my day began....(just to set the mood, I am sitting in 'Streets Restaurant' a restaurant that takes disadvantaged kids and puts them thru a training program in hospitality, so as they can get employment in major hotels and restaurants. EATING for a cause....calories shouldn't count!!!!
where was I....so my first appointment today, was to meet at the homeless shelter. I think this is going to become my favourite time of the week....
the sessions that we run, are open to any of the residents in the shelter. A lot of them, are regulars, and I guess thru observation Karen and the team, have worked out who will benefit and who enjoys coming to the sessions.
Just to name a few, and remember it's my first session, so I may not remember, or certainly pronounce all the names correctly...but here goes....We have Phuc....the self appointed DJ....he.s about 20, then there's Tuyet Luen...she's maybe 55 yrs, and loves touch...and is obsessed with jewellery...and somehow manages to tell you that she lost her earrings, but loves all of your jewels...my total collection consists of a ring Ali brought me in Peru, made of elephant tusk...but she's not impressed by that one, it's the shiny wedding ring that she's eyeing off..
Did I mention...not a word is spoken, just signs and grunts and hand signals....and plenty of wild and wicked Smiles!!!!
( I should have stopped at ONE sangria ....
anyway........ Then there's Huong...she moves by sliding herself around the floor and then people have to help her in and out of a chair to come to our sessions, she is about 30yrs....and despite her body not being able to do much for itself, trapped by severe CP...she has the most accurate 'aim' when it comes to throwing the balls...and she laughs hysterically when you're not ready, and she hits you in the head...
Already, I Love her....and she shares when the others don't get the balls each time...so beautiful!!
If I'm allowed i may take a camera and try to 'show' you what I see.
Van May...is I'm guessing in his 20's ...and is the most disabled I see there, yet even he...has fantastic aim, and beames when he knocks downs the plastic bowling pins we set up for play/therapy time..
I just realised, I have become one of those solo travellers who sit for hours in cafes, alone yet totally emersed in blogging, or whatever they,re doing.....haha....cool !!!!
I wish I could remember more names...but just so as you know...when I walked into my first session with these people, they were just sad stories and sad faces...but as I left....I said goodbbye to friends....BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE... Just trapped in bodies that don't work...but with hearts just as big..if not Bigger than yours and mine!!!!!
......the rest of my day consisted of distributing brochures thru out the town to all the various hotels, travel agents,
restaurants etc....I now have an extensive knowledge of all the best places to eat....(and, hence the sunburn).....
Then I spent 4 hours at the workshop...trying to entice the passers by to take a moment to come inside the shop and purchase something to support our makers..the weather is Not helping....it's just way too hot - I can't even eat during the day....it's just too hot to care !!!!
Well I think that will do for another day.....I'm heading home...via the spa, for yet another massage....WICKED.....but I am supporting the local economy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Night night.....Mumma bear xxxxx be hugged !!!!!
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