Last night my wife and I finished packing as we leave for the USA today. We are flying from South Africa and are going to stop in Washington for two days.

I'm preparing for the international panel that Mike Lew is chairing. WOW I'm going to have an opportunity to share our experiences in South Africa with do many international survivors. We have so much to do and so much to learn. I'm hoping that when I return back to SA I will be better equipped to expand our work, will meet new contacts who can help us and have new international friends.

I will keep this updated during the duration of my visit to the USA.

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I hope to meet you both! I will be one of volunteers wearing red shirts. I am so excited for the conference to begin!

It will be easy to recognize me, I will properly be the only South African. So when I open my mouth to speak you will hear the accent.

I can't sleep it's 4.30am ( 10.30am back home ) and I'm thinking of the first day attending Mike Lew's one day session "Victims no Longer"" I hope these Americans will understand me because they they speak soooooo funny here in New York, I sometimes wondered if they are speaking English or New Yorkan.

Hope to meet new friends and put some faces to the people here on the MS forum.

Thanks for update Rees, I can't wait to hear how is going !
Best wishes to all of you there!

Pero

Just back from attending Mike Lew's session. It was attended by 22 survivors, only two were not American, one from New Zealand and myself. The full day program was healing as we had the opportunity to work together in groups as well as in pairs. It is always reassuring that you are not alone. Meeting fellow survivors face to face is so therapeutic. One important point Mike made was the abuse did not happen to you, it was done to you. We must also not use the term "my abuser" you did not choose them or ask for it to happen.

Tomorrow I attend the partners program with my wife and the international panel in the afternoon.

thank you, Rees for the update. i'm happy to see that there is more than just press-release type announcements here. i know you are busy there, but anything you have time and energy to share will be greatly appreciated.

hope you continue to have a great experience with much applicable learning and many insights at the conf.
Lee

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Hey Gary,
I've read your blog and your thoughts about conference. I've seen that you gain a lot there! Thank you for sharing with us

Pero

thank you, Gary.
this was helpful.
so glad that you could go.
and i appreciate you sharing.

lee