helen weld public health

Connecting. . .

The genocide permeates the psyche of this country and the trauma will linger for decades. Many survivors have lost many or all family members. As a result of everyone’s losses and traumas, “new” families evolve and grow. GHI has become an extended family unit for all the staff which is very heartening to witness and feel their care and connection for/with each other. It is also a remarkable testament to Julie and Brad’s leadership which certainly cultivates this phenomenon. It’s truly special to be engaged with such a dynamic and loving group.

This past week Alli and I helped Anathalie launch another women’s group in the community of Gikomera, as well as had a second meeting with the Rubungo mamas (for one woman she left home at 0500 to attend). Once again we were floored and moved by the responsiveness and the openness of the women. In the Rubungo group we asked about a positive event in their lives since the last meeting. One woman shared that her husband was perplexed that she had returned after last time without any goods (eg Plumpy nut), but she explained she had instead gained a “transformed” self. She was now stronger and a better person who would have much more patience and understanding and less anger with the children as a result of this time with the other women. He apparently realised the benefits and supports her attendance. This was a huge step for this woman.

In the new group, when the idea to have a support group (without children) was presented the response was overwhelmingly positive. On Thursday we returned and the group of twelve mamas gathered and shared. It is amazing to think that most had no idea that others in their midst have similar problems. It was certainly powerful to witness the weeping around the circle as each took turns sharing their testimonies. Gender based violence, rejection, homelessness were all common themes. Anathalie’s expertise and innate compassion, as well as being a genocide survivor, prove to be vital elements as she facilitates the group skillfully.

Please consider a donation to GHI …any amount helps.

click here for:
GHI
Gardens for Health International
9 Avon Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

GHI is a US based 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Your donation is tax-deductible.
Please email GHI with any questions: info@gardensforhealth.org

Connections within my own life have intersected here three times this past week. The first, was meeting Sam, a Global Health Fellow (GHF) friend of Aaron’s, the GHI GHF. Our second meeting last week revealed we were both from Maine and after a minute the penny dropped and I realized that he was Ian and Annie’s classmate at Sheepscot Valley Children’s House. I hadn’t seen him since he was 9! Another connection was with a visiting journalist writer…turns out she is a friend of my niece’s from Connecticut and the third last night was meeting a woman who is getting her PhD from James Cook University in Townsville who knows friends there. “Small world” connections abound!

GHI is hosting the 2nd annual Thanksgiving community feast on 11/11/11. Last year about 500 attended and this year we anticipate about 750. It should be amazing, not only the event, but the process of preparation in the next two weeks.

Helen

Garden jumpers

Mamma with chicken and soap

Mammas at cooking demo

Team work

Helen & Sam Whittemore
meet again after 17 years