For Jonathan Sake Outreach Day 12- Thomika

Thomika’s mother has been bringing her to outreach outreach for the last couple years. Thomika has Athetoid Cerebral Palsy which means she has a difficult time controlling her arms & legs to complete tasks. Cognitively she is completely their and very smart. She is generally joyful/happy but when it comes to completing a task she has a stubborn/hardworking personality. One thing is for sure…Thomika does not like to share (I think that comes with being an only child). Thomika knows what she wants & will do what it takes to make it happen. During therapy she works on standing in the stander (definitely not a fan of this), walking with support under her arms, sitting unsupported, and functionally playing with toys. She loves to play and swing in the swing. Thomika can feed herself a cracker and is able to put big coins in a kids piggy bank with minimal assistance. 

I just love watching Thomika's mother interact with her and help her play with toys. She also encourages her along during therapy and comforts her when tasks get challenging and Thomika gets frustrated. 

I also love the fact that Thomika's mother has built relationships/friendships with the other Friday mothers that travel from PdP. Thomika comes all the way from PdP which an hour tap-tap ride which costs $1 USD each way (equivalent to a days wages for many). 

I had the privilege of visiting Thomika & her mother at their home in PdP a few months back. They live in a room on the second floor of what we would call an apartment building. To get to their room they have to climb a narrow, steep spiral set of stairs. Their room is small with a bed and a few other pieces of furniture. Thomika is an only child and her mother is a single mother. I did not have a translator during the visit so was unable to ask many questions. During the visit I played with Thomika with a few toys I brought in my backpack. Thomika also loves food so I gave her some  fruit snacks. At the end of the visit we were able to bless their family with a solar power Christian radio from Radio 4VEH.

Please keep Thomika and her mother in your prayers.

·         Pray that Thomika will continue to gain control over her body and be able to complete more functional tasks.

·         Pray for her mother to continue to rely on God for her daily strength and that she will find peace and hope in Him & His word.

·         Pray that Thomika’s mother would be able to find a job so she can provide for their family

 Thomika's mother was unable to come to the Christmas party so her grandmother brought her. It was wonderful to meet her! You could tell that she also has a wonderful relationship with her grandaughter!