Monday, December 19, 2011

Music Therapy at Kings Hosptial

This entry is a bit delayed, and refers to events of Tuesday and Wednesday last week:
Our music therapy experience here has been multifaceted and very moving. From percussion/drum circles to song circles to working with music applications on the iPad, the children served by the school and orphanage are eager to share their music with us. We teach them a song like "This Little Light of Mine" and they return the favor by translating the song into Creole for us. We teach them simple percussion techniques and they enhance the experience with their own traditional Haitian rhythms. We play a recorded arrangement of the Haitian national anthem to a group of pre-teen boys, and they burst into song with a power that moves me to tears. Molly and Donna are finding their own ways of working with the students and are developing unique approaches as therapeutic opportunities arise. After speaking to the nursing staff this morning, the Drs. Morquette asked us to provide music for patients within the hospital tomorrow morning. I am excited and honored and look forward to working with patients and
their families.

Elizabeth

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Reflections on our trip

One of the primary goals of the Arts for Haiti service learning trip was to empower Haitians to teach and empower themselves, develop a vision for their own individual and collective desires for the future of their culture and country. The question was asked at the beginning of the trip: What can ten women do in the midst of the devastating and overwhelming situation that exists in post-earthquake Port au Prince? The students initially felt a bit overwhelmed after our first day of touring the damaged areas of the city, including the governmental buildings that remain in the same collapsed state as they fell nearly two years ago. They stand as toppled monuments the event. We asked ourselves how we could offer some relief and provide hope. The warmth and graciousness of our hosts, and those with whom we worked answered our questions. They responded to our offerings very positively, and embraced bringing music and art back into their worlds. The white hospital walls now hold art created in response to this trip, and some created by students from other colleges and universities. The sounds of spontaneous singing and drumming were heard as we walked to the van on our final day at the hospital. The children responded to their circumstances by making brightly colored faneaux that art a traditionaldecoration for the holidays. The colors are reflective of the Caribean, and demonstrated the vision of the young individuals have for their future. We observed as the older students at the Kings Garden boarding school taught younger students traditional drumming rhythms, and showed younger students how to create the faneaux. In the end, we feel that although we brought our talents to share with them, they, in return, shared their warmth, their hospitality and their hearts with us. There is hope for the resilience and rebirth of Haiti. It is bittersweet to be home, but good to be back in time to share the holidays with friends and family!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Therapy fusion....

Things are just now beginning to take on a wonderful synchronistic rhythm. This morning Elizabeth, Donna and Molly offered music therapy with the little children, and the influence of that filtered through the day. Young students were singing as they drew, and later in the afternoon a group of high school boys broke out in a spontaneous drumming session using the table top as a drum. They moved into the girls dining hall and used the paddle drums. Before long everyone had filtered inside and there was a real party just before lunch. Everyone loved the rhythms and we danced together joyfully.
The art involve group work with children working collectively on panels which will be brought home. They worked very intently for quite a while. The smaller children made schematic drawings, and the older childre focused on more abstract patterns. They really turned out beautifully (see photo). The art therapy students are now feeling comfortable enough to work individually and in small groups, and they made headbands from from strips of fabric from t-shirts -- a transferrable skill that enhances on multiple levels. There was also time to work in small groups with the young teenage boys and girls on imagining a future. Some want to become doctors or pilots, one wants to become a singer. It was good for them to be able to imagine and express what their future might hold.
This is hump day. There is a little bit of sadness knowing that we will only be here two more days. Tomorrow we will see more of the countryside, which will help to broaden our understanding of Haiti. Dr. Morquette gave us a history of Haiti and it's cultural roots, so we have the underpinnings of greater understanding. The final day will be exciting as the childen will have finished their exams, so we will have a celebration.
There is so much more to share and many photos of the friendships we have formed that will last many years. It's such a wonderful experience for all of us!

There's a party in our room!

Four of the students are preparing one of tomorrow's art directives. We've learned it's very important to have examples prepared, in various stages of completion, when working with the chilldren at King's Garden. Often, art therapists avoid examples as they can interfere with the process of creative expression. Within this context, however, it seems to ameliorate some
of the challenges we've encountered, including the children's limited exposure to art experiences, art media (even locally available), and opportunities for critical and abstract problem solving. Anyway, the students are working to master the up-cycled material so they can adapt instruction for kids of diverse ages and abilities tomorrow! We're all overtired and it's the beginning of a late night, so they're getting a tiny bit slappy! It's wonderful to hear their laughter and see how well everyone relates, contributes, and works together! The students led the art experiences today, and they did a great job. Each is having leadership opportunities, and everyone is directly
engaged with the children. It's a good thing we have a ten-member team, as the number of kids we're working is quite large! Our students will never forget what they are learning, seeing, hearing, tasting, and feeling on this trip. We'll get a half an hour more sleep in the morning, and we're grateful! I'm not sure about the Converse crew, but Tamara and I are averaging about five hours of sleep a night, so this is just a short message tonight. More tomorrow... In Peace and Love, Gaelynn Wolf Bordonoro, Emporia State University

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Music brings joy...

Our music therapy experience here has been multifaceted and very moving. From percussion/drum circles to song circles to working with music applications on the iPad, the children served by the school and orphanage are eager to share their music with us. We teach them a song like "This Little Light of Mine" and they return the favor by translating the song into Creole for us. We teach them simple percussion techniques and they enhance the experience with their own traditional Haitian rhythms. We play a recorded arrangement of the Haitian national anthem to a group of pre-teen boys, and they burst into song with a power that moves me to tears. Molly and Donna are finding their own ways of working with the students and are developing unique approaches as therapeutic opportunities arise. After speaking to the nursing staff this morning, the Drs. Morquette asked us to provide music for patients within the hospital tomorrow morning. I am excited and honored and look forward to working with patients and
their families.

Elizabeth York

Monday, December 12, 2011

Emporia State University team members!

Good Evening! Tamara and I arrived in Port au Prince late Saturday night
at about 8:30pm. Our extended stay in Miami was relatively painless, although we
were very tired! After completing the necessary paperwork for our missing bags
(Wolf family, did anyone have bets registered?) we set out to find Dr.
Morquette. Thank goodness I can make calls in Haiti...we stayed on the phone
with him until we found one another! We said our hellos to our
pajama'd team when we got to the house, and Dr. Morquette ate a late supper with
us (for George and Anne, I shall report that it we enjoyed rice, tomatoes,
broccoli, and a creamy squash casserole). We're sharing a room with two large
windows and a fan from heaven! Although we were told the pump wasn't working
and we'd take bird/bucket baths, the shower head drizzled us with cold water and
we cooled down from the humidity and yuck of 18 hours of traveling.
Ahhhhh! The internet connection wasn't up last night, so I do apologize
for the delay in letting you know we arrived safely! We stayed up kinda
late chatting and figuring exactly what we had packed between the two of us,
then piled in our bunk bed for a well-needed snooze! The rooster woke
us this morning (well, quite frequently, really) early for breakfast, and we
enjoyed the wonderful cultural experience of going to church with the
Morquettes and the rest of the team. After, we conjoled our driver to stop at a road-side gallery of paintings, and engaged in another cultural practice...bargaining! Several
masterpieces are now proudly owned by team members (I'll try to send pictures
later...I have a great one of Tamara looking at the artwork). Uh
oh....we're being summoned to a team meeting! More soon... Bon
Nouit! In Peace and Love, Gaelynn

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Taking it all in

Our drives through Port au Prince have given us some evidence of progress, slow as it may be, from our last visit. While many government buildings lay in mountains of rubble, just as they fell in January 2010, there are signs of hope. We saw schools with new temporary buildings and some new construction for homes. However, the beacon of hope we witnessed was our visit to the newly reconstructed Iron Market (see photo). This beautiful structure was funded by others and since the market is the center of commerce, it is quite symbolic. To one side of the towers pictured are tiny stalls side by side of vendors selling fruit, rice, hand made graters and handcarved wooden spoons and bowls. On the other side of the tower are numerous artists selling their arts and crafts. The seemingly impassable streets are still cluttered with street vendors selling every imaginable item, but the system functions, and there is some improvement to be noted.
Our team (minus the two members from Emporia State) is also pictured, and this will be updated with a new one soon.
We've experienced a myriad of emotions -- even those of us who have visited before. It is an adjustment, to be sure, but once we reached the guesthouse, everything normalized and we began to process through discussion and art all that we are experiencing.
Tomorrow we will begin our work at the Hospital, sharing with professionals the benefits of both Music Therapy and Art Therapy. We are all really looking forward to this experience.

Day of Rest

Today is our first full day with our hosts in Haiti. Yesterday we were greeted outside of immigration and driven around the city. My first reaction was of shock and awe. Seeing all of the destruction of the city. It was so much worse than I thought it would be, and I had mentally prepared myself before we left the states.
The people are so kind and generous, our hosts have been so gracious and wonderful. Today we accompanied our hosts to a methodist church that they attend. It was interesting to hear a sermon in french and yet he sounded very similiar to a pastor at home! Everyone was very welcoming, even though our presence was definitely a noticable one. I'm looking forward to meeting all of the children tomorrow, I can't wait to do art with them!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Anticipation is building as we prepare to return to Haiti. Those of us who have been before will be anxious to see how things have progressed since the elections last year. We will also be excited to see those we met and worked with during our last visit. Those who will be making their first trip will be looking forward to an exciting new experience and opportunity to serve. We have a wonderful group: three professors: two Board Certified Art Therapists and one Board Certified Music Therapist. We will not only be serving, but learning from each other. Our students bring a wonderful blend of educational and personal experience. And, of course, we are looking forward to seeing our hosts again when we arrive tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who has supported our efforts in many various ways!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Converse Art Therapy and Music Therapy go to Haiti

Thanks to a generous grant, and local sponsors, Converse Art Therapy and Music Therapy professors and students have the opportunity to return to Kings Hospital in Port au Prince, Haiti in December, 2011. Watch our blog for new contributors and new posts!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Returning to Haiti....

Exciting news came from Converse College: We are the recipients of a Creative Collaboration grant that will cover the airfare for a second trip to Port au Prince in December. We are very excited to be returning and we'll be collaborating with the Converse Music Therapy program as well as our friends and colleagues from Emporia State University. It is so wonderful to recieve such support. Thank you Converse!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Home again

After a day of traveling, we are home and a bit tired. I awoke this morning to a cool breeze.... something I have not felt in awhile. It was very warm and humid in the mornings in Haiti, but it was nice to wake up to the sounds of roosters crowing instead of highway traffic. I went to the store today, and thought of how I can get in my own car and drive to a supermarket and get almost anything I want (except, of course, wonderful flavorful ripe mangoes). It's clear that we take many things in our lives for granted. But if I bring one thing home from this trip, it is that during the past week, I lived with purpose. Every moment was significant. It can be easy to miss the significant moments in our normal lives. As a teacher and therapist, those wonderful moments when you can affect someone's life are significant. Each moment in Haiti was significant. We nurtured relationships, opened doors of communication and understanding, and shared insights. We were welcomed with warmth, our hosts shared their experiences and their love for their people with us. It was a little bitter sweet to leave, but I know I'll be going back.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Final day at Kings Hospital

Everyone slept really well after yesterday's experiences. This morning I think we began to realize that our trip is coming to an end, but we didn't have time to really think about it much. After breakfast, we went to work with the nursing staff. Our goal was to have them use the symbols and graphic language they had learned, and make t-shirts with these symbols on them as a reminder of why they are in their chosen profession. We got off to a late start because of an emergency surgery, but soon the room filled with people in uniform doing artwork. M. Jn. Baptiste, one of the doctors, brought a patient in to the group, and Gaelynn began an art assessment with her, but it was a short-lived assessment and she needed to return to her room to rest. We spent a good deal of time talking with the doctor about what the patients circumstance was, and Gaelynn shared her insights based on her experience working in the medical field. As people finished their shirts, they modeled them and we took photos. They shared their symbols with the group. It was interesting to see the similarities across the culture and profession. We ended the week by repeating a legend about light, and each person was given two glow-in-the-dark bracelets and given the instruction to keep one, and then give someone else the other while telling them one of the strengths they notice. Everyone joined and and shared affirmations happily. It was a little bitter-sweet. It will be sad to say good-bye, even if it is just for now. We let the children work on mandala drawings, which was a nice way to end the week. They drew them, and some gave them to us as gifts. As they finished they went of to play on the swings and basketball area. A couple of boys picked up a handmade hexagonal kite made with clear plastic sheeting and long fringe. As it took off, it reminded me of how jelly-fish swim through the ocean. It was really good to see them having a good time and enjoying themselves. We all relaxed until it was time to leave. One of our students shared that she felt more like she was living in the present moment than ever before. There is no real sense of day or time. Our senses have all be heightened with all the sights, sounds and smells. I think we will all experience a little culture shock when we return home. It may actually be good that we arrive in the middle of the night. The darkess may filter some of the typical things we'd experience so that we can ease back into western culture. Tomorrow we will be preparing to come home. Undoubtedly we will be bringing some fun things back, but the best thing we will be coming home with is our memories and the warm feelings we have shared with everyone here.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

A special day --

Today will likely be looked back upon as one of the high points of our trip. Gaelynn and I were asked to teach the nursing students, so we split up and allowed the students to test their skills with the group we have been working with all week. They stepped up and did a fabulous job. We were not told how many to expect, but ended up with 60+ wonderful students all dressed in teal uniforms. They filled the room to capacity, and were eager and interested. We spent the morning teaching them a little history and method of art therapy, and explained some of the ways that art can be used by nurses to reduce anxiety and fear of medical procedures. They responded beautifully, which was evident when we concluded the morning with a role play. They paired up as nurse and patient (with an imaginary illness). The nurse would encourage the patient to use art along with traditional verbal techniques to describe their symptoms. They jumped right in with enthusiasm, and I think they did a remarkable job with only a few hours training. This afternoon we met again with the children. This time, we used construction materials, craft (popsicle) sticks, paper, and glue. They were instructed to create a house. This is a significant task, because most of these children live at the school, many are orphaned, or have family who cannot adequately take care of them. The responded by beginning to build two dimensional images of houses using the craft sticks to outline the shape. Some were completely disorganized, reflecting the disorganized debris we see all around the city even one year after the earthquake. After making a few attempts, they began to work with more accuracy, and eventially began to build three dimensional structures. Even the youngest seemed to progress through the process. Many even decorated their homes with stickers and would identify who would live there with them and who might visit. We could see the confidence increase, and they were very proud to share their creation with us and have their pictures taken. It was a great accomplishment for them. Tomorrow is the day before we leave, and we are already feeling a little melancholy about leaving everyone. Our hosts, Dr. Morquette and his wife, Dr. Hiacynthe-Morquette, have been most generous hosts. It has been a pleasure to serve with them and share our knowledge with their staff.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Medical Art Therapy

We have evolved into a nice cohesive group. Gaelynn and I have become a good tag-team at presenting, and today the students jumped in to facilitate the art activity with our supervision. They are continuing to develop excellent presentation and facilitation skills. I love that they are so enthusiastic about this work. They have also become very fond of the seminar participants and the children we work with in the afternoon. Good-byes will be difficult. Today's participants were slightly fewer in number. Twenty-seven attended, and the focus of the training was the benefits of art therapy in a medical setting. We covered the basic history and a few well-known examples (at least in the art therapy world). There was no recognition of Frida Khalo, but these are medical staff, not art students. This was followed by some case studies from Gaelynn's research and work. The students facilitated a body awareness exercise so that the participants would be able to do a body transformation drawing in a small scale. It was interesting to note that this was a foriegn concept to this group, as was dreamwork. But with a few explanations through our well-spoken translator, they began to understand. It is difficult for them to go from the concrete thinking of their medical profession to thinking metaphorically, but they may be getting the idea slowly. They are willing and good natured about exploring all the information we present. Dr. Morquette took us to lunch at Visa Hotel today, which provided a lovely buffet. It is a different world away from the dusty streets. The food was excellent, and the restaurant was filled with relief workers from many countries, business people, and other professionals. We were primarily the only female group there, however I did spot a couple of women with their companions as well. The doctor asked if we would give another seminar tomorrow to the first year nursing school students, and, of course, we agreed. It's exciting. His confidence is evident in the invitation to expand the training. After lunch, we went to an Artists Coop in the center of the city. It was quite a drive through narrow roads and a lot of traffic, but it was well worth it. We all wanted to support the local economy and artists by purchasing some items to bring home. We ran long, and were unable to work with the children, but will look forward to being with them tomorrow. It feels like we have just arrived -- it can't possibly be half way through our trip. I believe we will return in the near future. It has been such an edifying experience, and we are all very grateful to be here.

Reflections on Day 2

On March 29, 2011 Gaelynn Wolf Bordonoro wrote: Our training this morning went well; I counted 37 participants! We went with Plan B this morning after Plan A was deemed technically unavailable. (We'll go with Plan A tomorrow morning).... ah, the spontineity of international art therapy work. The participants have asked such interesting questions about the similarities and differences between mental health diagnosi/challenges and spiritual unbalance or evil spirits inhabiting a person's body. We've needed to carefully think about and articulate the cultural implications of the work and trainings in which we're engaged! Our students have been very successful in processing all of their new experiences. I'm very proud of their flexibility, compassion, honesty, and intra-personal intelligence. It's difficult to find meaning in the aftermath of a disaster, but they are working hard to understand the needs, culture, complesity, and challenges in place here.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Day two - refreshed and ready to go

After a really good night's sleep, we were all up and ready to go this morning. Yesterday's end of day processing gave us a chance to address all that we had seen and experienced. The interesting thing to me is not only how quickly our norm is challenged, but how quickly we adjust. Yesterday's heat, combined with the sights and sounds seemed extreme. Driving in through the tent cities, the simple sidewalk markets, one sees a population struggling to maintain life. This morning, driving out, we noticed how industrious and entrepenurial these same people are. They are using the existing resources to make a meager living. For example. A group of women were gathered together under a makeshift awning selling used firewood. From an American perspective, we would likely thing this odd. But it is a resource they have, they have gathered it, stacked it according to size, and sell it to vendors who need it for cooking. Brilliant! This morning at the hospital we had a larger group. It was nice to see familiar faces return, and new ones emerge. I met a wonderful woman who is working with local women who want to enter politics. It is fabulous to see leaders cultivating leaders from among the host group. She was fascinated by what we are doing, and suggested that when we come back, we meet with the women's group. We agreed. After lunch, we met again with the children. We split the group today into three groups. One for the smallest children, one for those from 11 to 14, and one for those 15 and older. The youngest ones clamored for the clay, and it was difficult for them to follow the directive to take one small ball of each color. These children have little, so, of course, they would grab and reach for each other's clay. They enjoyed making animals with the clay. Most made snakes, but one made a spider and a few other animals showed up. One little boy made 9 snakes. We counted them together, and I asked him how old he was. "Nine," he said. The other groups made three sections on their papers. The first was to create a picture of their life now; the second, what the see in their life in one year; the third in five years. Most of the childen wrote, but some drew. The first part varied somewhat, but many wrote their names. Some drew a person respresenting themselves. In the second section the girls mostly put that they see themselves in school, and wanted a doll. In the third we saw houses, cars, school and sometimes the university. The younger children are schooled at the orphanage. The older ones go out for public school. Many of the older ones want to be doctors like the Morquettes. There is a strong connection to the needs of the community. Most understand that there are many medical needs. Noel, the young 15 year old boy we met yesterday, said he wants to be a surgeon because there were so many injuries and illness due to the earthquake. Our interpreter, Emanuel, wants to be a trauma counselor. A 17 year old girl want to become a doctor and treat children, which we had learned yesterday. After we were done, we just sat with the children and shared individually or in small groups. The younger children wanted to show us what the knew in English, numbers, letters, etc. The older children just want to be heard. A couple of the 16-17 year old girls had taught themselves to crochet and had made hats, handbags and doilies to sell in order to put themselves through school later. Another myth dispelled. Outsiders may see inactivity or lack of industriousness in less developed countries. I do not. As we settle in for the evening meal and good conversation, I am relaxed and enjoying a nice breeze. In case you're wondering, we are still wearing the same two sets of clothes -- no bags yet.

Monday, March 28, 2011

The universe provides.....

My mantra for the past few days is "The universe will provide what we need when we need it." We arrived at the Atlanta airport on Saturday and were informed that due to the fuel tank explosion in Miami we would need to take another flight. After many hours of negotiation with a variety of very helpful people, we were rerouted to Port au Prince by a wonderful woman named Rosalin who took nearly an hour and a half to find just the right thing. We went off to Newark to catch a flight to San Juan, and then on to Port au Prince the next morning. No problem! However, one flight was delayed, which bumped us back again. We questioned many things, but never our intent to go. The universe gave us Rosain, and then it gave us a nice respit at San Juan. We were layed over again, but had the luxury of a nice relaxing dinner in Old San Juan, which set our spirits right. This morning we were standby on an early morning flight, and all at once there were 4 seats available. Just what we needed! On to the Dominican Republic. At least this is the correct island! We weren't sure we'd be able to continue on because the flight was booked, but once again, at the last minute, 4 seats appeared. We were delighted and excited. Our baggage, however, has decided to take a Carribean cruise! Perhaps they will follow us to Haiti tomorrow. It has all worked out beautifully, although not the original plan. Going to San Juan gave the students a glimpse of international travel. The Dominican Republic took us another level deeper even though we only saw the airport. But nothing can prepare you for Haiti. Flying over Port au Prince you see the rumbling walls and roofless building and tent cities from the sky. Driving through the narrow streets crowded with sidewalk vendors selling shirts, fruit, and a variety of other things, one becomes accutely aware that we are in a developing country that has true needs. While there are a few new homes going up, there are still many ruined ones that look as if they could crumble at any minute. Even the airport walls had huge cracks in them. Upon arrival we were whisked off to the Hospital, and with no time to lose, we were given a tour of the 30 bed facility with dedicated and caring staff. The rooms are sparse and I am sure that although they have what they need, it cannot begin to compare with modern hospitals in the US or any developed country. Dr. Morquette is very dedicated. We gave our first presentation to nursing students, clinical staff and the pastor. It was very interesting to see their responses, especially once they began drawing. After a lovely lunch at the orphanage, we provided an art experience for the students. Some of the older ones are fairly good at English, but the younger ones are not. Some interesting themes arose during the drawing, which will be discussed a bit later. Once they discovered I could ask a few questions in French, they began to come up to me one by one and tap me on the arm to show me their drawings. I would ask: Quest-ce ca? (What's that?) Or: Ou est vous? (Where are you in the drawing?) They began to tell the stories of their drawings. They open up so quickly, but transferrence occurs quickly as well. They are orphans, and clamor to have motherly attention. This will be an experience to remember!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Unexpected things...

It's amazing how interesting things can get prior to a major trip. The unexpected always occurs. We did recieve a wonderful message from our hosts at Kings Hospital, who stated that they are excited we are coming. They have organized a training with the hospital staff and directors, and we will also be able to visit two orphanages to work with the children. I understand that there will be nearly 170 children between the two locations. They did caution that emotions could be on the surface. I think this is highly possible because like us, they are watching the news, too. The news from Japan must affect them and remind them of their own situation over a year ago.

Thanks to the kindness of friends and family, we are prepared. At times, it is difficult to focus on the daily tasks. Sleep is also disrupted a bit as I remember things to pack, or come up with ideas to incorporate into the training. We do hope to connect up with Caroline Maby from France, who is the director of Couleurs du Coeur, a non-profit organization that provides art therapy. There is a lovely article about her work located at

http://www.midiaglobal.org/article/2011-03-11/haitian_children_find_healing_in_art

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

What to do with all those feelings???

The news this week has caused many of us to lose sleep. Despite giving myself a "no news" day, compounded by the time change I, myself, was bombarded with images from the news as I was trying to go to sleep. I found myself creating a collage as a way to deal with all the internal images and feelings I was experiencing. I decided to offer this option to my students and colleagues at Converse. As a result, we are now creating a wall of soul collages in response to the tragedy in Japan. Using 5" x 8" cardstock, we searched magazines for images that spoke to us in response to the events in order to create the collages. Written statements were written on the back of each card. The smaller size format allows for containment of overwhelming feelings, and at the same time encourages careful selection of images and words that are truly meaningful. I was also reminded of the 1,000 cranes project. Chains of origami cranes are strung together to bring good luck. I've been making cranes for a day or so now.

In reflecting on our upcoming trip to Haiti, I realized that they have been in recovery for over a year, and have made some headway, but there is still much to do. I feel privileged to be able to go, even for so short a time, but I do hope our efforts will be the start of enduring change. Gratefully, we will be in a relatively safe environment.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Is it me???

Is it me, or are natural disasters more frequent and more devastating? Since 2000 it seems there have been one or two major disasters each year. California has it's fires, tornado alley had it's tornados, the great tsunami in Thailand, two major earthquakes in Pakistan, one in New Zealand, one in Haiti .... and on and on. Japan, of course has a triple threat -- 9.0 earthquate, tsunami and potential nuclear meltdown. Each image I see makes my heart break. It also empowers me to make this trip to Haiti the best possible -- to provide fellowship, hope, and hopefully allow for the development of some sustainable skills in the use of art. I am really grateful for the support of friends, colleagues, and family in this effort. I wish I could be in Japan to help, but I know that their needs are very basic now. There is time. For those of you I know in Japan, I send you my heartfelt prayers for your recovery.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Gettin' ready to go...

Passport, check. Typhoid and TDAP, check. Malaria Meds, check.

Reservations, check. Deposits, check.

Having traveled to many places, including Tunisia, I've never had to worry about so many things before taking a trip. However, all the precautions will make for a safe, more worry free trip. Things yet to do: complete translation of PowerPoint presentation into understandable French. This presents its own challenges. My conversational French is okay, but creating a presentation that involves clinical terminology is different. I have faith that all will go well, though. We've gathered art supplies, read articles about work that has been done in response to other natural disasters, and have been advised of some of the cultural differences we will experience. No fears, though. Not only are we ready for our spring break, we are ready to immerse ourselves in something completely new that will motivate and challenge us to become more compassionate individuals. We will undoubtedly come home changed in many ways.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Excited to go!

There's something about actually making the reservations that makes the conceptual actual. You can actually feel the adrenalin rush because you've now taken that concrete, non-refundable step. We now have six people going -- two Board Certified Art Therapists, three students and one educator. We've partnered with Lumiere Medical Ministries, who have made the arrangements for us, Emporia State University, and CHART (Communities Healing through Art). There will also be two art therapists from France who are going to be working through Haitian Ministries at the same time, and our hope is to meet during our time in Port au Prince to share experiences and learn from each other. We've been very fortunate to have the support of Converse, Emporia and CHART to help make this happen.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Art for Haiti

Converse College art therapy students will be traveling to Port au Prince, Haiti in March 2011 to provide art therapy services and education for the medical staff and partners of Kings Hospital. We are looking forward to this wonderful service learning experience. Current fundraising opportunities are in progress, so watch for more information. We will be traveling with a group from the Emporia State University art therapy program. Watch for more updates, and, if you are planning to attend the upcoming AATA Conference in Washington DC, we will be reporting on our trip at that time.

Humanitarian Efforts in Jamaica

Much has happened in the past year. One of our students, Alexis Decosimo, who finished her studies at Converse and Brevard, spearheaded an art therapy trip to Jamaica, and was accompanied by Converse student Eleanor Johnson. They offered art therapy services to orphanages and the homeless. Please look at her video trailer from December 2010.

http://vimeo.com/19234150

This remarkable young woman is now in Florence, Italy, studying art and enjoying the good life.