The Future...

Today was another amazing day at Nigoloy! I was again blown away by the amount of joy that radiates from the girls there. When we first arrived we had a little quiet time with a handful of girls and I brought out some tops to play with. The girls of course were expert spinners and had them going on their palms and upside down, each time proudly getting our attention to show off their tricks. It was a sweet time of bonding.

We were shown some more if their blockprinting work, this time sheets, bed covers and table cloths. They are beautifully done and of course, I bought some! The amount of time and detail put into each piece is amazing.

There were so many highlights to the day, like Jenny's soap making project (I am sure she'll blog about it) and a big highlight and honor was to meet Aloka. Aloka is the amazing woman who founded and runs the Womens Interlink Shelters.  She shared so much with us that I can't possibly type it all, but I believe the biggest point that she stressed was how they never ever bring up the girls pasts. It is not only too painful, but it also is not who they are. They are not to be defined by what they endured and overcame, but by who they are now and who they strive to be. It is about the now and the future. I know Aloka will make sure their futures are bright, and they do so much with what little resources they have, it is truly humbling.  Aloka told us that the employees of a German company gave up a days pay to fund the opening of Nigoloy. What they did with that one gesture is mind blowing, just think about what could be accomplished if more people rallied together like that!

Speaking of donations, another highlight was in the passing out of donated items. It was so heartwarming to see the excitement over soaps, shampoo, toothpaste and brushes, hairties and combs! We packed 7 suitcases of items donated through the volunteers to distribute to the shelters and even though it was a huge amount, we all wished it could have been more.

I know these girls are the lucky ones. They have Aloka and the many others that have taken them into their hearts to care for them. What is disturbing is the reality of the issue of human trafficking. We see it on the streets and are very much aware of the dangers everyday. These girls are still in danger and there are so many more that need help, it is overwhelming. The hope is in the awareness generated and the support given to organizations like MadeBySurvivors who are committed to ending slavery. I am looking forward to another incredible day with the girls and am very grateful for my family, friends, students and coworkers who donated items to the girls..I wish I had the writing skills to properly do their joy and grattitude justice! Thank you!