I have arrived, safe and sound in Lesotho! I am all settled in at my home here, where I will be living with the director and her family and about 4 other Beautiful Dream Society volunteers. Everyone has been absolutely wonderful, and I have felt very, very welcome. My anxiety has all but disappeared and I am confident that I am exactly where I am supposed to be!
I have been busy getting re-oriented with the city and picking up a few odds and ends that I couldn't fit in my suitcase. Also, I had my first individual counseling session last night with a resident at the shelter who was due to face her perpetrators in court this morning. As soon as I sat down with this sweet, brave girl, my nervousness vanished and I realized how the Lord has been preparing me for this over my years of training in trauma work back home. Needless to say, she touched my heart and I know that I will LOVE it here.
Shortly after my arrival, I was told that there are going to be a lot of staff changes here over the next couple of months. I am now not only going to be in charge of the counseling end of the shelter, but I am going to be the whole shelter coordinator- nothing like getting promoted on your first day ;o) It will be a lot of responsibility, but I am so incredibly excited to jump in and get to work! I will be keeping you all posted on what I am up to and the progress that the amazing residents in the shelter are making... as they would say here in Lesotho, you are all 'too much nice'- I appreciate you!!
"One who loves with a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend."
~Proverbs 22:11
Your ability to travel into a new culture to make a big impact reminds me of the dedication of family and friends I know, most medical students, who volunteer their services to a medical project in Haiti. For them, their goal is to pair medical students with residents and physicians, working in collaboration with Haitian physicians, to provide service opportunities to benefit Haitian people. It's an encouragement to see.
ReplyDeleteWhether you’re on a medical brigade or providing counseling services, being equipped is a must. Check out this video showing one of the many products used on the medical brigades I mentioned above. I thought it was interesting and applicable way to equip yourself for these kinds of trips, whether short-term or long-term.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSCODTp42H4&feature=share
Many blessings from back in the States!