We have started classes with five more students in the educational center (my house). This second group of students are the youngest and calmest group in the center. They are not the wheelchair kids, but they are the next most fragile and vulnerable group of kids. I can hardly contain my joy when I see them in a relaxed home like setting. They can relax and their anxiety levels come back to earth. We have an excellent teacher in Magaly Perez. She is enthusiastic and compassionate.
Our big news is that we plan to take possession of the building next door on the 15th of this month. This will facilitate hosting of five groups of classes each day. It will create a learning environment where they can feel God's love and presence. There are many difficulties in the ABI center where they have been attending classes. The biggest challenges with the current environment are two fold: First, they also live at the center; so their classes and living activities overlap, Secondly, they are mixed in with over 40 adults with very different needs and skillsets.
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This is Manny (Manuel de Jesus). He is a very sweet young man with a smile that lights the room.
He was terribly abused and neglected prior to coming to the center about 5 years ago. He has had some plastic surgery to repair the burns on on his torso, neck and chin. He is calm and happy most of the time.
This is Marie Isabella. She came to live at the center about 4 years ago. Her Mother had died and her poor illiterate farming father was unable to attend to her needs. As she had grown, she had a tendency to wander the village when he was not home and it created significant risk for her.
This is Marie Inez. She also suffers from scarring from severe burns on her side and neck. She was abandoned in a city park at about age 8. Because she was purposefully abandoned we have no records of her birth name or dates. She is pre-verbal, but can be quite animated and happy with music, attention or sweets.
This is Gloria. She is the oldest member of the class. She is almost 30 years old and is the quietest and shyest human I have ever met. She is particularly nervous and avoids men.
This is Manny's hand on mine. I liked this photo for the contrast and friendship. As you might note, his other hand is disabled and twisted from his early childhood burns.
This is the teacher Magaly Perez with Sandra and Marie Inez. Sandra is a sweet child whose Mother gave her up because she interfered with her work (the oldest profession). In her first days in the classroom she appears much calmer and more relaxed.
Miscellaneous Photos
Griselda and Sheny preparing the
snack
The Cadanino Team at a planning session/working lunch.
