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!
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