Josh, my husband, and I spent around ten days with Cat, Mary and Andy at the end of April. We had been asked whether we would go with a team and help facilitate a children's camp which Love the One were putting on for around eight of the Mercy Homes. We both had such an amazing, quite tiring, challenging and exhilarating time! Josh was involved with a few others in putting together and running a program for the 80 or so children. They did mini olympics, musical chairs, sang songs, painted t-shirts, went swimming and generally had a fantastic time. It appeared that many of the children had never had paints, glitter, and presents. They really made the most of all the activities and had a lot of fun. This was especially important as for many of them having fun and treats is way down the priority list when there are more pressing concerns such as homework, preparing food and just surviving.
While the children were having some serious fun the parents were being entertained too but in a rather different way. The adults attended a Parenting and Child Health course where they participated in sessions on child health, on the possible experiences their children had had and how this might impact on their behaviour, as well as how to effectively manage difficult behaviours. It became clear at the end of the camp that some of the Mercy Home parents had been dreading this week feeling like it was going to be a lot of hard work. At first they were quiet and subdued but as time went on and it became clear that we really valued their input, their questions and their own ideas, they began to discuss their children more freely and even laugh! By the final session on health promotion which involved demonstrations of hand washing and tooth brushing the women in particular could not stop giggling. It was such a pleasure to see them become engaged, enjoy themselves and hopefully have learnt something of real value that will empower them to care for their children even better.
Following the camp we had a stop off at the beach and spent some time battling large waves in the Indian ocean before going back to Cat and Mary's house. From here we visited a nearby home and a twelve year old boy known to Cat and Mary who has cerebral palsy. Josh is a physiotherapist and was able to undertake an assessment of his mobility potential. He was a child who was shortly to become house bound as his mother could no longer carry him and they lived up a hill. It was very exciting to see Josh attempt to walk with this child, supporting his legs as they moved and to see him smile and laugh. Josh was very impressed with his function and believes that he will be able to walk with the appropriate aids and with practice. He then showed the child's mum how to do some exercises which will strengthen his legs.
Overall we felt so privileged to have been part of Cat and Mary's life for a short while, to be of some encouragement to them as well as to use our time, skills and experience to bless a few children and their carers many miles a way. We would certainly do it again and would encourage anyone else who wants to be useful to visit and support the work of Love the One. In doing so you get to experience the joy and satisfaction that comes with providing a little bit of sunshine in the lives of children and families in India.