As to be expected we are all ready to be home. Amber's stomach is still in pain, Marilyn has been worked to the bone, and I am now with sore throat and a nasty sinus infection yet again! We cannot wait to sleep in our own beds and see all of over family members and friends! It's not over yet though...
Amber has stayed back, again, the past fees days, but is usually feeling more up to speed around 2 when we hav finished and are ready for some grub. It is nice to have here join us and we know that it is good for her to get some fresh air. Marilyn and I have been busily working in the autism unit at Msimbozi Mseto, screening child after child and then training teachers for about an hour or so. Yesterday, we started doing some parent interviews, which has proved to be quite interesting. Marilyn put together a questionnaire to determine parents in Tanzanias thoughts and knowledge about autism. We met with a mother yesterday who is a doctor and who's husband is a psychologist. It was fascinating to hear her tales of keeping her child hidden from society until eventually her husband broke it to her that her son had autism. She expressed that she was in denial for a long time and depressed through much of his toddler period. Both her and her husband care so much for their 6 year old and have gone to great strides to improve their sons quality of life.
Today, while Christopher and I screened several children, Marilyn interviewed the oldest student at the unit's father. We met with this gentleman for quite some time last year to discuss the possibility of a vocational program in Tanzania for children with autism. He was and is stills concerned that their is no where for his child to gain independent living skills. Hs son being 17 is in dire need of an alternate placement since he is several years past the age for a primary school placement. Looking through Marilyn's notes there were several hinge from their interview that stuck out to me.... The first being that the father thinks that the reason children/people with disabilities exists is so God can express and shoe us how and why he made people different. There is a reason behind everyone being who they are. The second being that his son with disabilities has taught him not to take his ABILITIES for granted! It more then struck a cord in my heart!
After working the morning at Msimbozi, we headed to the second autism unit that Christopher introduced us to on Monday. We thought we were going to be speaking to 5 to 10 parents of children with autism and then doing a short teacher training. When we arrived we found well over 50 parents ready and waiting for us to speak. Marilyn had a slight freak out but I assured her it is what we were here for and that we could make it work we just needed to get an agenda down. We quickly discussed what we would overview and the headed into the filled room. The parents and staff were very receptive and appreciated our information very much! They had very good questions regarding capacity building and how go train both teachers and parents to work with students with specific needs. Overwhelmed at first, we did our best to answer questions and give help where it was needed.
Exhausted we headed to the Chef for some authentic chapati and beans, a light snack since we have Tanzania Night this evening! For the most part we are packed with the exception of an outfit for tomorrow and one for traveling Friday and Saturday. Souvenirs fill one of both Amber and I's suitcases. We are anxious to give our treasures and can't wait to be feeling better.
Expect one or two more posts and perhaps some pictures of our work at the units this week! Until then, kwheri!
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