All Across Ensenada

Daily Reflection – “I dedicate my work today to the furtherance of all things good.”

Day 2 - As our very tired team heads to our rooms for the night, Susan and I will reflect on the day and try our best to describe the indescribable in words.    

We had an early start to the day with breakfast at 6:30 a.m.   The team headed off in two different directions today.   Susan, Shonah, Debbie V. and Angela headed to the Centro de Salud Health Clinic to present information and promote discussion surrounding Forensic Nursing and prevention of interpersonal violence.  

There was great sharing of ideas and collaboration during the 3-hour conference.  The Coordinator of the clinic, Claudia, is planning to approach the government to discuss future initiatives for an improved first line of response to Interpersonal Violence.  The issues we have in Canada are very similar to what is currently happening in Mexico.  Both countries respond to victims of violence with care and compassion but utilizing disciplines in different ways.   We both learnt something from each other.   Shonah and Debbie V. were able to share how Victim Services programs work.  The participants were very interested in the volunteer base of the program.   There are plans to stay in touch for further collaboration and consultation in the future.  This is the first invitation for the team to present information to health care professionals (Nurses, Physicians, Psychologist, Nutritionist and Educators) and we felt honored.   It was a great success!

At the other end of the city, Debbie D, Barb, Laura, Vera and Patty returned to Casa Esperanza to do presentations at the onsite school.   We did two presentations to children in Grades 4-7, focusing on self-esteem, leadership and puberty.   Many of the children in the school belong to the mothers in the Women’s Shelter.  The children were engaged, animated and provided great responses to our questions.  The grade 7 class were able to identify and discuss concerns and solutions to issues relating to domestic violence in their community.   They pledged to be leaders and mentors to the younger children in the school.   This was a great school with dedicated teachers…. it was an honor to spend the day with them.

We arrived back at El Refugio by 3pm which gave us time to head down to the beach.   The sand felt like silk and the wind blew away all the cobwebs.   We felt refreshed.   

The older girls from El Refugio were off to kick boxing class and the younger girls joined us for a craft night.   Beads, stickers, flowers, coloring and puzzles brought lots of laughter.  

 Debbie D. and Susan…..