Friday, August 04, 2006
Saying Goodbye to Huambalo
Wednesday was a very special day, we experienced a minga of sorts. An entire pig was roasted for the festivities. Officials came from Huambalo and Pelileo. The teachers and therapists of the school soaked it up as they were honored for their committment and talents. The CITTI Project team could see the efforts of our collaboration. The classroom materials were displayed ...communication boards, manipulatives, hand splints, seating supports, adapted lessons plans, and so much more...all created from affordable materials found in the local community.
A personal highlight was watching Miguel use Gayl's walking sticks to walk independently. It was all rather imprompu. His mother happen to catch the moment. The second she saw him making his way across the room, she burst out in tears, hugging Gayl with all her heart. It was one of those moments I will never forget.
There were speeches of appreciation all around. Alfonso, one of the older kids, presented the CITTI Project with a very special gift of beadwork made by the older children. Many of us are already making plans for our return next year!
The goodbye yesterday was one of the hardest I have had for any of our CITTI Project journeys. I think it was because we had been a part of community in such a loving, fullfilling way. There were lots of repeated strong, heartfelt hugs. My comfort was knowing that we will return again to visit and work with our "family" in Huambalo.
A new person,
Bridgett
A personal highlight was watching Miguel use Gayl's walking sticks to walk independently. It was all rather imprompu. His mother happen to catch the moment. The second she saw him making his way across the room, she burst out in tears, hugging Gayl with all her heart. It was one of those moments I will never forget.
There were speeches of appreciation all around. Alfonso, one of the older kids, presented the CITTI Project with a very special gift of beadwork made by the older children. Many of us are already making plans for our return next year!
The goodbye yesterday was one of the hardest I have had for any of our CITTI Project journeys. I think it was because we had been a part of community in such a loving, fullfilling way. There were lots of repeated strong, heartfelt hugs. My comfort was knowing that we will return again to visit and work with our "family" in Huambalo.
A new person,
Bridgett
