Where are you going?

Walking. It seems like it is something that I take for granted. I've never thought about it as much as I have here in Tanzania. Walking is everything. Its freedom. Its transportation. Its unifying and dividing. You wouldn't think so... but it is! And I am so sure that it is never anything that you ever think about. Its a gift. And we don't even realize it. But after watching some of our children struggle to use their legs to walk and volunteers struggle to use their legs to walk away, I decided to dedicate this blog to walking.... what we walk to, what we walk from, and the simple act of learning how to use our legs for the first time (and for Pendo, the second time!).

  This week, Ashley left to return to her exciting life in the United States. We all walked to a favorite local "cafe" and enjoyed a last meal together before she stepped on that plane back to Seattle. It was a beautiful time together that signified a closure to her life here at Cradle with us, Hidaya, and all the other babies. Good luck Ashley! We all know that you are going to do great in your new endeavor into Labor and Delivery.

   Little Peter is just learning to walk! He is the smaller baby of a set of twin boys. His brother Eric is cruising through the baby home at lightning speed. But Peter is taking his time... We are optimistic that he will catch up soon. Because Peter has a will to be a "big boy" like all the other one year olds his age, I am sure he will be on his feet soon. He just needs a little more love and a little more encouragement from the rest of us volunteers. And Peter, we'll give it to ya'! Because you are a beautiful little boy and you deserve all the best that we can give you!!!!

And then here we have the little charmers! This boy and girl twin set of terror initially did not make a positive impression on me. At times they still don't! Because these little ones are quickly approaching two years old and they have no language skills or walking abilities. Brother Dotto is a screaming fool and sister Kurwa has a matching tone and pitch that at times makes it difficult to determine which one is upset! But I've realized that the heart of their screams comes from frustration from lack of mobility and communication. We are working very hard to get them on their damaged feet and legs (due to months/years of sitting up criss-crossed, their feet are turned in and will not lay flat. Additionally, they have learned to "scoot" on their butt instead of crawling with their legs and feet behind them. This has furthered the problem of their legs and feet being curled into their bodies and not straight. We do a little PT with them everyday now!) Still, I have to tell you... these two are some of the most strikingly beautiful children I have ever seen! I was so caught up in their bad behavior that I was missing the moments with them that are truly magical. Dotto has most recently attached himself to me. I didn't realize it until a nanny pointed it out to me. He always scoots his way over to me whenever I am in the play room and reaches his arms for me to hold him. Some of his screaming has been in frustration over me holding other babies before he could get to me. And I had no idea! Walking. Its the difference between Dotto getting affection and being passed over. I'm gonna' be more aware of THAT in the future...

And last, but not least, is your girl Pendo. Just this week, she has stopped grunting and crying and started to babble. Her vocals are soft and sometimes almost inaudible... but they are there! We passed by a group of staff and she says to me "Mamusa." What? What was that Pendo? "Mama Musa!" she says in a louder voice. And she was right. She pointed to our staff supervisor as we passed by and proudly said our supervisor's name! "That's right Pendo, its Mama Musa. Good job!". She keeps giggling at me when I walk in a room and is slowly turning into a TWO YEAR OLD! She likes to crawl over to me when I have a smaller baby in my lap and play with them. She is still a little weak, but she has started to give them kisses and plays until they knock her over (oops!). But then she did something this week that I was so lucky to catch on video! You will hear me get really excited and you will also notice flashes of pictures being taken by other volunteers. Its a really beautiful moment caught on camera. I actually cried when I watched it later that evening. I can't wait to show her mother when she comes to visit.

   OK, HERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN AWESOME VIDEO OF PENDO WALKING FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE COMING TO CRADLE OF LOVE.  BUT AFTER SO MANY DIFFERENT ATTEMPTS AND DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO GETTING THIS VIDEO TO PROCESS... IT WON'T!  ANYONE ELSE HAVE SUGGESTIONS OR HAD PROBLEMS WITH GETTING VIDEO ON BLOGSPOT.  WENT TO THE INTERNET AND IT DIDN'T HELP MUCH.  BUT I REALLY WANT YOU GUYS TO SEE THE VIDEO.  SO SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!!

Imani, Tumaini, na Upendo,

~Shae