Day 11 of CVI workshops.  Lindsay and I could hardly believe the day-by-day countdown brought us to this final day.  We finished up with content associated with Phase III.  There was a large group comprised of parents, grandparents, speech therapists, physio therapists, occupational therapists, and professors. I was again impressed with the engagement and passion of the participants.  It has been a deeply moving experience and I will always be grateful for the leadership of Terry and Antoinette who, inch by inch have brought awareness of CVI to South Africa. 

(Whew, we did it.)                                                     

(Leadership team, Terry and Antoinette.)

Pediatric VIEW was represented by more than one member of the team today.  Jonathan Graves virtually joined to share some tips about technology and specific applications we have found useful with the children we see at Pediatric VIEW.  It was a bit surreal and comforting to have a real-time connection with The Children’s Home in Pittsburgh.   A relief to see a familiar face and to learn that my little garden at work is surviving.

(Two members of Pediatric VIEW)

As excited as I am to have a few days of R&R, I leave this experience and setting with melancholy.  I believe the attendees over the 11 days of content are sincerely dedicated to change.  I cannot think of a participant who seemed blasé about the mission they are embracing.  A number of parents and professionals were also present in 2022 and to a person, they have made changes on behalf of individuals with CVI in their own spheres.  They proudly displayed materials they have developed and shared photos of children in action.  It is my responsibility to remain available to them in partnership with The Red Balloon leaders as they continue to work it all out.  My time in Johannesburg with these groups has been humbling and an honor.  And now that I have mastered the accent, I am practically indigenous… i.e.  “I have a qweashton” (or is this the exhaustion talking in my ear?). 

Tomorrow/Saturday, we check out at 10 AM and start our sojourn to Pilanesberg nature reserve.  My way too heavy, good camera is all charged up and I have sent word to the animals to be photo ready.  Lindsay has already warned me that she will not rescue me if I leave the safari vehicle to get a close-up picture.  This will be the frosting on the cake

CVI WORKSHOP 2024 AGENDA WEEK 1

CVI WORKSHOP 2024 AGENDA WEEK 2