Photos from Joytown on Monday

I am including some more Joytown photos so you can get a good sense of what it is like there. As you can see, the needs are still tremendous and there is a lot of work yet to do. I just read a comment from Mrs. Becker's class on the blog which said that they also recognize the changes that have been made at Bethany and Joytown. There is more to do, but it is so encouraging to know that a difference is being made and there are wonderful signs of positive progess in that direction.

The students were out of class today as many are preparing for national exams which being on Tuesday. The opportunities to interact with more students was fantastic today because many were out and about as you can see in these photos. The second photo is of the Gr. 8s studying in the library for exams. I included the photo below that because the yellow mobility device that the boy is sitting on has "ErinOak" written in marker on the back. ErinOak is the rehab provider in Halton (Erin Mills and Oakville) so it was really amazing and completely random to meet this young man and notice that the mobilty device he was sitting on was actually from Halton. It is a very small world indeed.

The last photo below is of a young girl who arrived at Joytown after the death of both of her parents. As an orphan, Joytown took her in. She is also being treated for HIV and when I first met her this morning, she was sitting by herself in the corner looking very lonely and sad. When I spoke with the therapists about her, they told me that she has continued to find the transition to Joytown - and perhaps moving beyond the death of her parents - very difficult indeed. We were sorting through many of the items that you sent with me and came across a sticker sheet. She became interested from across the room and came over to us and asked if she could have one. Carol, one of the therapists, joked with her about putting one on her forehead. She took the sticker and walked over the mirror and affixed the sticker to her forehead with a huge smile. Everyone started to have a laugh and then the other students wanted to put the stickers on their heads as well. It was a fun moment and one that highlights how small things like stickers can make a difference to someone during a difficult time. The stickers were fun and new and provided a great prop for a fun joke, but perhaps most importantly, they represent your care and best wishes from Canada. The fact that so many of you were so thoughtful to bring in school supplies and fun things for the students is so encouraging to so many. Thanks again!