And, how wonderful, too, that Afeefa has gotten to "see some pretty snow." She has gone sledding on our little hill with Rebecca. She wasn't too sure what to think of it at first, but in the end, was asking for more rides, until the cold got to her. Her favorite thing, though, is to be outside when it is snowing hard and to catch the snowflakes in her mouth. Now, whenever we step outside, she opens her mouth, says "Open wide, eat some snow."
This week we began work in our home with a therapist who specializes in mobility and orientation for the visually impaired. This wonderful woman, Ann, is a retired vision therapist who used to work for GR public schools. She has graciously offered her time to help Afeefa learn to walk with her special cane, which she tenderly refers to as "Sweetie." I'm excited about the progress Afeefa is making as she is learning to navigate better and gain some confidence as she moves about. It was so exciting to see her walk all the way from our living room to her bedroom, and then to our kitchen with little assistance. It's hard to believe that she has gone from total blindness to now being able to navigate her way around somewhat independently. Pray that she'll continue to make good progress, both with mobility and using her eyes in every day tasks.
Thanks to those of you who have donated money to support her medical care and travel expenses. If you are able to help, you can still donate at any time, just be sure to write "for Afeefa Ally" on the memo line of your check to:
Healing The Children/Michigan-Ohio Chapter
2140 44th St. SE Ste. 204
Grand Rapids, Mi 49508
Also, we want to thank all of you who have kept Afeefa, her family, and ours in your prayers. God is faithful, and we are blessed!
Some recent Afeefa quotes to make you smile:
After tasting any new food, her favorite thing to say is "Tastes like beef."
Afeefa thoroughly enjoys watching the boys' basketball games and cheering for them. Some of the things she's heard at games have been repeated at various times during any given day:
*in the bathtub when I wash her quickly, "Good hustle!"
*to Micah at breakfast, "Shake it off, Micah" (she heard this when he got hurt in a game)
* at the boys game, she cheers for their team, "Go Hawks!!!" and then the next moment echoes a cheer from parents of the other team with equal enthusiasm, "Go Bucks!!!!"
And, a couple of pictures, too......
Looking at blocks and learning to build towers
Some fun in the pretty snow!!!!
Here, Afeefa and Micah are watching "Baby Einstein"----her favorite. With my other kids, TV watching was always frowned upon, but for Afeefa, it's legitimate and good vision therapy!
Afeefa's first walk around the house using "Sweetie."
