Karen Harte – Peru

Karen Harte, working with Latin Link provides a report on her work so far in Peru.

I have now been living in Arequipa, Peru for 6 months, and have a further 6 months here before returning to Belfast. For the first 3 months I was in full time language study, before starting to work as a physiotherapist. I work mostly with children with physical and intellectual disabilities, both in a special needs school and in the community. I see this little boy, Gonzales, and his aunt most weeks in their home  – it’s usually one of the highlights of my week as he has an infectious laugh!

The other area I work in is with a group called Nuevas Fuerzas (which translates as New Strength) that meets twice a week in my church. This is a group of adults with mixed disabilities and my role with them varies from taking group exercise classes, to treating on an individual basis. Sometimes, we just hang out and play games! 

Prayer points:

• Please pray that through the contact I make with people here that God’s love would be made known to them through my words or actions.
• Pray for ongoing ability to communicate well with my patients and their families – that I would be able to educate them on the best way to continue therapy with their children.