Women at Risk
Day 12:
I made friendship bracelets with former prostitutes today. Who would have ever guessed I’d ever be writing that sentence? They told us their stories of how they were brought into and brought out of prostitution. K. considered it the only alternative when her child became sick with no money for medication. T. told of a life of abuse and even escaping a potential stabbing from her stepfather. She was then raped at 14, and eventually found herself in a life of prostitution. It touched me so deeply to look at these women and merely imagine all they’ve been through. God literally saved them from prostitution. It is so huge, and it is breathtaking to get to know these women and realize God has taken them from complete darkness to such light. I was able to teach them how to make friendship bracelets, and they were so eager to learn. I loved that I had something to offer even if it was small. I am passionate about these women and all they represent.
Day 13:
Happy Birthday to Jackie! In addition to celebrating Jackie’s 21st year, today was the best day yet. We went back to Women at Risk and heard more heart-wrenching stories of rape, brutality, and lives of prostitution. I felt much closer to the women today, and our interaction was even closer and more enjoyable. I helped the women decorate coin purses. One women wanted me to paint her name on her name on her purse, and I was trying to convince her to try it on her own. Our translator Baza then informed me she didn’t know how to write. I gladly painted her name on the coin purse. They made Jackie a cake (which they hated), and all the women lead “Happy Birthday” in Amharic. Another woman showed me pictures of her family, her child she gave up for adoption, and of her graduating cooking school. It was so awesome to learn about their lives and who they are. At the end of our time together they served us coffee and individually told us how grateful they were for us teaching them new skills and loving them without judgment. The most moving part of the trip was watching the women sing, clap, and dance with such joy. I’ve never had such a full heart- it was such a purely beautiful scene.
I made friendship bracelets with former prostitutes today. Who would have ever guessed I’d ever be writing that sentence? They told us their stories of how they were brought into and brought out of prostitution. K. considered it the only alternative when her child became sick with no money for medication. T. told of a life of abuse and even escaping a potential stabbing from her stepfather. She was then raped at 14, and eventually found herself in a life of prostitution. It touched me so deeply to look at these women and merely imagine all they’ve been through. God literally saved them from prostitution. It is so huge, and it is breathtaking to get to know these women and realize God has taken them from complete darkness to such light. I was able to teach them how to make friendship bracelets, and they were so eager to learn. I loved that I had something to offer even if it was small. I am passionate about these women and all they represent.
Day 13:
Happy Birthday to Jackie! In addition to celebrating Jackie’s 21st year, today was the best day yet. We went back to Women at Risk and heard more heart-wrenching stories of rape, brutality, and lives of prostitution. I felt much closer to the women today, and our interaction was even closer and more enjoyable. I helped the women decorate coin purses. One women wanted me to paint her name on her name on her purse, and I was trying to convince her to try it on her own. Our translator Baza then informed me she didn’t know how to write. I gladly painted her name on the coin purse. They made Jackie a cake (which they hated), and all the women lead “Happy Birthday” in Amharic. Another woman showed me pictures of her family, her child she gave up for adoption, and of her graduating cooking school. It was so awesome to learn about their lives and who they are. At the end of our time together they served us coffee and individually told us how grateful they were for us teaching them new skills and loving them without judgment. The most moving part of the trip was watching the women sing, clap, and dance with such joy. I’ve never had such a full heart- it was such a purely beautiful scene.
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