TEAMWorks Ukraine - Wednesday, July 10th!

We have made an agenda each morning before arriving at the orphanage and today, as every other day, The Lord had other plans and we followed where we were led.  Even though our day went differently then we planned, it was filled with wonderful moments, rapport building, and sharing of treatment ideas.

In the morning we were able to meet with director to express our gratitude. The director was equally as thankful for our time spent there and the many trips we have been able to make in the past.  He acknowledged growth in his staff and children and attributed lots of that growth to our presence. 

Next we met again with the therapists and doctors to present them with a small gift of appreciation.  This turned into a question and answer session as well as a treatment idea sharing time.  Even though we did not see children this morning, we felt the time was so effective as we were able to reemphasize the importance of many of the things we had talked about with people individually.  Our translator was pulled out for phone conversations regarding our luggage so we resorted to charades and it was quite amusing watching 9 adults playing with therapy equipment in attempts to communicate treatment techniques.  All left with valuable information.

The afternoon was a speed session to visit each room quickly for final goodbyes and wrap ups. We began by returning to a child that we saw on monday and has been seen on each previous trip. A year and a half ago she was inconsolable in her crib, in a room by herself, with the caregivers reporting that she broke 10-12 cribs per year from shaking them.  This time she smiled when we walked in and is in a room with other children.  Caregivers report she still has challenging days but she is so different due to the advice given on previous trips.  Their current concerns are her inability to eat from anything other than a bottle.  Mondays session with her was a bit overwhelming to all involved so we knew we had to revisit the situation again.  Kelly and Sophie were able to discuss and demonstrate techniques that will help her to move toward tolerating feedings with a spoon.  All were encouraged and surprised by the tolerance she had during the demonstration sessions, allowing the spoon to come to her mouth without distress.

We are so sad to leave today but are so pleased at the relationships that were built and the progress the children have made.  We are already making plans for the next trip.

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