Simply serving in Sri Lanka
(Published Oct. 17, 2008) Sister Loretta Jasper, a licensed therapist, partnered with Heart-to-Heart International (HHI) to work with people in Sri Lanka affected by the 2004 tsunami. The project involved three trips to the area.
The goal was to provide the staff of the school, health clinic, and women’s shelter with education in self-awareness, team building, and professional protocols.
S. Loretta provided therapeutic communication techniques with students (including play therapy) and individual goal setting sessions with staff. S. Loretta says, “With each trip increased the foundation of information and skills, which is a welcome boost for staff who have limited levels of formal education. We wanted to show those we served the proverbial example of how to fish and be able to provide for themselves versus receiving fish and needing to wait for others to provide it.”
On December 26, 2004, an earthquake erupted under the Indian Ocean, causing deadly waves in multiple countries. The death toll numbered in the tens of thousands. More than 40,000 people died and 2.5 million were displaced in Sri Lanka alone; it was the worst human disaster in Sri Lanka history.
Almost four years later, S. Loretta observed, “On the coasts of Sri Lanka there were partially toppled buildings, water and wind torn trees, and barren water washed land; yet, there were also newly constructed homes, hospitals, schools and commercial buildings.”
“We visited a medical center which serves residents in the refugee camps of the tsunami, and those affected by the war in Sri Lanka. We stayed overnight in an orphanage which cares for tsunami and war orphans between the ages of three to eighteen. Those were very special places and people!
“We carried two 50-pound bags of medicine into the country. As one of the guards was checking through our luggage, he asked if we had medicine that would help his 9-year old son’s cough, and an ointment to help the soldiers tend to bug bites. It was such a simple sharing with these human beings who are family people working 20-hour days, six days a week.
“While a team member was working with the medical staff, I met individually with 24 pre-school, medical clinic and teaching staff.
“I presented the use of sand trays with the teachers as a beginning technique for engaging students to tell their story using miniature toys. The major themes depicted were war, security, and the importance of animals and nature. That was a very special time for me.
“Jamie and I also provided training with the diversified staff related to communication, problem solving, and goal setting.”
