We had asked our doctor friend to visit us to see how our residents are doing. Fortunately Daniel and Loyda are gaining weight, although their intestines do not yet work as they should. Also the parasites are more resistent than we had hoped. This is not so strange in Nicaragua where most people, including ourselves, routinely take a course of anti-parasite medicines every six months.
But wow! When he came, the doctor invited us for an outing to a farm out in the country, with only a small hut on it where the person who looks after the animals lives. We looked at each other. Did we dare to take Daniel and Loyda there? In their whole life they have rarely ventured beyond a strip of 6m2 in front of their former home.
But how could we say ‘No’? The challenge was made easier because transport was being arranged for us. All staff were invited, also the part-timers. And of course those who were off-duty on the day of the outing made sure they would also be part of the outing
That was last Saturday, a marvellous day! Jonathan visibly enjoyed the wind, the trees, the quiet and the people around him, who become more and more familiar. Daniel made one of the first walks in his life, and enjoyed being swayed by the wind in his hammock, where he soon learned how to keep his balance and enjoy himself in his own way. Loyda also seemed to enjoy lying in the hammock. I took her on a small walk and itseemed she found sitting in the grass for a while and feeling the wind on her face blissful.
We were royally received with all sorts of delicious maize products specially made for this occasion: corn cobs roasted on an open fire, jontamal (ground maize) and guirila (sweet maize pan cake). At the end of the day tired but grateful we got back home . We all agreed that this occasion is worth a repeat. And it seems our host is of the same opinion. The plan is to go on a trip once a month.