does anybody hear her?

Last week I went with someone from the office for a visit to the police station to deliver Christmas cards to some high ranking police officials here. On the way there, we passed through one of the large red-light districts. Although most of the major districts are all within less than 10 miles of where I am, my world seems much farther away from theirs. I had never driven through or walked through before. I have seen girls on the other side-- the ones who have been rescued and the ones in healing.

There is a spot where a group of sex workers stand on a bridge on the outskirts of this particular district to allure customers. I wondered how I might be able to recognize them. It was also eleven in the morning and I couldn't imagine there being much business. But as soon as we drove through, I knew. The girls / women stood differently and were aggressively pursuing the men who walked. I looked into the eyes of one girl and for the last week haven't been able to stop thinking about her.

I think about the difference between her world and mine. What is her name? What happened to her? How did she end up there? Was she tricked and given empty promises for a successful future? Where is her family? Will she ever understand her value as a precious daughter who was bought at the ultimate cost? Will she ever get the strength or capacity to leave and live in freedom?

I think about my life as a teenager. A life of complete safety, total security, self-indulgence, healthy friendships, an excellent education, of love, of looking forward to the future. I had my share of disappointments, heartbreaks and tears of course, but looking back all of that pales in comparison to what girls like her have gone through by age 22. Life here makes my insignificant worries and troubles seem ridiculously petty. 

The statistics are clear. Of the two hundred girls and women who enter prostitution each day, 80% enter against their will and 35% are under the age of 18. The girls who enter the trade are held captive in a system that is pervading the remote villages. They are stuck in a cycle of poverty, illiteracy and disease that seems impossible to break. 

I don't know her name or her story. I don't know the names or stories of the other 10 women standing along that bridge with her. I don't know anything about any of the hundreds of girls who live, work and survive under the bridge and in the surrounding district. 

But I know that each one has a story. And each one deserves a chance.

The bridge experience was one of those 'where on earth am I' moments. They happen less as I am getting used to being here, but what never changes is the fact that I wake up and find myself in a place where I can see clearly the reality that

"The harvest is plentiful, 
but the laborers are few.

Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest." -Luke 10:2

Pray that God will move in a huge way in this city. Pray for revival. Pray for an end to corruption. Pray for truth to prevail in the courts. Pray for the day when the red-light districts are ghost towns. Pray for these girls. Pray that they don't give up hoping. Pray that the Lord God who created them and cries with them in their pain will send his workers to bring them out of darkness. Pray that we never stop praying.

love is in the air!

Six great friends / three awesome couples getting ready to commit their lives to each other. Couldn't be more excited for y'all. 

village sunday

Notice the poverty / wealth divide with the buildings in the background. This family used to live here until their home burned down.

Girlfriends

Always handing me babies

Wink = mastered!

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do. - Edward Everett Hale

A few weeks ago I had mentioned how this year for Christmas I wanted to do something really special for the girls at our private aftercare home. Eighteen absolutely gorgeous, strong, resilient, loving and precious girls that I have been privileged to get to know. Eighteen girls who have been rescued from the throes of utter darkness, abuse, humiliation, exploitation and fear and have been given a chance for a new life. A new life with purpose, opportunity, care and laughter.

I honestly can't fully describe what it has been like to get to know these girls. I came here thinking that I was coming to help them, but they are clearly the ones who are teaching and helping me. They show me what it means to be joyful even when your circumstances are difficult. They show me how to smile and laugh through pain.

The first few times I spent with them I had a lot of trouble looking at them and imagining them stuck in brothels, being forced to do sex work and being drugged and beaten. But the more time I spent with them the more I realized there is no use in thinking of that. That life is no longer theirs.

Everything they have has been given to them, and it isn't much. I kept thinking, how much fun would it be to surprise them this year for Christmas? With the language barrier, it is hard to communicate well with them- most of the time we play games together, dance (they LOVE dancing and put all my moves to shame), watch movies, do hair, etc. I really wanted them to know how much I love them and how special they are. I wanted them to know how lucky I am to be their friend. So a couple of interns and I spent the last few weeks gathering their gifts, complete with jeans, tops, kurtas, scarves, necklaces and candy. Everything we found was specific for each girl. Here is a picture of some of it before it was wrapped- so colorful!!

This past Thursday we went over to deliver all the gifts. We had cake, we danced, we all hung out. This experience was a true testament to how giving is infinitely better than receiving. Watching them tear open their presents- grinning and in shock- was indescribably awesome. It was such a joyous afternoon. They tried on all their new things. I showed them the sorority scarf tie technique. They were catwalking. One of the 11 year olds couldn't look in the mirror without giggling because she couldn't believe she looked so nice. We did get them nice stuff, but it was nothing in comparison to the gift they give us.

There was some talk about if we were giving them too much. But to me, it is about giving them the best. Giving them dignity. Honoring them. Giving them what you would want to receive yourself. Showing them that they are worth the absolute best. Giving to them from my bank of resources that is God's and is to be given freely from.

Anyways, all of this is to say that Christmas for me has been different than others that I have had. I am so thankful for these girls and for this opportunity. I would give them all the world if I could. I am going to see if I can post some pictures from the day if I blur their faces, because I know you would LOVE to see them. And this isn't to say that I am so generous but that I am thankful God has put such a burden on my heart for these girls and has given me the capacity to love on them tons while I am here.

And I am only here because of the overwhelming support I have from home. So thank YOU.

"At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.

We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me food to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.'

Hungry not only for bread- but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing- but for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room and bricks- but homeless because of rejection."

Mother Teresa

wanted: a million fashion police

Although I wouldn't consider myself a professional fashion expert, I would definitely say that I generally know what's going on in terms of what is in, what looks great together, what to wear for your body type, what is generally acceptable, etc. Most everyone I know does too. It is not hard for me to recognize an outfit combination that is offensive, painful to see or embarrassing. At home, the worst offenses I usually saw were some of my dad's floral short sleeve button downs (love you pops), representation from one of the 'Evil As,' puka shells, an unfortunately patterned dress, a ringer tee / anything Hollister or some overly granola shoes that make me need to run for the closest box of Mueslix. Crunch crunch. Then I moved here.

The dress and the culture are totally different. I have begun to embrace the differences in style, cut, color and design. I think that sarees are beautiful. I love kurtas and have bought several. I think that the women here are some of the most gorgeous in the world. 

However; none of these things can excuse the situation that I am about to describe: the sock and sandal combo. This widely accepted and fully supported fashion crime is so heinous that I cannot in good conscience let it slide. This aesthetically shocking item has infiltrated sock drawers of women around the country. Manufacturers actually produce socks whose shape and structure are designed to support the movement.

One section for the big toe and one section for the remaining four. 

The foot mitten.

Perfect to stay warm and rock flip flops year round. EVERYONE wears them. Naturally, I took responsibility for my civic and moral duty to report this to you and to actually document particularly bad cases. I am proud of how clear some of the shots I have are. All for you, my faithful readers:

#1. The Teva

#2. Black Magic

#3. The Trickster: looks like my skin but is actually a sock..

#4. The Scrunch: when there's no big toe separator, just make it happen. 

#5. [my personal fav] The Wedge

#6. The Brownie

Help.

merry christmas friends!

Stay tuned for several new posts. But I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas from the other side of the world and from a place where it isn't really celebrated. I am grateful beyond measure that this day celebrates the birth of our Savior, our Hope and our source of salvation. That through his miraculous birth and life he never sinned, only to take the on weight of our sins for us.  I am thankful that through Jesus Christ I have full confidence in my future and my destiny. May you reflect on this amidst all the festivities, but also have a wonderful day with your family and friends. 

Some of you have expressed worry about me being here all alone for Christmas, but please don't! Last night we had an awesome Christmas eve at Vic and Trish's house. I got the chance to Skype with my family and Alyssa for a long time which was amazing. I am headed now to our director and his wife's house for a Christmas brunch with several other people and then will be having a fabulous Christmas evening at the Hyatt!

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. -Matthew 1:21

must see

the christmas story from a child's perspective

My favorite are the sheep. SO presh!

rescued from forced prostitution, a mother begins school with her son

Every day around 11 a.m., he can be seen waiting eagerly by the window for his carpool to arrive, dressed head to toe in a pink uniform with a pink book bag on his back and a pink water bottle in his hand. Tears roll down his face when he sees the other girls' carpools coming to pick them up for school first. Just shy of two-and-a-half years, Satki's* new favorite activity is preschool.

Almost three years ago, IJM worked with the local police department to rescue his now 17-year-old mother Shefali* from a brothel, where she was sold to customers and abused over and over again. After her rescue, she learned that she was pregnant. Supported by IJM social workers, she made the decision to keep her son.

Today, she is thriving in aftercare and is focused on healing and growth. However, her first focus is on raising her son well. He is living with her and the home and has won the hearts of all the staff and other girls living there. IJM Social Worker Amitha Punnoose says of Satki: "Every time I look into those tiny playful eyes I keep thinking of how much of a miracle baby he is. He brings so much joy into our hearts, especially with his cute, naughty smile. He is a miraculous blessing for all of us."

Every day, little Satki is learning more. According to his mother, he has recently begun talking up a storm and can count to two. "Not three yet, just two," she laughs.

Like any concerned parent would, Shefali met Satki's teachers and viewed his classroom before enrolling him. But the very fact that her son is in school is a dream come true for Shefali. Before being trafficked into forced prostitution, she had never been to school herself. Now, after her son leaves for classes in the morning, Shefali is also pursuing an education. In the afternoons, as Satki works on his "homework" coloring assignments, Shefali is preparing for a life after her time in care is completed as she studies and learns.

Time has flown for Shefali, as Satki is already eating on his own and eating rice by himself. When asked if she were sad to see him going off to school already, she quickly repled that she is overjoyed that he is getting proper training. "I can't keep him to myself all the time! He has to get an education."

Satki might never know what his mother went through to give him the opportunity that he now has. Shefali is now able to live out of the darkness and experience joy and pride by seeing herself and her son with a promising future.

*In order to protect the individuals IJM serves and those who carry out the work, pseudonyms have been used. Actual names and casework documentation are on file with IJM.


-Yours Truly

operator? i need calcium now

 

I guess when you need it you need it.

huge congratulations to my bffs stephanie gray and alyssa williams. just got jobs set up for right after graduation, as i would expect. so excited for you girls!

sucker

 {photo from Google of the market where I have been shopping}

I decided that for Christmas this year I am just going to buy new outfits for all the girls at one of our aftercare homes. It is soo much fun to shop for them and pick out individual things that I know they will love. I believe that part of my calling in life is to be a personal shopper. However.

I also am sure that my personal calling is not to be a south-asian market haggler. As we have been shopping, we have gone to a few different markets to look for clothes. Oh my goodness. First of all, I already have made it clear that I stick out big time around here. I am obviously a foreigner, probably an American, and to all these people they look at me and think she is rich. And clueless. What a sucker.

So this is how it goes. When walking around I am bombarded by men from all directions yelling at me to come into their shop, following me blocks down the street, telling me I am beautiful, grabbing onto me, etc. It is soo annoying, especially to someone who likes to shop alone in peace. When I am looking at something, the shop owners breathe down your back, follow you around and pull out 100 other options just in case I am interested in 53 versions of the same shirt. Then when I actually find something I like, they charge me like 5-6 times what they would charge any citizen here because they think I have no idea how much it is supposed to cost. If you walk away, they beg you and guilt trip you into talking to them more.  Today I went with two national girls from the office and they were able to have all the pricing conversations for me, which helped a ton. It's almost impossible to do it myself because they don't budge and I hate arguing.

Another thing that is hilarious is the English translations on a lot of the 'western wear.' Here is a great example of a t-shirt I saw today:

Any guesses? I know the yellow flip flop is supposed to say cutie and maybe the title is supposed to say Try Single. Lnier? Let me know if you want a special order of this gem!

celebrate

Today we had our staff Christmas party. It was so fun. I am loving getting to know some of the national staff.  My favorite part was the time we spent as an office sharing all the praises and victories from the year 2010. There was SO much to share- brothels being shut down, 9 convictions secured, 43 girls rescued, important partnerships established, a new department (Communications!), the first Christian aftercare home being opened in May, new leadership, repatriation of 19 girls back to Nepal, etc. Although I didn't have much to contribute as to our office's success in the past year, I was sitting there thinking about how faithful the Lord is and how much he wants to shower his people with his favor and blessing. For example, I would never have believed someone a year ago if they told me where I would be right now. That I am in a place so far from home and everything I know- but in a place where God is clearly moving and working to absolutely restore and transform lives.

And that is something I have been thinking of so much- the Lord's faithfulness even when we aren't seeking him, even when we worry, even when we doubt. 

Psalm 143:1 - O Lord hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

"do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it"

- proverbs 3:27

scatterbrained

I haven't blogged in almost a week! I am so, so sorry readers! I think I have been at a loss of things to write about, so this post is going to be kind of random.

Since I last posted, my best friend here went home. I am really really sad about it, but I am so glad that we got to be inseparable for almost 3 months. She definitely made the transition so much easier for me. Come back Robin!!

I have to say that one of the greatest joys of being here and being able to remain sane has been the result of all the awesome e-mails I have received. My friends and family members have been incredible. I love hearing how you all are doing, and I love being able to write back and catch everyone up. Thank you so much for being so thoughtful!

The last week has been a struggle for me, not necessarily in terms of my own relationship with the Lord, but in terms of asking God some big 'why' questions. Early last week I went to one of the government-run aftercare facilities to perform a bollywood dance (I'll get to that) for the Christmas party we had there. This particular home housed around 300 girls, ranging vastly in age and also in their situations before being sent there. Quite frankly, it was one of the saddest and most miserable places I have ever seen. The girls are all there as a result of some kind of abuse, abandonment, poverty, etc. and are locked inside these huge cement buildings unless they have some kind of special program to attend. We had purchased lunch for all of them, and as I sat in the room with them as they were lined up and given all the same meal of rice and chicken, I couldn't help but to cry. They have no choice over what they eat, where they go, where they live, how long they are there, etc. As an American where personal choice is a huge element of my own well-being, I had a lot of trouble seeing this place. It was dark and prison-like. I can't get them off my mind. And so I have just been struggling with why they are there, why they got the lot they did and I got what I did, why they don't have families, why they didn't receive love, etc. I know the easy answer is original sin, but it's certainly harder to come to terms with when it's at the expense of a little girl sitting in front of me. It's hard stuff. I wish I could change everything.

So to lighten the mood: We are performing a dance to this song for every Christmas party at the aftercare homes. As in, true bollywood dancing. Some have been lucky enough to see me rehearsing on Skype. I will be more than happy to give individual performances because I finally have all the moves down and it's hilarious. And (obviously) they gave me a solo in the middle- which our instructor calls my 'rap'- and in which I completed with a hair flip and all (that was for you CP). Two more performances to go.

This weekend pretty much all of the interns start leaving for Christmas- to go home, to go on a trip, etc. It will be kinda weird with no one around here, but I am looking forward to being refreshed and experiencing Christmas in a culture where it is not a big deal. It should help me really focus on what Christmas is meant to celebrate.

I am pretty much rambling now so I am going to get going here- I will have lots of updates coming up soon. Love you all SO much!!

samona

I'm pleased to introduce the little girl I want to adopt. She does already have a family, buuut I really want to bring her home with me. We went back to the same village today, and she was waiting for us at the end of their bridge in her best dress. When she saw me coming she started yelling "Didi!! Didi!!" and running towards me. I am in love.

There are things about being here that just aren't comparable to anything that happens at home. I am seeing true, true joy and happiness stemming from the smallest gestures. I didn't know that I could love people so much. I can already tell that it's gonna be really hard to leave.

shake it boy

The club can't even handle him right now. Literally.

I didn't see it coming!

"the Spirit and the Bride say, 'come.' and let the one who hears say, 'come.' and let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price."

- Rev. 22:17