The clinical staff of Danja Fistula Center
had the opportunity to receive training in Trauma Healing in early March. This
course is used in the DFC village by staff psychologist, Gina McConley and
Hannatou Harouna to address the needs of our women suffering from the traumatic
losses due to fistula. Gina and Amy Fields (visiting Trauma Healing trainer) led
the nursing staff in exploring why a loving God allows suffering in the world. They then introduced the wounds of the heart
caused by traumatic events as well as a discussion on how they can be healed.
Amy and Gina described the stages of grief using a culturally appropriate
journey from the point of crisis to the village of denial and anger, to the village
of despair and finally to a village of new beginnings. They used a variety of
teaching methods included skits, small groups, art, and stories while weaving
scripture into each lesson. Each
participant had the opportunity to address one or more heart wounds from their
own life. These were written on slips of paper and then burned in a solemn ceremony
of taking our burdens and pain to the cross of Christ. The reality of domestic
violence in the local culture was addressed in one class especially since this
relates to the experience of some of our patients. In recognition of the heavy burden care givers
encounter from daily exposure to traumatized people, one lesson covered how to
take care of yourself as the care giver.
One of the most powerful lessons of
the week addressed forgiveness using Biblical passages to show the importance
of forgiveness in the life of a Christian.
Myths were dispelled that forgiveness meant the perpetrator didn’t
receive punishment for his actions, and that forgiveness means that trust is
immediately restored and that forgiveness only occurs once. The forgiveness
cycle was introduced that showed the continuous process that is often needed to
forgive. Each participant was tested on the course material and after being
instructed on how to teach the material had the opportunity practice
facilitating a lesson for the class. Participants shared that the week had had
a profound effect on many of them. Some found they now understood the
importance of addressing the heart wounds of traumatized people and felt more
confidence in knowing how to ask questions and listen. Others appreciated
learning that forgiveness is also a process, and others experienced healing as
they took their burdens to the cross. Throughout the week there were songs of
praise but the week culminated with a spontaneous time of singing the Lord’s
praises and dancing. Encouraged by the enthusiasm for the course there are now
dreams of a course next year for the CSL staff.