Festival de Tena, Working on the park, and Christmas is coming!

Last week was a big deal here in Tena. Thursday was officially Tena Day, so there were parades, chicken fights, 4x4 truck races, and more happening around town all week.  The only event I was really able to catch (since most things were happening during the day time) was a parade of all the different dance groups here in Tena. I think that most groups were affiliated to the different schools and represented the different national dances based on the different regions of Ecuador. I wish I knew the different names and regions, but I'll do my best... 

I think this group represents the Andes region

These guys were definitely representing the indigenous people

Not sure which region they represent, but they were so much fun to watch as they interacted with their partners and with each other. Made me want to join in!

These are younger kiddos, decked in Ecuador's colors

This style is from the Esmeraldas region which is the northwest coastal area. That is where there is a  large Afro-Ecuadorean influence.  The boys in this group were the most animated dancers, despite the heat!  They were waving their handkerchiefs around with such pride.  

Next major event of the week was a work party that we held in order to (attempt to) finish up the park that is next door to our clinic.  This is the park I mentioned in my last blog that Nicole designed to be handicapped accessible. Despite heavy rain in the morning, parents still showed up once the sun came out and were a tremendous help in sprucing up the place.  Now we are waiting for the swings to be let out of customs in Quito- who knows how long that might take.  :)

Scrubbing off the moss... not sure how long that will last with how often it rains here.  

Trimming bamboo and planting flowers

The sand box

One of my kiddos, helping us out. We can turn anything into "therapy"! 

It was amazing to watch the parents patch this thatched roof with palm frowns and wires. 

These are two engineers from the hospital who graciously came over and gave us some pointers on finishing touches. 

 Here are some more pics of some kiddos in the clinic:

This is Mateo- he has cerebral palsy which has affected the right side of his body. I love this pic because he is using that right hand so well, despite how difficult it is for him.  He is a stubborn little dude, so it's a miracle we caught this moment. :) 

Here is again, with me this time. He allowed me to cover up his left hand for about 10 minutes, just long enough for us to work on opening up his right hand and flexing his wrist. Another proud therapy moment. 

I'm sure you all remember Leandro. This was another star moment as I've really been working on  helping him use his hand, to communicate more clearly, and work on oral motor control (aka drooling less). He LOVES to talk but is only using sounds, gestures, and facial expressions to make his needs known.  I have since discovered that bubbles and cookies are great motivators for communication. 

Another example of parents being resourceful. This is a home made sock aid made from PVC pipe and rope that this kid's dad constructed.  

Oscar and I working on being able to dress himself.   He is a very shy guy, but is starting to open up to me and we're making progress!

As the holidays come closer, I am thinking of you all.  Since there is no Thanksgiving here, Christmas decorations are appearing everywhere, including in my living room! Here is a portrait of my family here in front of our tree that went up this weekend. 

It's amazing how busy I have been since I arrived here. Between jumping straight into working with the kids, soccer games, traveling, and swimming in rivers as often as possible, nearly 2 months have already gone by!

Next entry: indigenous market in Otavalo, visa saga continued, and Salsa dancing in Quito! Stay tuned!