Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/841282
C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 71 of their work," Callahan says. Today, he volunteers as the principal at New Hope's on-site school. This former Heart Touch volunteer still has the Heart Touch mission in his blood, and he continues to coordinate the nonprofit's annual trips to Cambodia from the United States. In addition to being life-changing for the volunteers, Callahan says the Heart Touch visits have a huge impact on the children at the orphanage. Physically, massage helps relieve some of the daily aches and pains the children endure and alleviates side effects caused by the potent medications they take every day. "Massage is also profoundly relaxing for many of them and gives them an experience of being touched in a way that most of them never knew or realized existed," he says. Callahan also believes the work the children receive at the hands of Heart Touch volunteers helps them, in turn, be more compassionate with one another. "That said, I doubt this is a conscious realization on their part. But on some level, they understand the importance of touch." Smith agrees, noting that the visits have brought a whole new culture of compassion to the orphanage. Join the Movement The Heart Touch Project www.hearttouch.org New Hope for Cambodian Children www.newhopeforcambodianchildren.org THE WORK OF HEART TOUCH The children run to the van as it approaches the orphanage. "Massage, massage," they yell. They come knowing they will all get a turn. Over the course of two weeks, the 14 or so Heart Touch volunteers will put hands on about 250 children. "It's a pretty full day," Smith says. "Some kids know how to work the system; they change their shirts and come and get more," she laughs. The children remain clothed as they climb on the table, and a brief assessment from the therapist includes looking for open sores and rashes, and letting the orphanage know if there is anything they need to be aware of. Smith says there are usually a few nurses in their volunteer group, so they are easily able to address any concerns. The work itself is comforting for the children and meant to ease the stress in their little bodies. "We give them a typical Heart Touch massage, which is a very slow, soothing session," Smith says. The caregivers are also offered massage and volunteers teach them about the challenges these children have living with HIV. "Saying and seeing are two different things," Smith says. "They see us giving the kids massage and then washing our hands—having no hesitation in touching the kids or picking them up and hugging them. They understand that if Americans are coming over here and doing this, then it must be OK." Smith says the value of what New Hope does can't be understated. Being part of that is rewarding beyond words. "There's something very magical, of course, about children anyway. But the joy these little kids have in such adverse conditions, it's a life-changing thing to work with these beautiful little beings." Karrie Osborn is senior editor at Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Contact her at karrie@abmp.com. Shown here providing massage to a caregiver at the New Hope orphanage in Cambodia, Shawnee Isaac Smith says the work they do with this organi- zation is beyond rewarding.