Updates

Cade week #1

Today is going to be mostly about updates.  Because it’s Wednesday, it means that we had horse therapy.  Last week I didn't take my camera because I didn't think much would be different; and, of course, that’s the week I rode a horse to help Cade.  I decided to take my camera this week, just in case.  I’m so glad I did. 

Cade Happy!

            No, I didn't ride the horse again.  But, I did get a picture of Cade happy on the horse!  I’m not kidding, every week he gets better and better about being around the horses.  This week, he actually rode a circuit without anyone holding onto him, and he was smiling when he finished!  I am so proud of the work he has done.  In just over two months he has gone from being terrified of horses to feeling pretty comfortable on them.

Horse pen

Jean-Daniel and his new friend

            Jean-Daniel is another therapy recipient who is flourishing.  He is much more inquisitive and is no longer content to sit in a wheelchair (which he doesn't need because he can now walk on his own!).  This morning at therapy he couldn't wait to get to the white horse in the pen.  He quickly figured out that if he walked a few steps around the pen, the horse would follow and then nuzzle him.  Jean-Daniel kept this up for a couple of laps around.  It was so cool to see horse and boy become friends. 

            Now an update on me.  I can officially drive the motorcycle!  I took it out earlier today to an empty field not far from here and practiced for about an hour.  No stalls.  I can now shift into 2^nd and 3^rd gear and go back down to 1^st gear.  It’s not a whole lot different from driving a 4-wheeler (except the motorcycle only has 2 wheels).  Now I just have to wait to register the bike and get a license plate so that I can take it out on the road. 

Wood Contraption

Broken-down car

            I saw something this morning on the way to horse therapy that totally blew me away.  Check out the picture on the left.  These contraptions are not uncommon along the roads, and I've seen a variety of things being transported on them.  Now check out the picture on the right.  This is just one of many broken down cars to be found around town.  What I saw this morning was one of those broken down cars on the contraption.  And, it was being pulled/pushed by just three men!  The ability and willingness of Haitians to tackle any problem never ceases to amaze me.  It’s like a whole country of MacGyver’s!