What would we do without partners?

What would we do without partners? Special Education Professionals (SEP) came to Maai Mahiu last week for one of their amazing toy making workshops. They hold these all over Nairobi building wall hanging, interactive toys for many facilities that take care of disabled children. Karolien, Edmond (physical therapist) and her two carpenters came with all supplies for a full day of work. They were very clear with us that they will bring the materials and expertise but we needed to supply mothers, fathers, brothers etc. who would work to make the toys. Not only did every mother participate, but so did various men from the families. We invited many but never knew who would show up. In fact, there were at times to many chefs in the toy kitchen but then we are not ever going to complain with extra help. It just goes to show the constant support shown by the community of Maai Mahiu.

The first picture is of one carpenter building feeding chairs for Danson and Francis. Both of these boys have cerebral palsy and cannot do much without the constant aid of those that look after them.. How their mothers do it on a daily basis and for an entire life is truly beyond dedication....it's sainthood really. The new chairs were built for the boys at their homes. Currently, they both have chairs at our facility just like the ones being built that were measured exactly for them. The issue is when they went home after our daycare and on the weekends there was no chair to aid. Back to laying on their backs. So SEP graciously volunteered to have home units made. I'll update with some pictures in the near future of the boys at home in the chairs. The second picture is of Francis who is in the standing aid supplied by SEP. This came last time they visited and allows these boys to look upright and work on standing muscles that have atrophied from years of inactivity. All donated by SEP!!!

The third picture is of Karolien who runs SEP and John our resident artist. One comment she made was that normally things like sewing and artistic touches are not around during a workshop but since we have all the ladies sewing just next store and John who is a great painter, it allowed for an easy day without interruption. John is putting the face on a lady who Karolien has made hair by which the children will play, putting clips and braiding to practice hand eye coordination. The fourth picture is of the men painting and working on a big domino set used by the children to practice matching and numbers. Damn I love dominos!!!!! These children have no clue what they are in for, domination :) I swear these toys are going to be used by me more than any little one. Ah well there have to upsides to it all, right?

The last picture is of my "little" (he'll hate that) bro, Luke. He joining in on the normal morning songs that start the day for the children. I was so impressed by him. He arrived from San Francisco the night before and by the time we got home and in bed it was 1AM but he was up at 7 and jumped right in. Talking about thrown into the fire head first. But he thrived. And that is so impressive. It takes people some time to feel comfortable especially around the children with disability. I think for people these children can show the weakness in human beings. And so with that we feel very insecure and awkward. But Luke did not, he bonded very quickly with them and they loved him for it. What we all realize working with these little ones is they are the same as any other child. They just have a bit more to struggle with in life. But that does not damper their spirit in any way. They are truly Malaikas .......Angels!!!!

We are retrofitting two new classrooms for the children before New Years that will be much bigger and better laid out. New paint, etc. Also, I'd like to start in the New Year employing on a part time basis a physical therapist to work with the children to improve motor skills. If anyone is interested in contributing to buying new mats for the floors, paint for the walls, additional learning material please let me know. Also, CTC has no funds to employ a physical therapist and anyone who wants to call this their baby we would be greatly appreciate. I have not done the exact numbers but it will be less than $100 a month for a therapist.

Thank you all for your constant support and please keep in touch we me. I know I am far away but I love hearing from you.