in her shoes…

You can’t understand a man until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.

She walked in to the detention office terrified, arms crossed, hands clutching to her elbows. Her dark hair was pulled back, matted and unwashed. Honey colored eyes darted from me to the police officer to the police captain. As soon as she heard me utter that I spoke spanish, she dropped her arms and begged me to help her.

I kept my composure and asked her question after question as to how she ended up in Greece, a land far away from the island in which she left. I explained to her that she was safe and I work for an organization that helps protect young girls like her. I introduced her to our lawyer and explained she now how legal representation.

She was utterly confused, but we promised her we’d get her to a safe place as long as she told us the truth about how and why she was in Greece. After an hour of investigation, she broke down and cried, Please don’t make me go back there. I can’t go back into the detention cell. Help me get out of here! She wrung her hands as tears came down her face. She left her home country for the promise of employment but ended up in a detention center in Greece. I assured her we would get her out and she would be safe.

The guard escorted the three of us out of the interview room and we proceeded to the cell where she had been staying, unspoken to for fourteen days because of language barriers. The cigarette smoke filled the cells like a grey veneer to an odor behind cell bars. The guard opened the door and motioned for her to enter the cell with 11 other women sandwiched in a cement cell laying on flat, dingy floor mats, soiled and stained. She looked back at me with a mixture of hope and desperation and whispered, Ayudame, por favor. Ayudame!*

I left the detention center with the same look on my face: hope and desperation.

The A21 Campaign legal team immediately got to work and processed her paperwork but I had to head back to our team and start working on our awareness campaign, Key2Free. My mind was all over the place, but our amazing lawyer affirmed me, Her story is like so many others. They are promised jobs, their passports are taken, and before they know it, they are on the streets forced to work as prostitutes or enslaved in a brothel. But this is where we come in, Bianca. This is where we help.

******

The sound of an accordion and flute serenaded the outdoor cafe as our team sat down for our lunch. I was just about to pour some olive oil on a plate when I got a message: [We got the girl! Going to detention center. Must come now. Bring all of your stuff.]

I hopped in a van with our security agent and sped across town to pick up the newest addition to the A21 shelter.

Walking up the stairs behind our new friend, I noticed her shoes and thought about the Atticus Finch quote from To Kill A Mocking Bird, You can’t understand a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes. I’ve only walked a few steps down her path, but I know where she is going now. And her future is bright.

*******

For more information on Key2Free, check it out.

*Translation: Help me, please. Help me!

17 Comments

Suzanne on at

I so want to hug you right now. I know it’s weird, but it’s true.

jeannett on at

tears. happy, happy tears friend.
i’m so proud of you.
thank you for doing the hard work.
and sharing it.
my heart breaks.
children enslaved.
dirty water.
lonely orphans.
heaven is going to be amazing.

Alexis on at

Wonderful work!

You and the A21 and Key2Free campaign are in my prayers!

I wish you well as you take part in helping young girls find freedom.

🙂

Emily on at

CRYING!

Darlene on at

Bianca, dear, I am so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone; for stepping into the calling God has for you. Thank you for being…well, for being you. For listening to the only Voice that matters. I want to hug you and look into your eyes and tell you on your most difficult day that you are making a difference. What you choose matters. Thank you for choosing the way of Love.

Sammie on at

wow. chills. you’re doing such a great thing. I really enjoy reading your blog.

Tara on at

Wow… I’m crying. Mm… praying for you and everyone you come in contact with. The Lord is with you. Love you!

Steph on at

I am crying as I think of how God is using you to restore and redeem!!! And of the hope that your new friend must be experiencing. God is faithful to provide healing and freedom, and I am grateful that through your obedience you have a hand in His miraculous work!

Brittany Barger on at

So awesome! Reminds me of Phil WIckham’s song, “You Will Be Safe In His Arms.” Thank you for allowing us to take part in this. It has been a blessing, seriously, to hear and pray! Safe travels to you!

brianna on at

so proud of the work you are doing. you are an angel. love you.

Liz D. on at

Thank God for putting you there to instill hope and comfort to others. Will begin to pray for this ministry.

Dawn on at

Such a heartbreaking story! But such a big God!!

Marcie on at

For His glory and kingdom, Bianca! Oh, that our young ppl would catch the vision and hit the streets here and abroad seeking out powerless. My heart both aches and rejoices..I think you know what I mean. Prayers ascend on your behalf. Stay the course no matter the storm’s ferocity. Hunker down in Jesus and allow Him to steer this vessel to safe waters, B. Muah desde el profundo de me corazon, mi hermanita!

Solomon Rodriguez on at

I wish there were those to help those poor boys in the Penn State case, sad to know that sex trafficking even goes on here in the United States. Men in authority should be able to be trusted but as the Penn State abomination shows that our only trust should be in Jesus and not man.

LeolaK on at

I’m in tears! This is amazing! Congratulations to you and your team Bianca! You are such an inspiration! Doing big things and what you are clearly called and meant to do!