LIFE : Seeing through HER eyes
"LIFE / LEARN / LIFT" is a special three-part story that recounts the life of a person who overcame the trauma of sexual trafficking. LIFT highlights the importance of justice in uplifting their lives and restoring them to a beautiful state of strength once again.
The names of the characters and places in this story are not their real names, but they are inspired by the true story of a survivor whom LIFT assisted.
“When I was younger, I used to love playing in this place. I enjoyed the sight of the vast sky and a massive lake nestled amidst the hills in front of me,
which made me feel as though
God’s loving hands were embracing me.”
I have realized that is a priceless gift, and though I've been tempted to give up. I held onto the belief that I deserved justice and made sure that those who wronged me were held accountable for their actions, I refused to let other girls experience the same pain I did.
The prosecution process was incredibly challenging, especially the emotional battle I faced in mustering up enough strength to testify in court. Even though P' Pik and P' Chu, who are LIFT's legal expert and social worker, had encouraged and prepared me beforehand, it was still difficult for me to recount the painful events. Memories of the cruel events flooded my mind, and I struggled during my first court appearance.
“The survivor’s testimony was the most powerful evidence in the courtroom. ”
“The survivor's testimony was the most powerful evidence in the courtroom. Speak up for yourself so that justice can serve you. Tell your story now, so that this will be the last time you need to retell it again.” Pik, LIFT legal expert's statement gave me the courage to share my testimony. The offenders have been sentenced to eight years in prison, which holds them accountable for their crimes. This is a significant step in preventing further harm to innocent girls who are unknowingly sent into the sex industry, where their humanity are destroyed. It's heartbreaking that families are often unaware that their daughters are working in this industry. They believe that their daughters 're employed in well-paid food service jobs to support their families.
When justice was finally served, it felt as if the chains that had bound me were finally broken. Although it took time, I believed that God had heard my cries for help. However, the process of restoring what I had lost was still very challenging, even without the burden of injustice weighing me down. It felt like I was starting from scratch. That's why I made a difficult decision to start a new life in a place where no one knew me. I needed to distance myself from the criticism of those in my community who saw me as a bad person.
In my new life, I thought I had found the love and support I needed from a man whom I trusted.But things took a turn for the worse when I revealed my past to him. He became unsupportive and distant. It was a devastating blow, and once again, my baby and I had to seek assistance from LIFT's social worker She was a lifeline for us, she helping us find a safe place to live, far away from the domestic violence in my family.
In every crisis of my life, P' Chu, LIFT's social worker, has been one of the few people who stood by me, listened to me, and accepted me without judgment. She has been a constant source of support, unlike others who offered short-term help and then disappeared once they had completed their tasks.
P' Chu helped me coordinate with an organization to get vocational funds, which helped me start my small bakery business. For a while, things were looking up, but then the pandemic hit, and my income took a hit. One night, while pondering the future of my bakery shop, I received devastating news from my mother. Our home was on fire, and we had lost everything. That night, it felt like the darkest and most hopeless moment of my life. I had many questions in my mind, like why I had to repeatedly face difficult situations. I felt like giving up, and my faith and trust in God's goodness were starting to fade away.
Once again, P'Chu's unwavering support during my darkest moments is a testament to the power of love and kindness. She helped me gather emergency funds to rebuild my house, and even coordinated with an organization to make it happen. As I stood there, watching the construction team work tirelessly to restore my home, I couldn't help but feel like my heart was stirring with hope again. It was as if the ruins in front of me were being transformed into something new and beautiful, just like how God never gives up on me and delivers His goodness through supportive people like P’ Chu. She never loses hope in me, and that gives me the strength and resources I need to start anew.
Now, as I stand in the place I love most, surrounded by the beauty of nature, I am reminded of the power of resilience and the importance of never giving up hope. The vast expanse of the sky and the shimmering lake in front of me feel like a warm embrace from God, assuring me that I am not alone in my journey. With P'Chu and the LIFT team by my side, I know that I can face any obstacle with courage and determination.