Arrived safely after 24 hours travelling! Time difference is 7 hours, so when I arrived we went to the beach for a swim! Fantastic reception; all children laughing and smiling and keen to touch you and hold hands. The staff are amazing; Their care is beyond belief.Many clients have multiple needs and they have so much love for them. I am really touched by it all. I am getting to know some of the clients and have introduced a hoist for a client. Food is really nice, plenty of fruit and vegetables. The sleeping arrangements are basic, but fine. I was rather cold though because of the air conditioning! I am sure it will get sorted! A picture to show you the orphanage.
Great to see you have arrived safely and have settled in. You seem to have got the hang of this blog stuff. Orphanage looks very smart, not what I had in my mind. Tim
ReplyDeleteThe orphanage is lovely. It is surrounded by palm trees and cacti. The gardens are maintained by some of the older boys. There's a large kitchen but only two stoves to cook for 46 residents. All children have shared rooms. They are vary basic but spotless. No IT in any rooms. A shared eating area outside in the porch area. There are about 10 carers and staff for the kitchen. There's a physiotherapy room, a sensory room, a class room and computer room.There's an inner court yard which was used as a play area today with a paddling pool.All food is prepared outside under a shaded roof. I will try to upload some more photo's but the internet is very slow.
ReplyDeleteLet's see if all this technology works!! Great to read your impressions on what you're finding out there. You seem to have taken it all in your stride and are getting stuck in to the children's needs,the zumba classes, the over-hot noodles and the air-conditioning! A pity you couldn't have taken a bag load of pool toys that we've got in the garage: obviously the children there have a genuine need for it. I'll hang onto it and not bin it.I'll roll onto the second blog entry and make a reply to it.
DeleteHad a great day today again. Spend some time in the morning with a client who has severe physical and learning disabilities. She responded very well to her treatment. We were also informed that we can use a local pool in a hotel twioe weekly for some of the children. This is really exciting as some children will really benefit from hydrotherapy. We went to the local markets and bought some arms bands etc. We introduced them to the water in their paddling pool and they loved it. So we will take them on Thursday. The orphanage has a transit van and the manageres will take us. We were treated to a nice noodle lunch too. We did have to ask to reduce the spice! In the evening we do Zumba, Tai Chi, Joga etc. for the carers to ensure that they have some relaxation away from the children. They work 7 days a week and never have a day off. John (Ann's husband) plays the piano and sings with the children in the mean time. Tonight we are planning something for us at the weekend,
ReplyDeleteCan you work this out? Seems like I'm replying on your registration so it seems that you're writing it yourself. Hopefully you'll work out what's going on.I won't send any home news until you confirm that only you can read these comments and it isn't for public display.Suffice to say that the weather has cheered up a little for a couple of days but rain's forecast again for Thursday onwards.
DeleteI can see this in my comments section. Not sure if everyone else can too. let me know if you see this response on the main page. Glad weather is improving. Ask Bec when she arrives!
DeleteHello Marj and Art, all your posts are public so don't go all romantic on us..........! Lovely to hear about what you're doing. Cheers Tim
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