My previously planned summer schedule was scrapped as I spent the next few weeks doing research, creating the patterns, sourcing the materials, and making each culturally-specific Grandmother Healing Doll come to life. The intent was to produce the resources and then give them to the local, grassroots, not-for-profits at the border who were serving the asylum-seeking families.
It was during the construction phase that I realized I would not simply create the resource and send them through a carrier. It was obvious that I was to make the trip with the dolls and hand deliver them. As I argued with this awareness, I listed all of the reasons why this was a ridiculous idea:
• I couldn’t speak any of the languages.
• The cash outlay had already been substantial, and a trip would be a very large additional and unbudgeted expense.
• I was one blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman.
• I didn’t want to be arrested as I tried to help.
• I was afraid of being targeted for violence from people who looked like me because I was acting as an advocate.
• I hate to drive.
• The locations of the detention centers were kept secret from the public.
• I was terrified to immerse myself in another’s suffering.
• And endless other excuses…
Even as I argued within myself, I was aware that I was not to be just the “maker.” Instead, the journey was to serve as I had originally intended; but also, was to be a personal pilgrimage directly into the heart of the hurting.
For more information, please see – https://www.grandmotherhealingdolls.com
If you would like to help, there is a Kickstarter here – https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grandmothers/grandmother-healing-dolls-compassionate-creative-a?ref=user_menu Thank you!
#FamiliesBelongTogether #LoveThyNeighor(NoExceptions) #Peace #StandWithImmigrants #LovingKindness #LoveKnowsNoBorders #AJustWorld4All #GrandmotherHealingDolls #PeaceLoveUnderstanding
Share your thoughts in meaningful dialogue –
(Please do not comment here, instead use these posts as opportunities for respectful communication directly with someone you know. Here’s an idea…how about talking with someone who disagrees with you on this or other issues?)
What does it mean to advocate?
Please tell about a time when you faced your fears, or about a time when you ran from your fears.
How do you react on an emotional level when you see another’s suffering? (Your first answer is valid. Now, go deeper and see what else you feel when you become aware of hurting people.) What do you do with these feelings; how are they expressed in behaviors?
When asylum-seeking parents and children were separated and put in detention centers; compassionate, creative action was needed & Grandmother Healing Dolls was born. Follow the journey of their creation and the 3000 mile trip to three detention centers, courthouses, and more on this Thrive Global series.