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!