Project complete!
Thank you to GiveMeaning for taking on the
Village of Hope project, for helping to raise the needed funds, and
for helping me every inch of the way!
Everything went very well with the training - well actually not quite
everything. Peninah Abatoni came alone as Laurence was denied a US
visa. But everyone at Indralaya, the workshop venue, was thrilled to
see Peninah perform and to hear what she has done in Rwanda. She
educated many of us on the realities of health care in Rwanda and the
importance of this simple technique for providing relief. She was
able to gain some understanding of new techniques and perhaps a level
of understanding as to why the things that she had been doing for
people had brought so much relief. Energy healing is still a bit of a
mystery and perhaps it's best if it remains that way. For two weeks
we both worked with a number of very qualified practitioners and
mentors, as well as a number of clients - people dealing with a host
of ailments. And then Peninah went home and a few weeks later I flew
to Rwanda to continue our relationship.
About the Project
The "Village of Hope" rose out of community needs for housing, water and electricity. In 2005, Peter Bardon and Peg Frank met the women and their children who lived in the village and hundreds of other women who come to work in the gardens, attend training courses or come the clinic. The village women help others by doing home-based care to surrounding villages, where they offer their compassion. Peggy realized that Therapeutic Touch (TT) which eases pain, reduces anxiety, and enhances immune function would benefit many. additionally therapeutic touch promotes acceptance of death by those who are dying. Peggy and Peter taught the basics of TT, over three days. The women rapidly learned this simple yet profound healing technique and need further training, which is available annually in the USA. We invited two women to come to intensive training this June.