Mandala Consulting Barb Desjardins, M.Ed., O.A.T.R., C.T.C.-S. Art Therapist, Trauma and Loss Consultant Supervisor Services disponibles en francais.

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> Art Therapy > Trauma & Loss > Hurricane Katrina/Rita > New Orleans/Katrina > SOS Amigos > Contacts & Links > Resume

SOS AMIGOS Helping Honduras Kids Honduras SOS Children's Village is an orphanage located near La Ceiba, Honduras, and is dedicated to providing a loving family environment to children who have been orphaned, abandoned or abused. My husband I visited the orphanage in December, 2005 to meet the child we sponsor. My husband, a teacher and an electrician, donated his time and skill in repairing everything from dryers and safety lights to popcorn machines. I debriefed a house mother (Tia) and two boys who have been having difficulty since a house fire took the life of a 9 year old boy. We had an amazing experience and would like to help further their cause by encouraging anyone who can to sponsor a child. As this is a grass-roots organization, all of the sponsor money does goes directly to the well-being of the children, and not to overhead or bureaucracy. Please feel free to read the journal of our experience and check out their website, Helping Honduras Kids. Download my journal here. Pictures at the orphange, the way we saw it. (so many beautiful kids, so many names, I don't remember them all, having met some only briefly) Here, view from our hotel, our room, Michel's visit to the burned house, Conchita, Rene and friend, me with Rene and friend. First visit: Michel and Rene inspecting wires, Conchita's sister, Melba, brother Rene and Conchita, Luz, art room, Michel with donation. Nicole, the dance, my favourite picture of all - tiny dancers, una nina muy bonita, Michel with Angel Second visit: Michel and boys, PayDay for the kids, mandala colouring, Conhita, Brian and the beads. Eager artists: Angel, Christian, Aracely, Sergio, Elisa and Melba. Michel installing fans, homemade kiln for pottery making, six foot round nativity scene made by the kids, more art, Barb and nina. A day off, enjoying a canopy tour through the mountains, the hot springs and the mud baths - what a treat! Third Visit: Debriefing Tony with "Bart el valiente" (Spanish Brave Bart), Dennis doing his own important work, and Conchita. In the art room with dedicated workers, me and Pami (who wanted the gel pens so badly), and the Kensal Park t-shirt. More proud artists, simple pleasures! Tia Cleo and such beautiful children; Michel fixing the popcorn machine, and rewiring the dryers!