Upon my return to Jembaten Senang, I came into the school grounds and some of the children were playing catch and throw with a ball. Those children who had met me before came up and hugged me. Such an awesome feeling to be remembered. The tears of joy were very close. I left them to continue playing as I was disturbing them due to curiosity on their part.
I saw Wayan Tini with Gede, they both said hello. Wayan Tini was doing a massage on Gede. I had obviously started something great! Regular massages were also being done on Ketut Ari and Komang, both of whom I’d worked on previously. After the massage, Gede was asked to strengthen his leg muscles using a couple of different techniques. As he did this, he was counting.
None of this would have been possible 10months ago when I first met Gede. Lots has happened to him in this time. Opening him up to his potential on that first day has allowed enormous physical and mental growth for him. In the videos you can see Gede getting up to the chair and wheelie-walker. He has gained tremendous strength in his legs to do this. I feel so proud of him and Wayan Tini and all those that have contributed to the improvement of this young man.
Tomorrow I’m taking a therapist with me to meet the children and teachers. He’ll also observe the work I do on the children to see if this is what he would like to do. If he’s agreeable, then he’ll work with the children full-time and the Foundation will pay him regularly. This will make such an exceptional difference to the children.
I was talking with Dede’s wife, Made last night. She used to be a massage therapist. She seemed keenly interested in the offer of working with the children at JS. Even though I said I had someone else in mind, I could see her motivation to want to do it. Sweeney didn’t show that much keenness. So, if he doesn’t work out, maybe she will. I might have to arrange an extra trip to Candidasa to train her and install her at the school.