We all do a lot of walking here, and the children take the public bus to their middle school in a town about 10K away. The bus is free during school hours. Our home is about a 20-30 minute walk up the hill from the bus stop. Big brother Kai helps Ming by carrying her heavier things. Occasionally we take the train and the train station is a bout 3k from the house. Ming also has a scooter which she frequently uses when she needs to go longer distances.

Ming has spina bifida, and as a result she has limited mobility in her left leg and that leg is shorter than the other. Recently, she got some super special custom made fuchsia house shoes to wear at school. In Austria all the children leave their outdoor shoes in their lockers in the morning and wear house shoes all day in. The special orthopedic shoes made for Ming help her to walk easier and more level. She says that the other kids think that they are cool.

Recently, we found that Kai has a hearing deficit and he is currently testing hearing aids to see if it's possible that the insurance will fund them for him. The insurance paid for all but a small portion of Ming's shoes. Next up; outdoor shoes for Ming. We are grateful for the good public schools and affordable healthcare available here.

Ming at the orthopedist. Walking and scootering from the train through the countryside to home. Kai's trial hearing aids

The bus the children take to and from school. Ming Qiao, just off the bus and ready to walk up the hill home.