God Bless Paco

I visited the stables today to observe kids and adults from Wings of Hope receive their therapy.  I am in awe of what Paco does.  He explained the progress that each rider had made, both physically and emotionally.  While the horses were led by the workers, Paco would give encouragement to the riders.  He would also have the trainers bring the horse and rider to him so that he could work with the rider through stretching and flexing muscles and working on posture.  Paco walks with the kids when they are off the horses, really working on developing correct posture, leg strength, etc.  It is obvious that he is a great passion for working with people with handicaps.

Next Thursday I will take four kids from Notre Maison to observe this same group during therapy.  Paco asks that the first week the kids simply watch so that they can get used to the horses, see that they are not dangerous, and watch what will be happening.  Then, the next week the kids receive their first therapy session on the horses!  I can hardly wait.

We talked about cost, and it's not as expensive as I thought.  Basically, it breaks down to about a $1/minute.  And, each child is on the horse for about 20-25 minutes only because that is about all they can handle physically, especially at the beginning.  I think the funding for this is do-able.  It turns out that it will be $80/week for four children to receive that therapy.  It may sound as if the kids aren't actually on the horses for long, but the whole outing will take about two hours.  Getting outside the compound itself will be great stimulation for them.  Then, they have the completely different environment of the stables and the riding (and possibly a treat) that makes the entire process a part of the therapy.

The other exciting thing about the stables is that I went by myself!  It's the first time that I have gone anywhere in PAP on my own.  I took a motorcycle taxi there and back.  I know I paid too much, but as a "blanc" it's hard to NOT be overcharged for things.  The motorcycle riding wasn't too scary once I got used to it.  It was okay on the side streets because there are so many bumps and holes drivers can't go super fast. That changed on the paved roads.  My first thought was "If we crash, I will die because either my brains will be splattered all over the pavement or all my skin will be rubbed off."  I had to walk a bit on the way back before I found a "moto taxi," and then we only got lost once.  Not bad, I'd say, for a first time out on my own!

Group photo

Gertrude

Lunch time!

Me

          Today at the school the teachers planned some Valentine's Day activities, so I posted some of the pictures.

Rosine--she will be a part of the horse therapy!

I also want to thank everyone for the words of encouragement on the blog, on Facebook, and in e-mails.  I never realized how much I would need those words until I was were.  So, thanks.

Cade--he's a part of the horse therapy!