Help Sissy continue his journey

The time has finally come for Sissy's long awaited holiday on the Bulgarian Black sea shore. The luggage had been packed and the excitement levels were through the roof in the last few days prior the big trip. The accompanying social workers from the Small Group Home were slightly worried about Sissy's behaviour on the bus but it turned out that all the rehersals paid off and he patiently kept to his seat throughout the 6 hour journey from Kyustendil to the coast.

Once arrived at the desired destination, Sissy and his friends couldn't wait to take off their shoes and step onto the warm sandy beach. All of them equiped with new bathing suits they quicky managed to learn their way from the hotel to the nearest beach.

As we write this report Sissy is still enjoying the breeze and the waves at beautful Nessebar (one of Bulgaria's major seaside resorts). His daily routine includes beach games during the early morning hours and long walks along the cobbled street of the old town in the late afternoons.

Travelling often presents a big challenge for people with intellectual disabilities. They would easily get anxious or frustrated when taken out of the usual surroundings. The Cedar Foundation teams, however, have managed to thoroughly study the habits and behaviour of all children and youth and are able to react in a relaxed manor whatever the situation and make them feel secure and protected.

We wish both children and the team members a wonderful sea adventure!

The spring season has been full of activities and a source of great joy and wonderful memories for Sissy and the rest of the young adults from the Small Group Home in Kyustendil. The sun and the warm temperatures equal lots of outdoor fun for Sissy and his peers and these last few months the weather did not disappoint them.

In the beginning of May Sissy was included in a project to refresh the Small Group Homes with the help of 13 student volunteers from Switzerland. When they arrived he was the one to show them around and introduce them to everybody. The language barrier was not a challenge for him and he managed to get along with everyone even with the few words he has in his active vocabulary. The volunteers had to do some painting both inside and outside the houses, they planted new flowers and herbs and helped assemble the new patio furniture. The project included repainting Sissy's bedroom for which he went and picked a bright orange color.

Towards the end of May Sissy participated in a day trip to Rila monastery, one of Bulgaria's most important historical and cultural sites. The visit was followed by a picnic in a scenic meadow surrounded by the gorgeous hills of the Rila mountain where Sissy and his friends and housemates played games, danced and enjoyed a lunch on the grass.

Sissy still works at the public laundry and for the past few months he has been actively saving for his upcoming summer vacation. His biggest wish is to go to the seaside.