Cardston girl volunteering for Ecuador orphanages
Submitted by: Ali Barrett

Megan Perry, daughter of Lori and Bronc Pilling of Cardston, will travel to Quito, Ecuador on March 11th to spend ten weeks volunteering in orphanages. Perry graduated in 2009 from Cardston High School.

Megan will travel with other volunteers through Orphanage Support Services Organization (OSSO), a nonprofit charitable organization that sends volunteers on a regular basis to help in local orphanages in both Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador, two of the country’s largest cities. The program began sending volunteers, mostly college-age, in May 1999.

Since that time, they have sent over 2,000 volunteers to help in various aspects of the program, doing everything from changing diapers and feeding infants to giving physical therapy or teaching English.

Megan has learned to care for children through babysitting her two younger sisters. She also started babysitting for families and people in her community when she was twelve. She has also been able to work with individuals with disabilities. She helps an autistic girl that volunteers at Subway.

Caregivers Wellness Public Forum
Submitted by: Joan Greep

I would like to thank the organizers, those who took part, and all those who spent time and effort making a successful evening for our communities benefit. We are not alone and have many helpers available in our community.

Marlon Bevans taught us about caring and care giving, being sensitive to others needs, and the ability to cheerfully serve one another. We need to have compassion but remember self-care, and watch for signs of compassion fatigue and FOG - fear, obligation, guilt. We need to express our emotions, needs, and learn to say "no".

Chris Sunderland had a wonderful replenishment and relaxation first aid kit. He supplied us with wonderful suggestions to rejuvenate and replenish our emotional tank. He helped us understand that when we take care of ourselves we can take care of others. We need to replenish ourselves.

Dr Ester Tailfeathers explained how medically she sees the evidence of stress not expressed being stored as illness and mainfesting as breast cancers, skin disease and bowel disorders.

Kathy Jensen and Edra Pilling gave help for the journey by sharing personal experiences in dealing with compassion fatigue and learning self care.