In the House of Peace, there are four girls that are immobile as far as walking goes.
Noel is always on the floor; she has spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) and does not talk. She packs a big smile and can laugh out loud when playing Duck Duck Goose but most of the time she is very serious and looks sad. I am not sure why she is never in a wheelchair but I do know that the other kids in the house can understand her and try to take care of her.
Noel Joy (CP) is often on the floor with Noel but does have a wheelchair. I hear she has a match and thus will have a family soon. I remember her as one of my favorites from my trip 3 years ago for her sweet disposition and smile. She has more mobility than Noel and I would think with a loving family she will excel at anything she tries.
Charissa (CP) is always in her wheelchair. She seems more distant and harder to get to smile but that might be because she cannot maneuver her chair to get where the actions is. I have heard her speak seldom and quietly but she seems to have a strong bond with Noel and I believe they can communicate with each other without words. I worry about her, as the stench of urine was strong when I lifted her and in a place with so many in need the quiet ones can be forgotten.
Elizabeth (Feet and Spine Paraplegia) another favorite that I remember from my last visit. She is shy but this trip has warmed up to me. She is smart beyond her 8 years and can speak quite a bit of English. She can get out of her wheelchair and move around the room with her knees bent so that her feet don’t drag using her hands to “walk”. She is sweet, but packs a mean punch if someone tries to take something in her possession - it is survival of the fittest here and those arms are strong - don’t under estimate her pettiness as a sign of weakness.
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