Yesterday we also got to see the Reaching the Light Developmental center - It was very so exciting to see this place in action! It holds a special place in our hearts as it is reaching vulnerable, special needs children from the countryside who previously had no resources for their children.
One of the biggest delights was seeing a little boy who was using a walker for the first time, almost running across the room! He has cerebral palsy diplegia and before could only take little baby steps while holding onto things.
The developmental center has a great system where 5 families come for 1-2 weeks (1 if a follow up and 2 if new evaluation) and receive services. They have a pediatrician, physiotherapist and an occapational therapist evaluate each one and create an individualized program. They then teach the program to the parent while they are there and tweak it as necessary before they release them home. They also assist the families in acquiring MUCH needed equipment such as walkers, standers, sitting aids, and rolling chairs. All this equipment is made by a carpenter here and is really lovely and functional. Many of the families do not have the funds to purchase the equipment so the center also helps them pay for it. Your donations have made a significant difference in the past and will continue to do....
We had dinner with one of the well known lama's here in town....was kind of like being out to dinner with a celebrity. The news media sat, anxiously waiting for us to finish dinner so that could get an interview with him. He is a very compassionate, loving man. It was quite the experience.
Having a special lunch for the street kids today and are hoping to gather up a list of needs. Some need warm pants while others need a winter coat or boots. Everyone will be ready for some winter weather when we are done with them.
We pray everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving...we are thinking of you all and missing our families!!
Stacy & Joanie
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