I flew in Thursday night and plugged back in the past two days. I just helped carry a 24 year old Carlos from the outside play are to the infirmary. He had a pretty bad convulsion and was really out of it. I have not written much about convulsions because they are very sad and disturbing. The kid feels really drained and weakened after the episode. It is even harder when it is one of the kids you are closer to and know better. About one quarter of our population suffers from convulsions. In theory, when properly medicated they should not be convulsing. I know that in the States they use precise electroshock therapies and even surgery in extreme cases. Apparently, each time a person has a convulsion they have some brain cells that die.
I have been working on walking with Haroldo and Roberta. Both can take some steps with help to balance. Haroldo is doing far better and can make progress with just one hand for balance. He had an operation on his tendons and can flatten his foot, but he still lists significantly to the left. Roberta has good strength for remaining standing, but lacks the stimulus in her brain to want to propel herself forward. The effect of autism, low intelligence and a lifetime of institutionalized care. She waits for the world to come to her.
There is progress on some of the macro issues. We still have many needs and challenges, but more than anything we need to bring the joy and love of Jesus to each of the kids.
No comments:
Post a Comment