It is an easy and simple thing… letting Holland calmly take you by the hand and lead you down the garden path. Every time she wanders around OFI’s infant playground and Learning Forest she seems to find new wonder in these familiar places. Inspecting every nook and cranny, sniffing each leaf and leaving no stone unturned, Holland wants for nothing except some company and fresh territory to explore. She will brush the fresh earth with her long fingers and raise them to her nose, inhaling the many fragrances of nature.
Holland’s independence has started asserting itself. After casually leading you around the forest on a tour of her “home”, she will let go of your hand and finally make her own way off into the tangled web of vegetation, where we humans find it difficult to follow. Something will catch her eye or she will spot one of her peers rustling around in the undergrowth and she will quickly rush over to join in the fun. A flurry of dark orange and she disappears into the trees. Holland will eventually return to the infant playground. She makes time for all of her friends, especially the little ones who can learn a lot from her.
While the other infants scatter off into the forest, Holland is busy tumbling around the playground hammocks with Rimba Raya, one of the smaller infants at Camp Danielle. This gives her caregivers time to gather young leaves from around the forest that will later provide a tasty treat for Holland and her friends.
The last year has done nothing to dull Holland’s enthusiasm. Her tenacity has only grown. Holland’s eyes display a supply of wisdom and self-assuredness beyond her years. There is always a twinkle within her eyes, alongside a dash of good humour that she is continuously willing to share.
We are so happy to continue observing Holland’s progress and see that she is doing just fine. The next six months will be a joy to witness.