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(This paragraph was written on January 3rd. The rest is today's update.) In the midst of the unimaginable horrors of the earthquake and tsunami, it is difficult to focus on much else. I am impressed by the outpouring of caring and humanity in the face of this global disaster. I send you my wishes that 2005 will be a year of greater safety, health, and healing for all. I will write more soon.
While we are still reeling from the devasting destruction of December 26th, and committing to not abandoning the victims and survivors once the initial shock has abated, we also must renew our dedication to healing and recovery in all areas of life and all parts of the world.
A bit of excellent news. Our friend and colleague, survivor activist Jim Clemente recently received the encouraging report that his cancer is in remission. Those who know and care about Jim are overjoyed and send him our heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
We have just set the dates for a two day non-residential male survivor recovery workshop in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It will be held on April 8th and 9th, sponsored by A Place for Essential Change and the Florida Institute for Recovery. See the Events page for details and contact and registration information.
I've recently added a few new links to the Resources page, including one for French speakers. Our international network is growing. If you haven't visited the Resource page for a while, take a look. There will be more additions coming soon.
It's hard to believe, but this August's male survivor weekend recovery workshop at Kirkridge in Pennsylvania will mark my 15th consecutive summer of offering this event. Thom Harrigan and I are expecting this anniversary weekend in the Pocono Mountains to be especially powerful and celebratory. We hope to see a number of Kirkridge "alums" in addition to new participants.
Bob Balfour, who is organizing (or in England, "organising") this summer's workshops in England's Lake District, tells me that early registration numbers are quite encouraging. He expects the events to fill up before the registration deadline, and is already looking to beginning work on the 2006 and 2007 workshops. We have lots that is new and exciting planned for this summer.
The male survivor weekend near Christchurch, New Zealand this June will be my first male survivor residential event in the Southern Hemisphere, and we're very excited about it.
I continue to hear from survivors and their allies - daily - from all over the world. Although their pain is often intense, they are not settling for a life of pain - a life as a victim. They are embracing the reality of recovery and insisting on nothing less. Survivors and their allies are many and are strong. They will not fail.
More later. Take care.