Monday, March 2, 2009

School at the Baby House!

Gillian took the kids to our baby house today for extracurricular school activities. Toby, Acacia, and Kevin played with the babies, read them books, took a walk and helped out
wherever they could. They were so excited to go that they spent an hour last night gathering toys and books.

Toby’s assignment was to spend time with Hassan. He is an 8 yr old who has cerebral palsy because his mother tried to kill him when he was an infant due to, as it is termed around the village, “the mother going mad.” There is not much understanding of post-partum depression here and treatment, therefore, is non-existent. Hassan will be receiving one on one care soon by a young lady coming from the UK. We are even building a house for him in David Family--ground has already been broken. For now, however, he is well-cared for by the general baby house staff, though his interaction with other children is minimal. Gillian has discussed Hassan’s state with a doctor friend who has done a bit of research with intelligence and responsiveness in CP kids. He will be coming out to visit New Hope and will include a visit with Hassan when he comes. They are convinced that he probably understands what is going on around him, but just can’t physically respond. Gillian wanted Toby to read to Hassan and take him for a walk as they are close to the same age. So, Toby picked out a special book and read it to Hassan, showing him the pictures. Toby was thrilled that Hassan seemed to be listening and enjoying the interaction. The best part according to Toby, however, was getting Hassan into his wheelchair and taking a walk.

Acacia read to the babies and played puppets with them while Kevin read, showed pictures and played. They will go again tomorrow to spend the morning with the babies again! I’m thankful my children are getting an education beyond the 4 walls of a school building!

2 comments:

Glenda said...

What a wonderful way for the kids to spend their day. I agree - what a wonderful school day for them. I love the pictures of them ministering to these babies and children. I am sure it blessed those kids AND yours!! I LOVE Kevin's new haircut. I did love his surfer hair but his new cut brings out his eyes, just like Toby!

Mrs. Pena said...

Hi Mary! I am so thankful to hear you are getting well! You're boys haircuts are cute- and hair will always grow back! After a rainy day at Sonrise with first graders with cabin fever- I would love to have a baby house to take them to!