Theme for the day: “THERE IS NO 'I' IN 'TEAM'!"
With anticipation of day one, with the kids looming over all our heads as we traveled the winding roads from Antigua to San Juan, my thoughts were filled with one question: How in the world are we going to survive this day? We are about to walk into a foreign place filled with 75+ babies and children, speaking a different language than all the workers, with a team who has never worked together before! Well, all I have to say is…WE ROCKED IT! From the moment we dispersed to our assigned areas, everyone started their tasks: bathing, dressing, feeding, cleaning, and changing poopy diapers without any hesitation. If anyone was freaking out or intimidated, they didn’t show it.
The children, much to my surprise, took to us and cuddled and loved on each of us as if we were family, and I suppose for this week we are. Besides the workers at the Center, there are no others to come and provide that affection and touch to them. They just wanted to be loved, and love we did. I am always so amazed at how the simple touch of another human being changes someone. It didn’t matter what we were doing or how many kids we had out running the hallways or laying on the mats, it seemed that as long as some part of their body was coming in contact with someone else’s, they were happier.
Being with the littlest babies, I spent most of my time forehead to forehead, blowing raspberries on bellies, chasing the escape artists of the group, and resting a hand on one of the little ones next to me. I realize now sitting here that I needed that touch just like they did. To feel needed, wanted, and loved...is there anything better in this world?
We did spends lots of time working on tummy time with the late developing kiddos, proper feeding positioning and techniques, and providing education to the workers on how to better the food and liquid consistencies for optimal safety and nutrition. Kaci, Cari, and Candice met with the Administrator and will be working throughout this week to develop meal plans, menus, and cooking strategies. With that, I have to shout out to the FL Hospital Rehab Team!!! You all would be very proud of us.
The team work between each of the groups was mind blowing! By the end of the day we could work together without having to give directions, or even use words. It really made a difference in how smoothly the day went. As we shared our stories together at our evening “WOW" time, we all were so thankful and felt so blessed to have had each other. Hopefully as the days go on, we can really become a well-oiled machine and give Ron and Cynthia a little break ;).
As I close, I have to mention that my face hurts from smiling from this day and my heart is exploding with love. I have 20 new loves of my life, and as usual I don’t have the words to convey how wonderful this is. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store for us.
Much love,
Becca
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