Week of March 10, 2014  Work with children who need glasses, children attending school who have autism, ADHD, other disabilities, and closed out the week distributing wheelchairs to children with cerebral palsy. Every week we ask, "Can it be any more special?"


These children had been invited to the eye examinations in mid February but were unable to attend. So we went to them. This was a school for children in North Jakarta that could not afford the cost of regular school. The children who are lined up gathered to welcome us in their english. "Hello, Good morning and welcome to our school."

 Like almost everyone they love to get their pictures taken. Especially with a boleh. (White person).

 

We had to walk through the water to get from the elementary school to the kindergarten children. It can sometimes be pretty treacherous. Not in the picture was a teacher who a little later was walking with us and slipped on the rocks and fell into the water. Always a risk when you are trying to balance yourself on whatever you can find that might be dry.
We are considering a project with the school, the local members of our church, and the children's parents to paint and refresh the area. Working hand in hand to build relationships and help the community.

Parents waiting to pick up their children 

                                        The hospital where we will be distributing wheelchairs.

These wheelchairs are custom designed for each person. We had been here in November to have the children 'fitted' for their own chair. Then they are made by the distributor. It takes time and most of these people have been waiting for years. We were looking forward to this day for a long time.

Sesa, 4 years old with her parents Hany and Een. They say she loves to watch TV and look at pictures. She is just learning to speak and they are trying to help her learn to count. She is a happy little girl, quick to give smiles to others. I think that inside these imperfect bodies are perfect spirits!

Muzaky 6 years old with his mother Kuswati

Because of the cerebral palsy the process of helping the child to relax in the new chair is a patient process of parents, technician, and Sister Lucherini. Touching and speaking to them and letting them know that they are loved.

Father and son going for a walk. A wonderful experience and blessing for all of the family. They can see and experience without being carried or crawl. I wish everyone could be there to experience these special moments!

Mother and son, just before he was fitted for his chair. At first he wasn't to happy because his arms and legs have to be gently massaged and then moved to conform to the chair. It will take some time to get used to it. We are planning to make visits to their homes to see what a difference the chairs have made?

 

Being in a chair and not in Mom's arms is a bit frightening to this little boy. Mom tells us that he wants her to hold him but he will get use to it. And sure enough, he did calm down...eventually!!

  He is much happier now. And mom can move about without always carrying him.

Sister Lucherini is holding Putri's hand, she was telling her how beautiful her eyes were, and she got a smile back! She was normal at birth until 11 years old and then contracted some disease that cost her her mobility and speech. She is 23 years old, and up til today has only had access to a wheelchair that is shared with other neighbors which meant that she only would get it maybe for an hour a day or sometimes only a few hours a week. She was too big to carry too far, so if the wheelchair wasn't available, she was confined to laying on her mattress at home. Her own wheelchair will help her be part of life and her community! 

Children waiting for their wheelchairs

President Djarot, Jakarta Stake President, Dr Titi and Bishop Christino of the Tangerang 2nd ward. When possible we try to have a small ceremony led by the local leaders of the church to let the people know where the chairs (or whatever the donation is)come from. Thanks to generous people throughout the world, willing to give to the Humanitarian Funds of the LDS Church.

 

Dr. Titi is so wonderful, she does so many things to help these families. She has a support group for them where they get together once a month to talk and discuss issues and ideas to help each other. They are blessed to have Dr. Titi. And we are blessed to get to know and work with her.

The children have all received their chairs and now the parents are learning how the chair works, how it can change positions, and how it is of very good quality. If taken care of it should last a very long time! They will also have the benefit of being able to come back and have the chair resized as their children grow. Another major benefit. They listened very intently as instructions were given.

Now a quick lesson on how to maneuver the wheelchair down and up stairs. There's definitely a trick to it. The families need to learn this skill since handicap access doesn't exist in too many places in Indonesia.

 

As we left the hospital this Saturday afternoon we were again humbled by the special blessing to be here in Indonesia, and witness the marvelous blessings imparted to these people. Gifts freely given from donations offered by people throughout the world. Most, will never know where their donation is going or the impact that it has? Hopefully one can see and feel through the pictures how lives are uplifted and changed, whether it be by seeing better, or through the gift of mobility.

 

 Simple acts of kindness that change the lives of the receiver and the giver. A wonderful blessing to try and follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ to help the poor and needy wherever they may be found.