Trauma workshop update

Hi guys,

This is second attempt at posting blog. Wrote lengthy addition last night only to have a black out just before I finished and lost everything. So here goes again.

First of all, thankyou all so much for your prayers. The trauma healing workshop has been a resounding success thanks to the work of God from beginning to end. We had 13 participants from 4 different Christian organisations that all work in the area of trauma counselling, reconciliation and care for orphans and widows. The way God brought these organisations together is a miracle.

Then thanks to Philbert, the director of REACH and an anglican pastor, we were able to stay at the most beautiful location (Kibuye on lake Kivu...reminded me of the lakes in Switzerland with mountains all around) at the Presbyterian guest house. He negotiated an incredibly good price and then with God's intervention we got the best conference room at the price of a small room which we had originally booked (ie. at a quarter of the price). God was blessing every step

Although most of the people didn't know each other, by the end of dinner and an introductory session on the first evening, people were starting to relax and form friendships.

Our first full day was a big one...from 8:00am - 7:30pm, getting through 6 sessions of the Empower program. By morning tea, participants were already so enthusiastic and energetic, gaining so much from both the teaching and practical activities. By lunch time, we were like one big family and people were commenting that this was exactly the type of training needed and a real answer to prayer. Praise God...he knew it all along, even if we were doubting it at times.

By the second day, we had equipped participants with many of the skills involved with identifying and controlling trauma symptoms to enable the process of sharing details of traumas with a view of gaining confidence to face increasingly more difficult events and hurts they had experienced. ..things were starting to get heavy, but the group was working as one in supporting each other.

In the afternoon we took a break and went on a boat ride on the lake. The kids absolutely loved this, especially the pet monkey on one of the islands that loved to drink coke and fanta...even able to open the bottle himself. We were also able to pat him.

Then it was back for the afternoon session in which we commenced on the topic of forgiveness. Well this was where the rubber started to hit the road, stories became much more difficult to share and deal with and the issue of forgiveness took on a whole new perspective and depth. What a blessing to have God's Spirit working in our midst, providing support, wisdom and learning at a whole new level.

On the third day, we continued to work through issues of forgiveness, repentance, revenge and reconciliation. At this point, participants were sharing many of their personal and client stories with the group, seeking help with direction. We touched on many counseling issues and everyone benefitted from the experiences and input of the collective group. The activities and stories contained within the Empower program proved to be the right catalyst for discussion at the deepest level. We felt so privilaged, humbled (and inadequate) to be included in this open discussion, where our thoughts and input were also valued and were intimate sharing was taking place. No amount of book reading or visiting could have given us the same level of insight. At the same time, the bond being formed with the group was amazing (outsiders commented at lunch time at our closeness, asking if we were all relatives...not sure how they drew that conclusion given the colour differences).

We finished the workshop with participants committing to one-another that they will be using the program immediately in whatever form they can. We will need to get cracking with translating the written material. They also agreed to have a few representatives work together to write up a report on their experiences with the program and on shared learnings. The feedback was so positive and so much beyond what we expected...all glory to God.

By the end of it however, Kellie and I were completely wasted. IT had been a huge effort to prepare and present in such a short time, combined with the emotional investment, but we left convinced that this had been the primary reason for our visit and that God had and continued to be in this from the very beginning. What a feeling to know you have played a small part in God's redemptive and restorative plans and that in fact you had heard his voice correctly.

We came in just under budget as well which was also a blessing. Thank you for your financial support also (you know who you are)...we are just blown away by the fact that our friends and church are right with us every step of the way. God is good.

Today we met up with Sylvester at his school (he is the kid sponsored by WCCC youth). What a beautiful kid. What tough conditions at the school's here though. I think our kids will never complain about conditions at school ever again. Most kids dont have breakfast, start school at 7:00am until 1:00pm, then back at 4:00pm-6:00pm. Many only have one meal for the day and there is not even any water for them to drink at school. 40 kids to a classroom (classic wooden desk/chair combo), one black board and only enough play room for one volley ball court. The kids were very happy to be at school though. We had a long conversation with the principal (his name was everest and yes he was a big man) and he filled us in on how education works and the costs involved. This school takes kids from year 7 to 9 and costs about US$200 per year. Thus far, only Sylvester is sponsored...many other kids do it tough. Travelling to school is a huge issue for some, having to walk enormous distances just to get there. It was good to be able to see these things first hand.

We then went to the Rwanda Womens Network, which is empowering widows and orphans through supporting them with counselling, promoting reconciliation and in microenterprise. They have set up a village of hope, involving over 4000 women and are expanding into other parts of the country. Awesome work.

The family is all doing well and yes Kellie recovered miraculously from her Gastro...( I can't remember seeing her that sick, only to be back on top of things 2 days later). Her participation in the workshop was extremely valued by the participants, especially the way she connected with survivor stories and her genuine empathy. I think they were really touched by the fact that despite her condition, she would endure the long days and emotional struggles because she cared for them.

Well I better go. Kellie is off doing a bit of souvineer shopping. Brandon and Janie are in the room with heads buried in the Nintendo's. I forgot to mention, but the kids have just been incredible. They have occupied themselves, looked after each other and not complained, despite the fact we were leaving them in their rooms for long periods of time. I think weening them off the Nintendos may be a bit of challenge though when we get back.

Well we still have a couple of busy days ahead of us including Rebero on Saturday (we had to postpone a week due to kelliés illness the week before). Please pray for that visit and for our return starting Sunday. WE have a 7 hour wait at Nairobi airport which we are not looking forward to and an overnight stay in Bangkok. Plane connections have not been real good, but at least the flights were cheap.

Looking forward to sharing with you all and thanking you for your support in person.

God bless

Rob, Kellie, Kristi, Brandon, Janie & Junior