Day 4

Today was another reminder of how our expectations can be completely blown out of the water. This morning as we walked up the stairs to Floor Six, we were met by eager children who grabbed our hands and literally DRAGGED us down the hallway to the activities room where we hope to set up our school room. They were ready for school...what had taken us so long to get there, anyway?? And sweet, sweet Cassie with CP was there waiting with outstretched arms, for Ellen, our PT. Ellen spent a lot of time with her yesterday, showing the ayis how to stretch her muscles so her quality of life can be improved. She is optimistic that she will someday be able to walk.

The morning was spent doing more assessments, and being so awed by the potential we see. The teachers are so anxious to begin teaching, and we can see the children are anxious to learn as well. Our windows and doorway are full of watchers, waiting for their turn to be assessed, or to rejoin the classroom if they've already been assessed. We have five stations set up around the room at the tables, where each educator or medical professional completes their part of the child's file.

At lunch were were again hosted by Dir. Su, Ms. Yi, and the rest of the office staff. They have been so incredibly welcoming, and it is such an honor to be invited so warmly. After lunch, during the children's rest time, the team went shopping, while Vickie and I went with our guide, Ruth, to buy uniform pants for the Open Arms aunties. We hadn't been able to find enough matching pants at the place where we'd bought tops (that would've been too easy). Ruth took us to a place near the Normal University campus, and we went to a tailor's shop. What a great culture lesson...I took photos of his sewing room for proof that sewing rooms are universal. :o)

After lunch, the team began a short school session with the children. Everyone had a fantastic time, and we are beginning to get ideas of how to implement what we are envisioning. Vickie and I went upstairs to love on babies, love on babies, see the newly-installed flooring, and to love on babies--in that order. We are absolutely thrilled to see the emotional, social, and physical condition of the children. I think each time we come, we see improvement. The twelve little ones in the room at that time were the crawlers and walkers. We watched as the babies played and tumbled over one another, and interacted with their aunties and each other. Between two aunties, a grinning little one was learning to take her first steps. My heart was full as I watched more than one toddle over to his or her auntie and just lunge for a hug and kiss, and then go again. These little ones are loved and love in return...this is all in thanks to YOU, our wonderful families who donate to make this program continue after your child has left it. One of the best parts of this visit was when I took out the photos and notes some of you sent as updates of your children. They were over the moon to see them doing so well, and excitedly passed around the photos. They always remember and recognize your children, and it means so much to find out how they are doing after they leave.

The evening was spent debriefing again, and making a tentative game plan for the next day. We hope to have a modified school session again, to see what works and what doesn't.

Photos from Day 4 may be viewed here.

Thank you again for following us. Val, for ZKO