On behalf of Musical Ambassadors of Peace, with instruments on our backs, Ari Honavar and I would travel regularly to the refugee shelters in Tijuana MX to bring donations, music, dance, healing and joy. Every session started by placing a drop of peppermint essential oil in each hand. Traditionally peppermint oil is known as ‘the oil of a buoyant heart’. For people who have fled home knowing they cannot return, who face an uncertain future ahead, it was a welcome medicine. Then we facilitated trauma releasing exercises, handed out instruments, and proceeded to have a full out dance party. I saw forlorn faces turn to joy. The children benefited most of all. Their parents smiling and dancing let them know they were safe.
During the distance of the pandemic, we had to find ways to build an environment that fosters joy and healing for people, deeply in limbo, and at the mercy of cruel immigration policies. We continue to maintain our connection with the shelters through Zoom dance sessions and sending essential supplies, but each shelter has its own unique needs.
We did it! We raised $4825 to create a healing environment for refugee children in Mexico. This was matched by the Dōterra Healing Hands Foundation for a grand total of $9550. Every cent went to help the shelters in Mexico. Our vision was to create a healing environment for refugee children in Mexico. This project was a collaboration with Gente Unida, a Human Rights Border Coalition. We were able to provide three refugee shelters resources to make infrastructural changes. One shelter constructed a greenhouse, planted fruit trees, and purchased twenty egg-laying chickens. This not only contributed to the food supply of the shelter, but also brought joy to the children. Another shelter was able to build a room dedicated to meditation and education and get a computer. A sink purchased for the quarantine room increased sanitation and health. Fifteen bunkbeds built to fit the limited space, provided more places for more people to rest. And lastly, a tremendous influx of refugees got the food and medicine that they needed.
Thank You to All of you who helped make this happen!