I began the morning as we do all our mornings here–dragging myself out of bed to the lawn for yoga, exhausted from staying up too late talking with my new “sisters,” the women who have all given this week to volunteer at Angel Faces. After yoga’s downward dog, though, we are amazingly refreshed and ready for the day. Tuesday morning began with the girls working with our psychologist, Anke, to explore grief, anger, fears, and frustrations. Later that evening we role played awkward, embarrassing, and uncomfortable situations: deflecting stares by taking control of the conversation, disarming rude people with love, and using patience and understanding when small children may say unintentionally hurtful things. I played 4-year old Tony who couldn’t stop staring at Liz. It was difficult to put her in that situation, but better that she practice with me than get flustered in public.

In-between the insights and new intentions was an afternoon of luxury. From the hard work of the morning’s session to the evening’s role plays it takes energy to face your fears, learn new skills, and display them. Even when you are surrounded by people who love and respect you. An amazing army of dedicated women provide an afternoon of massages, facials, and corrective make-up lessons; there was time for catnaps, card writing, and journalling. Of course, all that is for the girls. All the women were envious; those downward dogs have us aching in places we aren’t used to aching in; our hearts are aching from some of the stories we’ve heard. On the other hand, our spirits are lifted everytime we interact with these amazing young women. Personally speaking, my energy is renewed in countless ways that even a marvelous massage couldn’t touch.

The evening closes as all evenings here–with a relaxing guided visualization, hugs, debriefs of the day’s events and what we can do better tomorrow, and more love than can be contained in this small room. I hope you felt some of it coming your way.

Susan Fowler
Grateful Volunteer and Board Member

The girls arrived safely yesterday.    Always tender moments on arrival day to see growth in the returning girls and social armour encasing the new girls.    This year most of our new girls are the younger ones.   I don’t know who struggled more in separating at the gate - parents or the child — or us watching – peeking into their private world of letting go.   

It’s Monday morning.  They are all doing yoga right now outside in perfect weather.  I left my mat empty to spend a few moments sharing my gratitude for your support, encouragement and of course donations in making all this happen.   Souls opening up, wounds wanting to heal.   Wow – these girls are so precious.  

 Before bed; after a long day of travel and excitement (with popcorn involved) we watched the movie “Penelope”, staring Reece Witherspoon, about the girl born with a nose of a pig.    ”"We need to accept and love ourselves” one little girl told me as we shuffled off to bed.   She’s 15.   Angels  amongst us.  

Today the girls will share their stories.    It’s my duty to keep them safe.    

In light and love,
Lesia and my extraordinary team of volunteers!

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