Pain, Suffering, and Hope
It is no secret that I am a human services worker and that I have worked specifically in the field of crisis social work for over 14 years now. I have been very vocal about the "think globally, act locally" school of thought when it comes to contributing to my community. I realize I am one person and I can only do so much. And even though I realize this and I work a lot as it is, there are times I still beat myself up for not doing more. This does no one any good and causes me to burn out from time to time.
Some of you also know I am very into The Body Shop At Home and have my own business with them. Yesterday I attended a mini conference in my local area and they rolled out the new cause The Body Shop would be working with; survivors of slavery and human trafficking. Being what I am in my 9 to 5 job, I can't even begin to say how much I love that I have a home based side business with a company that doesn't just think it's a good idea to raise awareness and help, but actually takes an active role in trying to do something about it.
So yesterday, I was warned to bring tissues with me, I did, I admit, I needed them. I listened to the presentation and though I am use to hearing about abuse, suffering, pain, hopelessness and helplessness, it still got to me, and I guess that is a good thing. When it rolls right off and it no longer holds the horror, perhaps I have lost my edge. But it also means there are still wounds in me that need healing because at times I am affected a little too deeply...
The Emancipation Network is the organization that helps to rescue people from slavery. I listened to the director of the organization talk about the program and tell some stories of a few survivors. I was doing well until she told a story of an 11 year old girl talking to one of the top advocates in this fight that introduced her to this cause. The 11 year old's family had been taken and forced to work in a sweat shop since she was 5. She asked the advocate, "Why didn't you come early? Why didn't you come before they took my brother away forever? Before my mother was raped? Before my childhood was over? It's too late now. Why did you not come early?" What can you say to that? A child does not understand and they hope and pray someone out there is thinking about them and wants to help them, but sometimes no one comes or no one knows to come.
Of course this triggered my "I have to do MORE" gene.
I am thinking of signing up to be an ambassador for this cause and organization. The organization rescues these people, mostly women and children, and gives them shelter and food and teaches them a trade like sewing or jewelry making to make things to sell in an effort to support themselves. They have a store to sell their crafts and profits are generally put back in to the cause to save more people.
An interesting fact I learned yesterday... It takes $150 to rescue one person fom slavery and ensure that they never return to slavery. $150... To save a life. OK, so I have found another cause I'm becoming quite passionate about.... And really, the stories of abuse were hard to hear, but I think what triggered me most was that I can't save all of them and I hate that I am only one person with limitations. What made me cry even harder was the happiness of hearing these people still had such hope and were so committed to helping more and more. Hearing stories of hope and inspiration make me cry as well. Damn my Pisces Moon! But it gives me hope that perhaps we can turn this all around someday. Just maybe...
It was an emotionally charged day with a lot of hope buried in the poop, but the fact the hope still exists means they weren't broken. Thank the Gods for that.
Please look at the site, if you can, buy an item or 5 to support the cause and these survivors, become an ambassador and raise awareness, or make a donation because every little bit helps. The group of us yesterday raised about $770 in one afternoon. It feels good to know I got to contribute to helping 5 people be recued.
Who is with me?
Some of you also know I am very into The Body Shop At Home and have my own business with them. Yesterday I attended a mini conference in my local area and they rolled out the new cause The Body Shop would be working with; survivors of slavery and human trafficking. Being what I am in my 9 to 5 job, I can't even begin to say how much I love that I have a home based side business with a company that doesn't just think it's a good idea to raise awareness and help, but actually takes an active role in trying to do something about it.
So yesterday, I was warned to bring tissues with me, I did, I admit, I needed them. I listened to the presentation and though I am use to hearing about abuse, suffering, pain, hopelessness and helplessness, it still got to me, and I guess that is a good thing. When it rolls right off and it no longer holds the horror, perhaps I have lost my edge. But it also means there are still wounds in me that need healing because at times I am affected a little too deeply...
The Emancipation Network is the organization that helps to rescue people from slavery. I listened to the director of the organization talk about the program and tell some stories of a few survivors. I was doing well until she told a story of an 11 year old girl talking to one of the top advocates in this fight that introduced her to this cause. The 11 year old's family had been taken and forced to work in a sweat shop since she was 5. She asked the advocate, "Why didn't you come early? Why didn't you come before they took my brother away forever? Before my mother was raped? Before my childhood was over? It's too late now. Why did you not come early?" What can you say to that? A child does not understand and they hope and pray someone out there is thinking about them and wants to help them, but sometimes no one comes or no one knows to come.
Of course this triggered my "I have to do MORE" gene.
I am thinking of signing up to be an ambassador for this cause and organization. The organization rescues these people, mostly women and children, and gives them shelter and food and teaches them a trade like sewing or jewelry making to make things to sell in an effort to support themselves. They have a store to sell their crafts and profits are generally put back in to the cause to save more people.
An interesting fact I learned yesterday... It takes $150 to rescue one person fom slavery and ensure that they never return to slavery. $150... To save a life. OK, so I have found another cause I'm becoming quite passionate about.... And really, the stories of abuse were hard to hear, but I think what triggered me most was that I can't save all of them and I hate that I am only one person with limitations. What made me cry even harder was the happiness of hearing these people still had such hope and were so committed to helping more and more. Hearing stories of hope and inspiration make me cry as well. Damn my Pisces Moon! But it gives me hope that perhaps we can turn this all around someday. Just maybe...
It was an emotionally charged day with a lot of hope buried in the poop, but the fact the hope still exists means they weren't broken. Thank the Gods for that.
Please look at the site, if you can, buy an item or 5 to support the cause and these survivors, become an ambassador and raise awareness, or make a donation because every little bit helps. The group of us yesterday raised about $770 in one afternoon. It feels good to know I got to contribute to helping 5 people be recued.
Who is with me?