Today was a very emotional day at Anini. The team met Allan, a psychology student who is completing his clinical at Anini. Allan described his bond with the children and the love that he has for the children. To Allen this is not just his job but feels a love that is "greater than the love of his friends and family". It was clear to us that the children see him as a male model and even call him papa.

The team started the day out in Casa 1, which is the house for children with CP. Much of the time was spent in getting the children on the floor and on their bellies. During discussion, one of the students said "All we did was play with them." Which was the great comment considering the great thing about OT is play IS therapy! Audra (one of our OT's) went back to casa 2 to see the boys. She brought out the lycra and one of the children with severe autism immediately got up from laying on the floor and walked to Audra, so she could wrap him with the lycra. This was pretty amazing considering that he was able to communicate with us and he liked us! Two of the therapist, Valerie and Danielle, spent some time with a young lady with paraplegia. She is quite independent and one of her favorite (and important) activities is running (aka wheeling in her sport chair). She can transfer to and from mnay surfaces, but cannot transfer to her sport wheel chair, which she uses for olympics and PE. In the past, two of the nannies would pick her up and move her from one wheel chair to another. By the time that Valerie and Danielle finished working with she was able to transfer to and from her sport wheel chair with less help and more independence!!! The plan was to continue with education and practice tomorrow, but unfortunately she will not be there tomorrow because she is going to the children's museum.

There were many touching experiences today but these were just the highlights. We can't wait to go back tomorrow to see what we can accomplish on our last day at Anini. We anticipate that it will be a bittersweet departure, in that we are so happy on what we have been able to do to help the Nannies and the children at Anini, but also sad to have to go.

Danielle Braun, OT and Valerie Hill, Faculty