Friday, June 18, 2010

Saying goodbye

This week was my last week of therapy with the children and babies at the Havens. It was difficult leaving them today knowing that I would not be seeing them again. All of the children were so cutely dressed and just getting up from their naps. I made my way into all of the Havens (Havens 1, 2, and 3) playing one last time with the kiddos and then saying my goodbyes. All of the children have made so much progress and are doing so well. I have noticed that the children are now stringing sounds and words together while others are starting to talk. Some of the babies are starting to roll over, suck a pacifier, sit up, have tummy time while keeping their head up, and are able to smile. Other babies have met a lot of these goals and are starting to babble more often. Teagen, one of the kiddos is starting to crawl while Megan is sucking on a pacifier. Before Megan would not put anything in her mouth and Teagen did not interact and/or smile during play. Sidney is starting to sit up independently while Shelby, her sister is starting to babble. All the children and babies are doing fabulous! Today Katherine, Kaylee, Caroline and I made props/materials for the aunties when providing care to the children and babies. We cut out flowers for the girls and stars for the boys. On each flower petal and/or star triangle there are developmental milestones that the aunties get to color each time a child/baby meets a new goal. For feeding time, I and the other girls cut out bottles listing how to feed each child. The paper cut-out bottles were placed in each room near the changing table. It was nice to have an education session for the aunties so when we leave the aunties will continue to help the children with language enrichment and feeding. What a wonderful, but sad time. We all said our last hellos and goodbyes. The last person I got to visit with was Gwembe. He has made incredible progress as well. He is now starting to use more English with Tonga. He is following 2-step directions, answering yes/no questions, and is naming colors. Elvis, his one on one helper said that he would continue to work with Gwembe. Before saying my final goodbye I was able to give Gwembe some tennis shoes, pens, school supplies and I gave Elvis a hat. Gwembe was all smiles when I had him try on the shoes. I asked him to name what they are (shoes) and their color. With some prompts/cues he was able to answer my questions. I took lots of pictures and hope to hear from Roy and Elvis in the future on how Gwembe is dong. I hope that Gwembe will have more opportunities to go to school and find a job where he can feel good about himself and his strengths. Everyone has strengths we just need to find them and focus on the positives!
Meghann

6 comments:

  1. I'm glad yall are seeing progress sorry it was so sad to say goodbye. I had to say goodbye to my ladies at the nursing home today. One of them stuck their tongue out at me and said she loved me anyway! I'm sure gonna miss some of their stories and the funny things they say and come up with. Looks like yall are doing a lot of the same things with the children that I've been doing with the older people- two step directions and yes/no questions! See you all soon.

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  2. It makes me teary-eyed reading about the progress these kids have made in the short time you have been there. You guys have done an awesome job with them for sure. I hope the aunties will keep up the good work. The props/ materials were awesome ideas. I don't think I could ever be able to come up with this stuff. Also glad that Gwembe has made so much progress as well. Love that you gave him and Elvis some presents. So sweet! Ready to see you guys!

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  3. I am so glad to hear about all the amazing progress you guys have made during your stay in Zambia! You have done a wonderful job with those children. I pray that the aunties will see the progress you all have made and continue to work with these children in the ways that you ladies have! You are all so creative. Wonderful job with the materials! Be safe coming home!!!

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  4. That is awesome that you guys saw such positive progress! I am so proud of you girls and jealous of this awesome experience! I know the impact on these sweet babies will last forever! Do you think that the aunties will carry through with the therapy after yall leave! I miss you and can't wait to see you girls!!

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  5. What a nice time you must have had working with Gwembe. It is nice to hear of such great progress everyone made! The aunties will surely continue to work with the babies because of the projects you all did.

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  6. That's so amazing to hear about the progress the children are making. I hope the aunties will continue the process. Be safe on the trip home.

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