goal is to be able to get in and out of his wheelchair this year all by himself, which he is definitely on his was to achieve this goal. The first step is to get his strength up to kneel independently. Anthony worked so hard on this throughout our two weeks together that by the end of it he was saying “tall kneeling” in English during every session, which also gave us a good laugh.
Our time at SFCV was short, but life changing. God helped prepare us so well to be the light in these kids’ lives and provide therapy for them the last two weeks. These kids don’t let their disabilities hold them back from enjoying their childhood and just being kids. God really was present and with all of these children at the orphanage. To know all of the children are so loved and taken care of helped put me at ease while leaving. To SFCV, I will be back someday!
- Haylee
-----------------------------------------------------------
As I reflect on our trip to East Asia I can’t help but think about a special little boy I met. His name is Simeon and he has the diagnosis of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. He is the sweetest 6 year old who is easily motivated by food. I came to realize pretty quick that if we wanted to accomplish anything during therapy cookies better be present. When Calvin and I first met Simeon, he showed up in his wheelchair and the Ayi put him down on the mat in front of us. Immediately, he flopped forward and tried as hard as he could to keep his head up. This was just our first impression, and throughout his session we saw all that he was capable of and figured out things to work on for him to gain better postural control. A few days went by and it was suggested that we get him in a stander. There were lots of options to choose from because of the generous donations SFCV received. The one we chose was a mobile stander. The day we put him into it his face lit up. Instantly he started wheeling himself around the room and down the hallway. It was impressive to see how quickly he learned to go through doorways and steer down the sidewalk in the couple day that we were able to work with him. I will always remember the signature faces of Simeon, the eye roll and “more food please” signing. This experience has left a huge impression on my life and I hope this is not the last time I am able to serve SFCV.
- Lindsey
----------------------------------------------------------
When the trip to SFCV was first introduced during my first year in PT school, I knew that I was meant to be a part of it. Almost two years later, it’s a little hard to believe the trip has come and gone. In reflecting on our two weeks there, I can say that I thoroughly experienced deep emotion on both ends of the spectrum. Joy and frustration, confidence and self-doubt, laughter and tears . . . each came in waves that would wash over me with little warning. While the “negative” emotions were difficult to work through, I am grateful for the ability to interact with the world in this way. (I am also beyond grateful for my gracious teammates for their love and support when I struggled!) Bursts of uncertainty in my own skill would come as I worked with many significantly involved children, ranging from 10 months to 12 years. I often felt inadequate to make a difference in their lives, doubting my purpose on the trip. Fortunately for my faith and my future career, these fears were usually dispelled quickly as I felt God’s presence and affirmation. He blessed me with laughter and smiles from my kiddos, a general sense of belonging in the pediatric world, and mentorship from Jenna, a pediatric PT who was a part of our team. Remembering these three things has had the most positive effect as I reflect on the trip.
None of the children I worked with had verbal communication skills, and only one communicated through gesturing. While this was difficult at times, it forced me to grow as a therapist. I was required to communicate in different ways – physical touch, facial expressions, and singing – to convey my direction during therapy and love for each child. I was greatly rewarded, as each and every kiddo responded with smiles, giggles, coos, hugs, and simple, childlike joy. This filled my heart over and over again, bringing me energy and drive to move through each day.
My sense of belonging is something I have struggled with fairly consistently throughout my life. One aspect of this is that I have always had the sense that I have a God-given purpose, but have not yet reached a place in my life where I can fulfill it. Well, that makes sense considering I want to work with people, yet I have been a student for the last 18 years! During PT school, I have seen glimpses of this purpose. At SFCV however, I felt for the first time that I had truly found a place where I fully fit in. I clearly remember the moment during a therapy session, where I mentally stepped back, looked around, and thought to myself, “This is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for,” and experiencing immeasurable joy. Having the ability to use my talents and passions to serve people I love is an unexplainable feeling.
Finally, I would like to take a moment to praise Jenna. If I had time, I would do this for each of the team members, but I will leave that up to Tyler’s post. Jenna was an invaluable member in our group. She and I were partnered together to work with kids (the entire team was paired off and assigned children), and I probably would have felt lost during the first few days without her. As my confidence grew, she spent time each day assisting each group during therapy, sacrificing her own time with children she has deep bonds with. Jenna is a highly skilled, selfless, confidence-inspiring mentor to all, and radiates love to each child she interacts with. To continue to encourage us after returning to the States, she shared a prayer by Cardinal Dearden. The following is the portion that spoke to me the most, and it is my prayer that it encourages you in your faith as well.
“We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the Master Builder and the worker.
We are workers, not Master Builders; ministers not Messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gosh! So much has happened in the last two weeks at SFCV where I can probably go on days just chatting. But I will try my best to narrow it down to two personal highlights I had on this trip.
The first highlight is with one of my favorite kiddos, Simeon. He pretty much embodies my spirit as just a goofy child with many faces and will do almost anything for a snack! Without going into too much detail, Simeon has a few conditions which requires him to be either seated on his wheelchair or laying on his stomach or side-lying on a mat or bed. At first when Lindsay and I wanted to introduce him to a mobile stander, Simeon was definitely not having it. He cried a bit and shook his hand crazily so that he would not have to leave his comfortable wheelchair (which doesn’t really fit him, might I add). But trying to be good therapists, we gently forced him into it anyway and the result was amazing! Not only did Simeon love finally being able to stand and can look forward more, he learned quickly how to propel himself and turn corners to where he was flying through the hallways. Every day after that day, the moment we bring out the mobile stander, Simeon would just point to it with a large grin wanting to get back into it. This was just a perfect picture to show how an equipment can make such an impact for a child in need.
The second highlight was on the last day of the trip. We did not have anything scheduled for the morning but to spend a few hours cuddling, playing and just showing love to the kiddos we had created bonds with for the last two weeks. I remember going into the last house before leaving for the airport and was playing with every kiddo I can think of. The last hour went by way too fast and as time came, I spoke to one of my kids in their language saying that, “I have to leave now and return to America. I love you friend!” I remember looking up and seeing that one bead of tear falling down their cheek and how they were trying to not make eye contact but still wanted to say bye. I could’ve never imagined how deep bonds can be created in just two weeks. As I was reflecting in the moment, I realized that although I was there helping with therapy and hoping I can make an impact in their lives, the kiddos have left a much deeper impact in mine instead. The love and joy they showed me when they have so little reminds me that God is present and doing great work in SFCV.
Can’t wait for the next opportunity to go back especially with James 1:27 on my heart.
-Calvin
----------------------------------------------------------
Upon accepting a position on the East Asia team team back in December, I knew that come summer time I would use my two-week summer break to travel and help orphans at SFCV. What I didn’t realize is how much this trip would open my heart to these children and all of their sufferings. Most days from 8:30am to 4:30pm, we would spend our time doing therapy sessions on our assigned children each day. Day after day these kids would come into the therapy room with such positive attitudes, ready to do what was asked of them. They have been left, abandoned and put in some of the worst physical conditions possible, but they still had a smile on their face and a laugh you could hear across campus. I think this is one of the things that surprised me the most. You could still see happiness in their eyes in the midst of their sufferings. They were just kids being kids, patiently waiting for their forever families.
Among many other reasons and children, but Anthony especially, opened my heart up to the idea of adoption. Anthony is almost 4 years old. He has a severe form of spina bifida called myelomeningocele and associated hydrocephalus. Out of all of the children I saw as patients, and played with in their houses the past two weeks, I connected with Anthony the most. Every day Anthony was my first patient of the day, which made me look forward to morning time each night. His smile was unique and his laugh was contagious which made our morning sessions always entertaining. Seeing him across campus where he would race over to me in his wheelchair as soon as he knew it was time for therapy made my day. Anthony was extremely hard working between all of his laughing sessions of course. His goal is to be able to get in and out of his wheelchair this year all by himself, which he is definitely on his was to achieve this goal. The first step is to get his strength up to kneel independently. Anthony worked so hard on this throughout our two weeks together that by the end of it he was saying “tall kneeling” in English during every session, which also gave us a good laugh.
Our time at SFCV was short, but life changing. God helped prepare us so well to be the light in these kids’ lives and provide therapy for them the last two weeks. These kids don’t let their disabilities hold them back from enjoying their childhood and just being kids. God really was present and with all of these children at the orphanage. To know all of the children are so loved and taken care of helped put me at ease while leaving. To SFCV, I will be back someday!
- Haylee
-----------------------------------------------------------
As I reflect on our trip to East Asia I can’t help but think about a special little boy I met. His name is Simeon and he has the diagnosis of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. He is the sweetest 6 year old who is easily motivated by food. I came to realize pretty quick that if we wanted to accomplish anything during therapy cookies better be present. When Calvin and I first met Simeon, he showed up in his wheelchair and the Ayi put him down on the mat in front of us. Immediately, he flopped forward and tried as hard as he could to keep his head up. This was just our first impression, and throughout his session we saw all that he was capable of and figured out things to work on for him to gain better postural control. A few days went by and it was suggested that we get him in a stander. There were lots of options to choose from because of the generous donations SFCV received. The one we chose was a mobile stander. The day we put him into it his face lit up. Instantly he started wheeling himself around the room and down the hallway. It was impressive to see how quickly he learned to go through doorways and steer down the sidewalk in the couple day that we were able to work with him. I will always remember the signature faces of Simeon, the eye roll and “more food please” signing. This experience has left a huge impression on my life and I hope this is not the last time I am able to serve SFCV.
- Lindsey
----------------------------------------------------------
When the trip to SFCV was first introduced during my first year in PT school, I knew that I was meant to be a part of it. Almost two years later, it’s a little hard to believe the trip has come and gone. In reflecting on our two weeks there, I can say that I thoroughly experienced deep emotion on both ends of the spectrum. Joy and frustration, confidence and self-doubt, laughter and tears . . . each came in waves that would wash over me with little warning. While the “negative” emotions were difficult to work through, I am grateful for the ability to interact with the world in this way. (I am also beyond grateful for my gracious teammates for their love and support when I struggled!) Bursts of uncertainty in my own skill would come as I worked with many significantly involved children, ranging from 10 months to 12 years. I often felt inadequate to make a difference in their lives, doubting my purpose on the trip. Fortunately for my faith and my future career, these fears were usually dispelled quickly as I felt God’s presence and affirmation. He blessed me with laughter and smiles from my kiddos, a general sense of belonging in the pediatric world, and mentorship from Jenna, a pediatric PT who was a part of our team. Remembering these three things has had the most positive effect as I reflect on the trip.
None of the children I worked with had verbal communication skills, and only one communicated through gesturing. While this was difficult at times, it forced me to grow as a therapist. I was required to communicate in different ways – physical touch, facial expressions, and singing – to convey my direction during therapy and love for each child. I was greatly rewarded, as each and every kiddo responded with smiles, giggles, coos, hugs, and simple, childlike joy. This filled my heart over and over again, bringing me energy and drive to move through each day.
My sense of belonging is something I have struggled with fairly consistently throughout my life. One aspect of this is that I have always had the sense that I have a God-given purpose, but have not yet reached a place in my life where I can fulfill it. Well, that makes sense considering I want to work with people, yet I have been a student for the last 18 years! During PT school, I have seen glimpses of this purpose. At SFCV however, I felt for the first time that I had truly found a place where I fully fit in. I clearly remember the moment during a therapy session, where I mentally stepped back, looked around, and thought to myself, “This is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for,” and experiencing immeasurable joy. Having the ability to use my talents and passions to serve people I love is an unexplainable feeling.
Finally, I would like to take a moment to praise Jenna. If I had time, I would do this for each of the team members, but I will leave that up to Tyler’s post. Jenna was an invaluable member in our group. She and I were partnered together to work with kids (the entire team was paired off and assigned children), and I probably would have felt lost during the first few days without her. As my confidence grew, she spent time each day assisting each group during therapy, sacrificing her own time with children she has deep bonds with. Jenna is a highly skilled, selfless, confidence-inspiring mentor to all, and radiates love to each child she interacts with. To continue to encourage us after returning to the States, she shared a prayer by Cardinal Dearden. The following is the portion that spoke to me the most, and it is my prayer that it encourages you in your faith as well.
“We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the Master Builder and the worker.
We are workers, not Master Builders; ministers not Messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.”
- Kayla
--------------------------------------------------------------
By now, I’m sure people have written about most of the amazing kids and people we had the pleasure of interacting with during our 2 weeks in Asia. The trip wouldn’t have been a trip at all without them. There is one more group, however, that probably hasn’t gotten as much love as it deserves…the Snack Squad. To be different, and because these people deserve it, I am going to list out some of the beautiful traits that each of our team members portrays, traits that helped make our trip the unforgettable experience that it was.
· Jenna – Mentor.
o I’m 99% sure all of us would have been lost in the clinic without this woman. She exudes so much knowledge, compassion, and love when around the kids and it’s contagious. I mean, this lady skipped out on the Great Wall just to get an extra day with the kids. Such an incredible example for how to be a great pediatric therapist.
· Shelby – Fearless Leader.
o No one had a harder job, and she nailed it. I’m sure it wasn’t easy leading us hooligans after only being a PT for 3 weeks, but I wouldn’t have traded her for anything. Personally, she helped me gain so much confidence in the clinic, knowing she was just where I was a year prior.
· Nicole – Loving.
o I can honestly say that this girl’s love for Mico was one of the highlights of my trip. Watching them when they were together made me smile every time. On top of that, she nearly brought me to tears with an unexpected note on the flight home. She cares.
· Caleb – 3rd Place Cornhole Champion.
o Where to begin…This dude is one of the funniest people I’ve ever had the honor to meet. He was (and is) always such a joy to be around and his happiness spread anytime we were in a group. He was so uplifting when we needed it the most. Best roommate ever.
· Calvin – Wise.
o Hand up, that’s an old joke…but also, kind of true. Calvin was awesome the whole trip, especially when we visited places outside of SFCV. The dude helped out in so many ways and stepped up as another leader many times. It was so cool to get to see him experience and grow in the world of peds.
· Riley – Joy.
o Not sure what we would have done if Riley didn’t get to come along with us. Much like Caleb, she was always bringing the laughter at the right moments. I think her relationship with Cora was a perfect example of who she is as a person. Her motherly protection was laugh-out-loud funny, but on the inside that love and care was so real.
· Kayla – Confident.
o I think Kayla was definitely the mom of the trip, and I mean that in the best way possible. She was so caring, both with us and the kids. Many times I found myself watching her in the clinic and trying to pick up on things because she was so good with even the most complex kids. Kayla’s going to be one heckuva Peds PT.
· Lindsay – Laugh.
o Lindsay is honestly so much fun to be around. She can be her quiet self at times, but then all of the sudden you hear her laugh and your day is that much better. I didn’t get to see her and Calvin work in the clinic much but knowing both of them it’s a sure thing that the kids absolutely loved them.
· Haylee – P.I.C.
o I was pretty stoked when I found out that Haylee and I were going to get to work together, and she didn’t disappoint. Through our ups and downs, she always had a smile on her face. It didn’t matter if it was in the midst of dragging a half-naked, peeing kid off the playground or picking a kid up off the floor after he fell down the stairs, she was still the same Haylee. Thankful for you.
· Shuyi – M.V.P.
o I’m so, so, so thankful that we got to have this remarkable person along with us. I’ll never be able to describe all of the ways that she helped us inside and outside the gates of SFCV. Through everything she was asked to do, I never heard her once get within 50km of saying something negative. I have so much love and respect for ShuShu. She’s going to be a fantastic therapist in a couple of years.
So there you have it. Our team was incredible, the kids perfect, and the trip (nearly) indescribable. We can’t thank all of you for the support enough. Until next year, friends.
--------------------------------------------------------------
By now, I’m sure people have written about most of the amazing kids and people we had the pleasure of interacting with during our 2 weeks in Asia. The trip wouldn’t have been a trip at all without them. There is one more group, however, that probably hasn’t gotten as much love as it deserves…the Snack Squad. To be different, and because these people deserve it, I am going to list out some of the beautiful traits that each of our team members portrays, traits that helped make our trip the unforgettable experience that it was.
· Jenna – Mentor.
o I’m 99% sure all of us would have been lost in the clinic without this woman. She exudes so much knowledge, compassion, and love when around the kids and it’s contagious. I mean, this lady skipped out on the Great Wall just to get an extra day with the kids. Such an incredible example for how to be a great pediatric therapist.
· Shelby – Fearless Leader.
o No one had a harder job, and she nailed it. I’m sure it wasn’t easy leading us hooligans after only being a PT for 3 weeks, but I wouldn’t have traded her for anything. Personally, she helped me gain so much confidence in the clinic, knowing she was just where I was a year prior.
· Nicole – Loving.
o I can honestly say that this girl’s love for Mico was one of the highlights of my trip. Watching them when they were together made me smile every time. On top of that, she nearly brought me to tears with an unexpected note on the flight home. She cares.
· Caleb – 3rd Place Cornhole Champion.
o Where to begin…This dude is one of the funniest people I’ve ever had the honor to meet. He was (and is) always such a joy to be around and his happiness spread anytime we were in a group. He was so uplifting when we needed it the most. Best roommate ever.
· Calvin – Wise.
o Hand up, that’s an old joke…but also, kind of true. Calvin was awesome the whole trip, especially when we visited places outside of SFCV. The dude helped out in so many ways and stepped up as another leader many times. It was so cool to get to see him experience and grow in the world of peds.
· Riley – Joy.
o Not sure what we would have done if Riley didn’t get to come along with us. Much like Caleb, she was always bringing the laughter at the right moments. I think her relationship with Cora was a perfect example of who she is as a person. Her motherly protection was laugh-out-loud funny, but on the inside that love and care was so real.
· Kayla – Confident.
o I think Kayla was definitely the mom of the trip, and I mean that in the best way possible. She was so caring, both with us and the kids. Many times I found myself watching her in the clinic and trying to pick up on things because she was so good with even the most complex kids. Kayla’s going to be one heckuva Peds PT.
· Lindsay – Laugh.
o Lindsay is honestly so much fun to be around. She can be her quiet self at times, but then all of the sudden you hear her laugh and your day is that much better. I didn’t get to see her and Calvin work in the clinic much but knowing both of them it’s a sure thing that the kids absolutely loved them.
· Haylee – P.I.C.
o I was pretty stoked when I found out that Haylee and I were going to get to work together, and she didn’t disappoint. Through our ups and downs, she always had a smile on her face. It didn’t matter if it was in the midst of dragging a half-naked, peeing kid off the playground or picking a kid up off the floor after he fell down the stairs, she was still the same Haylee. Thankful for you.
· Shuyi – M.V.P.
o I’m so, so, so thankful that we got to have this remarkable person along with us. I’ll never be able to describe all of the ways that she helped us inside and outside the gates of SFCV. Through everything she was asked to do, I never heard her once get within 50km of saying something negative. I have so much love and respect for ShuShu. She’s going to be a fantastic therapist in a couple of years.
So there you have it. Our team was incredible, the kids perfect, and the trip (nearly) indescribable. We can’t thank all of you for the support enough. Until next year, friends.
- Tyler
