Kids and Camperos

I know we very often take some of the kids from the orphanage to Pollo Campero for lunch.  I suppose some of you wonder why we so frequently spend our time and money on what appears to be nothing more than a fun outing.

Honestly, sometimes this feels like more of a hassle than it’s worth.  We need to get not one but three signatures giving us permission to take kids outside the institution’s walls.  Then we need to wait as the nurses change them and get them ready to go.  For some we need to pack up bibs and bottles.  Finally, there’s the challenge of navigating wheelchairs through the people on the sidewalks and over the cobblestone streets.  So why do it?

The other day, Dick and I took Elmer and Ervin there for lunch, and I realized more profoundly than ever the benefits of these trips. 

First, just getting the kids outside is good for them.  Allowing them to chose what they would like to eat is a somewhat unique experience for children who live on a diet of institutional food.  Both Ervin and Elmer knew EXACTLY what they did and did not want from the menu. The selection process, as well as the meal itself, provide numerous opportunities for communication experiences and practice in a natural, meaningful environment.

Just the type of food served here, food that is whole and recognizable (as opposed to the blended puree they often eat) makes the experience more inviting for them.  Sitting at a table with others, eating together, is also a somewhat novel experience since it only happens when they go out.



Learning table manners, using silverware, and being a good lunch companion are also part of our goals for the kids.  Both Ervin, who used to shove food into his mouth with both hands, and try to eat off everyone else’s plate, and Elmer, who would throw a screaming tantrum if he didn’t get his own way, have made a great deal of progress in this area as you can see from these pictures.














After lunch we usually try to take the kids into the play area at the restaurant.  Suddenly, kids who are in wheelchairs become mobile, independently or with our help.  Both Elmer and Ervin are experts at climbing on the equipment, and get a great deal of exercise doing this, though neither of them like to practice their walking skills during physical therapy sessions.  It is so much fun for me to watch them as they challenge each other to try new things, which they would probably never attempt if an adult asked them to.  On this trip, they created their own form of “follow the leader” which was quite amusing.
   
 

Both of these guys have learned to follow the direction that “It’s time to go,” without any fuss or bother.  This is quite the accomplishment.  A few years ago, Dick and I had Elmer and some others out to Camperos.  I was responsible for Elmer, and Dick took great delight in my struggle to push Elmer back to the orphanage after play time.  I suppose it was rather interesting to watch an inexperienced gringa try to push the wheelchair of a kid who was fighting it and screaming all the way.  (Guess I’m lucky I didn’t get arrested, come to think of it.) Today when he was told it was time to go, Elmer crawled to his chair himself and helped me to get him in.  Quite the change.

  A few weeks ago both boys received
  new wheelchairs from a distribution   

  held by Hope Haven Guatemala.  These
  chairs are very easy for them to

  self-propel, and today they had much
  practice pushing themselves through

  the restaurant (which I would not want
  to try in a wheelchair) and through

  Central Park.  They were in heaven with
  this freedom to go where they

  wanted to go.

The final benefit, though, may be the one with the most far-reaching impact.  Eleven years ago, when Dick first took kids into the restaurant, they were refused service.  Neither the restaurant staff nor the patrons wanted kids in wheelchairs disrupting their work and meals.  Today, when we hit the door, the staff begins rearranging tables for us, and often customers offer to help or at least greet the kids.  I was humbled one day when a lady walked over to me and handed me a note (in English) saying, “Thank-you.  Today I saw God in your eyes.”  Our outings benefit the community as well as the kids.  Not only are the kids more accepted than ever before, but I believe many in Antigua know that we do what we do to bring glory to God.  And to God be the glory. . .