No Ordinary Wheelchairs

When we think of wheelchair projects, we remember several years ago the big truck pulling up to the church in Uganda, dignitaries giving speeches and disabled people crawling onto the grounds of the church and sitting on the grass.  We're not sure how the chairs were matched up with the people, think they came in 3 sizes--small, medium and large.  We remember one man who came in his own wheelchair, took one of ours and wanted us to drive him home with both chairs.  He most likely sold them both in the market.

Now things are different, at least here in Jordan.  We've learned some lessons about wheelchairs and people who receive them from LDS Charities are custom fitted by trained specialists who keep detailed records.

This week we joined the Hammonds in Amman for a large wheelchair training and donation of 650 wheelchairs to the Royal Medical Services Hospital.

Kelvyn and Kaye Cullimore (wheelchair specialists) and two physical therapists came to Jordan from Salt Lake for the training.  (note:  When Lynn was a young missionary in the Central States Mission, he knew the Cullimore family and he remembered Kelvyn!!)

16 outstanding physical therapists in Jordan were selected to attend the training.  The first day they were divided up into teams and each team assembled a wheelchair.  It was hard work--especially if you're wearing a scarf on  your head.  By assembling a chair and they learned how to make adjustments so the chair will fit properly.

For the next two days of classes the students sat in the chairs they assembled.

 It's very important to measure correctly and fit the patient into a chair that will be appropriate for his or her lifestyle.  The regular chairs are lighter and are used in the city and in buildings.  The rough rider chairs are heavy and can maneuver well on uneven surfaces.

We were invited to have lunch in the officers dining hall every day.  They really treated us well.  One day we had Mansif, which was a special treat.  Yum, boiled lamb with rice and peanuts on the top.  Served with spicy pickles, of course.

 The students went outside to practice using the wheelchairs up and down ramps, on grass and on the stairs.  It was more difficult then they thought it would be.

 On the third day, the hospital brought in actual patients to be fitted.  It was a very emotional time for us.  We don't think we've ever seen so much love and care given by the family members.  This man was brought in by his grandsons.  He suffered a stroke a week ago and couldn't speak a word, but his eyes were full of tears.  These two boys were right by his side taking care of his every need.

This elderly couple was another example of love and devotion to each other.  The physical therapists were very tender and kind to them both.

The man in the wheelchair was brought in by his two sons (on the right).  We could tell how much they loved their father.  "Where's the mother?" I asked.  They pointed to the door and there she was standing outside watching.  She didn't know it was alright to come in.  When we went over and invited her, she rushed to her husband's side and was so happy to be there.

This is a mother being cared for by her daughter.  So touching.  There were many others, but we were not very comfortable taking pictures.  It just didn't seem right.

These two physical therapists became our friends.  We just loved them.  Can you guess which one is Muslim and which one is Christian?

When the training was all over everyone got a certificate and the general gave them the day off tomorrow!

We are so grateful to have been a part of this project.  It is truly a blessing to the people of Jordan.  The best thing about the project is that it will be sustainable.  These wonderful people can carry on without our leadership.  They are well trained and ready to take charge.

This wheelchair project meets all the requirements for a successful LDS Charities humanitarian project:

The members of the Church who donate to the humanitarian fund can be assured that their money was used in a very careful, responsible way on the wheelchair project.  It will be blessing to many Jordanians for a long time.