The journey has begun
June 24th, 2008

We opened the day under brilliant blue skies and a less-than-100 degree day expected.  All were excited to continue the Angel Faces journey.  Yoga mats were spread out on the rolling, wide lawn in front of the retreat’s gazebo and experiencing the energy and stretch of morning yoga.  Piper and Jill led the group as well as explained the use of yoga technigues for physical and spiritual regeneration.

Breakfast was a simple and a delicious combination of eggs and granola.  One of the girls was heard to say that she had never eaten anything “organic” before, but that everything tasted suprisingly well.  The new experiences at Angel Faces just keep on coming.

I told “my story” not only as a tool for connection with the girls but to let them know the lessons and pitfalls I experienced.   When my photo, one year after the burn injury, came up on the screen I could see the girls identify with the reality of the scars.  But to leave the lesson at that… would have been nothing more than what they experience at a burn camp.  The real lesson is the recovery, the choice to push past the pain and victim role and to become the person that all of these girls can choose to become.  The lessons continue.  The girls will be fed upon more skills and techniques for a success journey.  I am assured that change is not only witnessed but inevitable for the girls (and I’ll admit, maybe us).  Thier openess is astonishing.  One that leaves us….well….one can only imagine.

After lunch the process had continued.   The mosiac project comes with a message of taking broken shards from treasured plates, creating something new.    Kathryn and Tania (a flight nurse from Children’s Hospital in San Diego and reknown Art Therapist) assisted the girls in working through not only an art project but also the therapy of the creative process. 

There are lessons to be learned in everything we do here; the time frame is intense and the work to be done with these girls is too important to fill the time with anything that does not further their healing journey.  The jewelry table was also a setting for good conversation and valuable creative energy.  Meanwhile lots of the girls took great joy in lounging in the retreat’s pool.  Jill (our lifeguard) took gentle care of the girls, not only with water safety but also caring to make sure that a joyful moment was in abundance.    

I can’t even begin to explain the transitions that took place witht he corrective cosmetics.   It’s beyond words.  That will need to wait till later…

So many lessons this evening; too much to explain.  But I assure you no time is wasted up here; rapid and solid growth is our goal.  We will continue to provide the seeds of growth;  a bountiful harvest rests in these girls’ futures.    

Again, I am exhausted, yet inspired….tomorow, another door, another light, another miracle.   Good night and God, God Bless.

Lesia    

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