Second field update from Rwanda. Giving is Receiving.

My second update from the field written on September 20, 2009.

As our trip winds down to a close, I'd like to give you one final update from the field. I'd also like to, again, thank you for your supportive emails, comments, and silent well wishes--they have been a terrific source of inspiration for the duration of my time here. This is a lengthy email, reporting our activities over the past few days, so if you are challenged for time or patience, I invite you to view this photo album as it will convey much of what is written here. Don't miss the new YouTube video either.

After completing our work with the children at the Remera Mbogo school for orphans (read last update from the field), we shifted our focus to a group of approximately 40 traumatized 'orphan head of households' who are living on their own in the city, and usually, caring for other traumatized orphans.

We began a 2-day trauma healing program with them on Thursday. After introductions, the group of 40 broke down into smaller groups to write down the main problems they were facing. By no means did we want to assume what their needs were. In no particular order they were: Loneliness (some live alone and have nothing to do during the day), deep sorrow of losing parents and family, painful memories, mistrust, and a feeling that there is no hope for their situation to improve (all live in poverty and struggle daily to meet basic needs).

The group then split into 2 main groups. One went with Lori and me and the other went with Barbara and Bert, the other two trauma counselors, to learn self-help methods to address the problems they are facing. The skills that were taught are by no means cure-alls ... they are more like drops in a vast ocean. Yet they are a good start and keep keenly aware that compassionate trauma counseling of this nature, where root causes of suffering are addressed, is not at all available here. The phrase from Satya Sai Baba, "it takes one drop of ocean water to know the taste of the entire ocean" comes to mind. Emphasis was placed not only self-help but on helping others help themselves as well, and to continue with this work in our absence. Again I say this is a start, and with our combined support, the momentum will continue to snowball into something I sense will be miraculous.

Here's a video of the group singing and dancing one morning, this should give you a good feel for the remarkable spirit of these amazing people.

Over the two days, I had the great honor and privilege to work individually with 7 or so orphans, giving Jin Shin Jyutsu sessions on the floor in a breakout room. For those that are familiar, the root causes or "stucks" were alarmingly consistent. Grief, being tied to the past, and heavy tension in the bust and waistline areas. I used the 1, 9, 13, and Lung flows repeatedly and the 1st Method of Correction came in handy as well. I will share two success stories. Two in their late teens reported having chronic back pain as a result of being beaten over the back during the genocide. After their treatments, both said that their backs felt a great deal better, and one, the next day, told me the pain was 100% gone. While these results are nice, it was even more important for me to see a visible aura of peace and harmony envelop them, as it's from this place that unexpected miracles frequently occur (e.g., randomly crossing paths with somebody who has a job you need) and this is, perhaps, the greatest need of all. The other story involves a young man, age 29, who at the end of his treatment, moved into a state of heavy catharsis. He was writhing on the floor, clenching his fists tightly, tears were streaming down his face. I actually had a moment of, "what do I do?" as I have not born witness to this kind of an episode. I continued on and inwardly asked to know when enough was enough. This too shall pass and he did indeed calm down as the treatment came to its gently conclusion. After getting up, he told me that he had not cried in a very long time. That not even witnessing his parents get shot in front of him or the memory of his dad's body being hacked to pieces made him cry. (Take a breath.)

There really is no difference between giver and receiver, I've learned. These strong and courageous souls have given me equally as much by demonstrating their honesty, strength, and determination. I hope that you too have received something from reading about our adventure here and seeing the photos/videos.

Yesterday, Lori, the filmmaker, and I and two of our favorite translators toured Kigali in a decommissioned ambulance to visit the 3 homes of 6 orphans with the simple intention of providing some good company and a listening ear. Up until this point, I had only seen the psychological and emotional post-genocide reality. Now it was time to take in the material reality. We visited the home of two who had received JSJ sessions from me (see photos in the photo album). These two lived in one small room with no toilet, no closet, and no kitchen. They shared one "bed," which was just a not-too-sturdy mattress on the floor. Life is like this for the majority of the orphan population, where serious difficulties both within and without are contended with on a daily basis. The visits really put into perspective some of the things that I worry about. Despite the hard reality, the dignity and hospitality we encountered (we were offered lunch at one of our destinations!) was a special and heart-warming something to behold, as was the honest appreciation for us simply caring enough to show up and visit. In the US we tend to need bells and whistles!

Tomorrow, we finish up by spending one final day at the school for orphans to do some more filming and individual counseling. From there, I will head to India for two weeks on a new adventure that will entail volunteering at the Seva Cafe (in preparation to bring it to Santa Barbara in 2010) and visiting dear Amma at Amritapuri.

I am deeply gratefully yours for making this incredible and life-changing trip a reality. I can safely say the world is just that much more of a better place now. :)

With my love and the love of all those who you were able to touch by your generosity,

Christopher