Set back to move forward

REHAB Basel is a paradise for people in wheelchairs; they have smooth floors and handrails everywhere. Doorways are wide and counters have knee space underneath. Here in Kandern, that's not nearly the case. My bathroom is too narrow to even fit my wheelchair in, so I have to manage walking through the narrow space while holding my hands on either wall; showering is particularly difficult in the tiny space. In fact, right now, it's downright scary, but I know I'll eventually get used to it.

There are a lot of things here that are not convenient, but I know I'll get used to. In some ways, the first few days here in Kandern felt like a set back in my progress because things were not so easy, but I know that's only because I need time to get used to them. Showering at REHAB wasn't easy at first, but I learned how to do it safely. The same will be true for life here in Kandern. I had two months to learn to do things and gain confidence in REHAB (remember I wasn't allowed to even try most things for three months), so the next two months out of REHAB will be the same. 

It's not a setback to feel unsafe in my shower; it's a chance to move forward and test my limits in new ways. I'm so excited to see what new things I can do if I just try. Wednesday evening I went to a friend's house for dinner - the first friend I had dinner with both times I've moved to Germany. It was quite a different experience to hobble slowly through the house on sticks this time, but I made it. This is progress; I'm moving forward.

There's still a lot of difficulties to overcome, and I would love your prayers as I learn to navigate these nuances of Kandern life while also filing insurance claims and completing the appropriate forms in a mountain of paperwork. It's overwhelming, and I can't do it alone, but I am so grateful for the community of people supporting me through this transition.