Farewell

Today was my last day at the center. I worked with the 4 kids one last time and reminded the teachers of the procedures I had been working on. It was sad to say goodbye to my friends and they would like for me to come back soon. One little boy learned to request "bubbles" "toast" and "croissant" this week independently! Hooray! This week I will sumbit a report to the center on each child I worked with and their progress over two weeks. Last night we went to the Kuwait towers and to picnic at the Marina Mall and beach. It was a very nice park in downtown. After school today we ate at a great resturant by the water. The Payne's daughter and I will be flying back together tonight... she is coming to Columbia for a visit. Tonight I go to the airport and my flight leaves at midnight. Thanks for reading my blog... more picture when I get back!

Me and my friend (she showed me how to wear a scarf)

Monday

Hello Everyone! Today was a good day at the center. I worked with several kids today and had a meeting with the staff and Dr. Payne to review procedures. I took the role of the child (with Autism) for the training exercise and the staff thought it was hilarious. The practice included me running away and the staff chasing me :)I am still working with staff and seeing good progress with 2 other girls. The teachers and I are working to change some of the behaviors: biting, running, scratching and etc. I am really enjoying the time at the center and the friendships I am making. I would love to continue to be involved in the work there after I return to the states.

Hello to everyone at Bright Start! See you soon!

Kuwaiti things :)

Hello! Today started the work week again. I had a good day at the center today. I worked with a new little boy and he was doing a wonderful job using signs and words for me. He actually imitated when I said "yes" "ready"in English and "bahd" (again) in Arabic. So far I have picked up about 10 Arabic words. I am having a wonderful time working with the staff. Here are a few pictures:McDonalds, Kuwaiti fire extinguisher, Toilet with covered lady... ha :)

Friday

Today we went to an Anglican church and then had tea and toast with friends at the apartment. I love tea! I was tired from the week so I took a nap :) and then we headed down to the market for dinner. We ate hummus, chicken, lamb, and bread. We shopped for gifts and actually one of the vendors offered to buy me and take me back to Egypt for 3kd worth of candy... which is about $9. Luckily Dr. Payne said "la" or "no" to his offer... whew! Enjoy the pictures from today!

The pictures: the market and me at the market, where we ate (the tarps are for the rain and it was raining which never happens here!), Heidi but I was really taking a picture of the people behind Heidi, Me eating LOTS!

The towers, Coastline, Me and Linnea, and Kuwait Weather Man (who ironically Harvey met today at the TV station after I took this picture... creepy!)

Thursday (work week ends today!)

Hello Again! Well today was thursday, but actually it ends our work week. We work Sunday-Thursday. I have been working with 3 girls mostly this week that have more severe behaviors and am making progress. One of the girls runs very fast and is a rather large girl... so now we have two of the male nurses with us to catch her :). I am helping the staff learn when to reinforce behaviors and when to ignore. I am also working with a girl to begin using sounds. Today she said "beh" and "Ckk" for the first time! hooray!! Next week I will start working with another little boy that runs away. It was a good week and I think I have made some wonderful new friends.

Tonight we went to the Market and shopped. Actually before that we went to the IMAX and watched "journey to Mecca". I found several scarves at the market and we ate hummus, fries, and bread. The market is huge with many venders and tons of people. I will take pictures of the market tomorrow.

Friday is church day here so in the morning I will go to church and then we will have a picnic.

Wednesday

SOoo... Just pictures today. Some of the city, me and Linnea on a camel! me at the Kuwait heritage festival, and Hardees is better in Kuwait!

Tuesday

Hello!
So I have been at the center for 3 days and things are going very well.The children are at the center 8-12:30 and after 12:30 I work with the teachers to prepare for the next day and make plans. I have been working mostly with three girls. One of the girls has made considerable progress with using signs and imitating signs. I work with her in the classroom and during snack time. She has even attempted a few sounds which is brand new for her! I work with the teachers and Dr. Payne to develop goals and plans for each specific situation and behavior. I am learning so much! I am making friends with two teachers from Egypt, and they are very sweet to me. At the end of our class they get me "Nescafe" and snack. Tonight I will go to bible study with the Paynes and tomorrow night to a cultural event. I have adjusted to the time difference and the food. The pictures are of Star Fruit drive up smoothie stand and Linnea (the Payne's daughter). It rained yesterday so I didn't get many pictures. I will post more tomorrow~!

Sunday in Kuwait

Hello again!
It is Sunday night here and today was the first day of the work week. Today was my first day at the center. Unfortunately I can't take pictures at the center, but I'll try to get some before the 2 weeks is up. I observed two girls that I will work with one on one. It was great seeing the way the center approaches Autism and how to work with the children. I attended their "assembly" time where all the students gather in groups for singing, signing, and activities... this was great! After school we walked around the neighborhood near the apartment to buy bread... I got to see a few shops and a market. In the pictures: Lots of stray cats, bread making, bread buying, a bus, a house with a tent (where the workers live until the house is built!)

Ikea, the gulf, and view from our apartment

Saturday

Hello again!

Saturday has been fun. We ate pancakes, watched Kuwait television, went to a fabulous mall, and walked down to the Gulf. Traffic is basically a nightmare and there are no driving rules... which makes getting places an adventure. I rested most of the morning because tomorrow is the start of the work week. I will be at the center observing and meeting staff most of the day. I apparently have some type of cold or virus... so I am hoping it clears up before tomorrow! I also got the cutest little can of CocaCola light... GREAT! Here are a few pictures from today, Enjoy!

Flying in to Kuwait

I'm here!

Hello Everyone! I am here! I had an amazing flight here... with no complications besides a small delay leaving Columbia. The flight was wonderful. I had 3 seats all to myself and enjoyed watching The Office, 30 Rock, Tim Gunn, and the Secret Life of Bees... along with several hours of sleep! I'm not really jet lag but I am having a bit of trouble thinking straight... I will have to continue this post tomorrow, but I am here and I am doing very well!

Airport waiting :)

SO,
I am in Columbia, waiting for my flight... and since there is a significant delay I thought... what a good time to start blogging! I am anticipating that I will make my connecting flight (since it is the only one out of Atlanta today). I am very excited and a little nervous about the rest of my travels.

I wanted to write a quick note to thank everyone for the cards, thoughts, prayers, and support. I am sure I will have much to share over the next two weeks!

Love,
Danielle

Kuwait

Hello Everyone!
As most of you know I am traveling to Kuwait City, Kuwait this Thursday March 26- April 9th. I will be working alongside Dr. Harvey Payne (CIU) who has been serving at the Kuwait Center for Autism for the last year. I will be training several staff member in Verbal Behavior a treatment for Autism. I am very much looking forward to this trip and am very humbled by the support of family and friends. Thank you all SO much! I will be updating the blog while I am traveling so check back often. I love you all!