1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”
Today we returned to ABI, a government run institution we have visited 3 times prior to this visit. Each visit is different. We return each year to continue relationship building and to help the staff serve those who live there in the best way we can. We return each year in hopes that we are able to continue to come along side those who work with the residents of ABI to show compassion, ability, and potential. We can imagine that it would be very difficult day in and day out to work with individuals with such needs as those who have lived in this facility for years. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes is all it takes to see and unlock the potential of an individual. Sometimes all it takes is a display of interaction, love, and caring to rejuvinate those who are weary and disheartened. As we began our day, we prayed that we could be that rejuvination, that we would all be humble and tender hearted with our approach, and in turn, we would all be open to each other to serve those who need to be served.
That being said, we were split today with Kelly staying with the OTs throughout the day and Paige and Abby spending the day with PT and the Special Educators. Paige was able to teach a sweet boy named Hector the signs for "more" and "help" with such a quickness that you could see the joy in Hector as he was able to communicate with someone. When we returned home, Abby became our sign language model as we made a modfied sign handout. Abby was able to demonstrate ways that many of the individuals in wheelchairs could participate in fine motor and language activities by standing up to build strength. Kelly was able to put her new found ABA skills to the test by showing that even the most unmotivated, uncooperative individual could learn and participate.
We were also privileged to be part of the continued celebration for the Day of the Child! ABI brought in a clown and pinata to help celebrate, and all the residents had a fantastic time dancing and laughing together! We head back today to continue our work. Prayers for continued openness and continued relationships would be greatly appreciated!
We would also like to ask for a special prayers for our sweet Merlyn. She was displaced from another local orphanage we had previously visted to ABI without her wheelchair for improved positioning during daily activities and feeding. Additionally, we would ask for prayers that this facility would see the lgiht in her, just as her previous facility did and continue to care for her in a manner that maintains that light!