More barriers melt at Vorzel!!!

Another great day in Vorzel and Bucha

I can not stop and be amazed at what has happened today. JoAnn and I slept a little later today (7:45) and headed out with bags packed. I believe we are the unofficial American Bag Ladies!! I have a Hawaiian print backpack or the worlds LARGEST fanny pack PLUS a rolling red bag I picked up at the flea market and she is carrying three tote bags of hair supplies! What a team we make! After breakfast at the buffet which involves potato pancakes and chicken with cheese, two glasses of orange juice and a coffee which can keep me going until dinner around 9:00, we hailed a taxi for the orphanages. We were not too successful at bartering this man down so a ride ran us 250 grevnas today but this man did understand ‘hurry’ and I arrived at Vorzel just on time to meet with Olga, the head speech therapist. Unfortunately, we had no translator to assist us but true to our determination to communication we did quite well. Before starting, we ran into the Lorraines who were enjoying feeding their beautiful daughter Oksana a yogurt. I had assumed that Olga worked with all the children in VORZEL and could tell us about Oksana but was mistaken. It seems only the children in groupa 3 have her services.
Olga had wanted my opinion on Timothy so together we attempted to test him using my standardized tests, her materials and pantomime! At one point, Olga laid down on the floor to tell me that he had responded ‘sleeping’!!! The barriers were broken down as we laughed together realizing that we understood each other. It is hard to believe that as aq speeh therapist she has NO computer, standardized tests, or speech materials as we have in the States. Not only that but there methods of intervention have not changed in years! SThere learning/intervention is passive; whereas here it is hands on, active learning experiences that enhance language development! Ahh! (More later on this!) I have so much work ahead of me to bring Early Intervention to Vorzel! I’ll be looking for people to join me in this endeavor!
Timothy’s patience wore out when he heard the Borsh pots clinking for lunch and quickly exited. He sure loves to eat!!!
I then showed Olga, our favorite caregiver from last year, and another woman the pictures on my lap top of the girls at school. They were very interested to here the children’s schedule and how I ran the program. I believe the children get more of a ‘pull out’ service. Olga loves using art and was very curious about some of our art projects and bulletin boards. Luckily for us Sasha and Olga arrived and she was able to translate. It was wonderful to then be able to engage in a real conversation then! She would love to have smocks, glitter, and food coloring for playdough. She was so surprised when I reached into my bag and pulled out food coloring and cookie cutters which I presented to her! JoAnn laughs that my bag is amazing!! It amazes me too! Wherever I go, I reach into the bag and have just what they need!!
At this point the next mission group arrived and Olya had to join them, so we started to say our goodbyes for this time! I was a bit concerned because I did not know where Joann was ( cutting hair in Bucha) and knew she had no cell phone AND mine was dead and I needed to put money on it! Not a good feeling! Sasha called me over to meet the new group and I welcomed them and explained my mission. As I was talking, Olga joined and thanked them for coming and explained a bit about her role at Vorzel. Apparently she was as excited to meet me and was her, and together we hope to bring Early Intervention Services to Vorzel. Some children from the community, including her grandson, do come to the orphanage for speech already!!
After saying our goodbyes again, JoAnn and I joined the group to see the progress on the therapy room and then headed to Groupa House 5 to use the bathroom and sit and eat. We dined on cheese, bread and some meat roll, jelly crousants and cookies! And what to wondering eyes did appear… but the father and grandmother of a little boy with Down Syndrome, age 18 months, who are considering taking him home AND Masha’s grandparents!!!! Sooo….with my card in my pocket (w/email address) we approached them both!. Masha’s grandmother was so relieved that she could have a contact and fought off tears a she posed proudly with her for photos!! She loves her so much!!!

After playing with Angelica for a bit, I went and got one of the walkers I had brought with me, and tried it out on the little guy! I’m not sure who was more excited: ‘little B’. or his Papa!!(or me) His grandma couldn’t believe it either. And I watched teary eyed as ‘little B’ mastered walking with the walker, pulling himself up into it and turning around, and turning it when he hit obstacles!!! Sasha, JoAnn and the mission group cheered for ‘little B’ as he cheered for himself. A few care workers came out to watch and were amazed! Sasha explained that they need to let him have access to it daily, along with Anya! Please say a special pray that this father, who so loves his son, has the courage to bring him home and that we, through Sasha’s ministry can support him! AND that the careworkers use it! I think the new mission workers will follow through!!!

Little B’s father gave JoAnn and I a ride to Bucha, where we spent a few hours sitting outdoors with Yura and his little friends. These three boys are also orphans and available for adoption so if anyone is looking for an older boy let us know!!! One of the boys was a little mischievous and I gave him a purple trivky happy face beach ball which I had for the younger ones. This brought a smile to his face and I ended up giving out the rest of my supply. Imagine this: 30 boys outdoors with only ONE soccer ball which was Yura's. It‘s hard to believe that children can not only be deprived of a mother and father to love them, but a ball as well!!! There are so many children who need to be saved!