Ukraine – Day 2

We had a great experience today at the orphanage! We’re finding more and more caregivers who care deeply for the children and who are trying hard to learn our American therapy techniques. It’s very exciting to collaborate with the caregivers and answer their eager questions about these beautiful children!

We are (slowly) learning how to better ‘read’ caregivers and doctors at the orphanage. By paying close attention and having candid talks with translators, we are able to adapt the way that we teach and present therapy techniques in a way that is more user-friendly. Please continue to pray that God will open the hearts of the caregivers and doctors at the orphanage. We want to help foster a passionate love for these children so that they advocate for them, even if it means going against the norm.

Today we continued to educate and present demonstrations in various baby rooms. Besides continuing to educate on general development, we focused on feeding and preventing choking today. It was reported that many of the children have recurring bronchitis and pneumonia. In some of these cases, we feel that this could be linked to feeding. We demonstrated very basic oral motor exercises and positioning techniques to help improve children’s swallowing and prevent foods from going into the children’s lungs. The therapists shadowed us today and seemed to be very receptive to this new information. They took steps to begin implementing our suggestions working with their existing schedules and equipment they were familiar with. It was a dream come true to be in the rooms during meal times and be allowed to help with positioning and make helpful suggestions to increase safety during and after meal times. If we can prevent children from developing pneumonia, this trip has been successful!

We continue to learn that we need to present ideas carefully and by using very basic concepts. We ask that you join us in praying over our time here and that our information and suggestions will be accepted and implemented after we leave.

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