Florida Fun

February 3, 2009

Well, it's my 25th birthday. I'm feeling a bit anxious, like I've had a quarter century to get things done but only recently started my work. I think about how many women throughout history had accomplished great feats before their 25th birthday, and I'm humbled by their achievements. Especially because I'm home in Plant City, Florida, I feel disconnected from the women and girls I've come to love in India. I feel a bit guilty, like I've abandoned them for a month while I sit comfortably in my Florida home. But, as Sarah always reminds me, the survivors aren't paralyzed by their lack of education, or their fear, or their poverty. If in spite of all their obstacles, they can continue to fight for their freedom and for the freedom of their sisters, we certainly can too!

My dear friend didn't know what to get me for my birthday, I made him promise never to buy me anything without my consent. I've tried that pact with my family too but it never works. So he gave me the best present ever - an agreement to pay the salary of one woman for a year to work at our Destiny center. I am SO thrilled. I can't wait to get back and hire another woman!

Other than spending time with my family, I've been rehearsing for a theatrical production called Nunsensations. This is the 5th in the "Nunsense" series, which I used to perform during high school with our community theatre group. This year was a wonderful reunion of the Nuns, and it was wonderful fun after being in India for so long. A local newspaper ran a story about the show, and the reporter included a piece about TEN's work in India. After that, many of the audience members talked with me about slavery and what we're doing in India. Hopefully, the newspaper article helped to raise awareness in my favorite Southern town.