Leaving home, Coming home
March 11, 2009
Happy Holi!!!!!!! As usual, I'm flying on Holi, one of the biggest Indian Holidays. It's the Festival of Lights, the Hindu celebration of the coming of spring and first harvest. People across India throw colors at each other, which is symbolic of one of the legends of Krishna. He's the blue god and one day, a bit jealous of his lover's fair complexion, playfully threw colors on her. But just like last year, I missed the fun because of a long flight. It seemed to take forever to get home this time, mostly because I was so anxious to see the women at Destiny.
Despite my lost luggage, I was bouncing with excitement in the cab ride on my way to Destiny. The girls were already there at work when I arrived, and we had a joyous reunion. They hadn't forgotten me! Although I was so happy to see each of them, I noticed that one of the youngest girls was missing. I asked where she was, and learned that she had run off from the shelter home the previous night to get married. I'm already worried that her husband won't be able to support her (he's jobless), and that she will not be safe. But we'll support her in whatever way we can. Another woman got married to one of her former "clients" and they are now living outside the city. Both she and her husband were tired of the life in the red light area, and wanted to have a family. Although I'll miss her terribly, my heart is at peace knowing that she's safe and content.
Other than the two absences, I was overwhelmed with joy to see 3 new faces! While I was gone, Smarita hired two women from All Bengal Women's Union and one woman from an NGO working in the Kalighat red light area. They are all so lovely, and I knew they were comfortable with me when one of the new women attacked my feet with alta (it's a red powder used to decorate the bottoms of feet).
Although the pollution is a bit unbearable, I feel like I can finally breathe with ease now that I'm home.
update
Submitted by Karin (not verified) on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 01:53.Hey Becky-
I know it's been a long time- can you believe that it was a year ago that I was there with you in India? Sorry I've been so bad at keeping in touch. Currently I'm in Washington, DC interning at Shared Hope International, another organization that works to rescue women who have been trafficked into prostitution. While I was doing research one day I came across your blog and I was wondering which of our girls got married?? I still think about them all the time- I miss India so much! I keep in touch with a few people from the church there, but I would love to hear more about what you and the Destiny girls have been up to! My email is still the same- please send me an update on everyone when you get a chance and tell the girls I said hello!
Under His Mercy,
Karin
Something's missing
Submitted by Maheen Mignon (not verified) on Wed, 09/30/2009 - 12:17.Wow, I really find that your bubbliness comes out in the blogs, ALMOST to the point where I can hear what you were typing at the time.
but hey, while not critical I think mentioning the AWESOME king of strawberry festival could've fit into two lines somewhere on this post or a slightly later post ;-), expect an email, i have INCREDIBLY wonderful news for you,
-Harshal
can i help?
Submitted by Potential Abolitionist! (not verified) on Wed, 03/25/2009 - 01:17.hi! I'm just totally awed by what you are doing there and I was just wondering if could do anything to help. Maybe over the summer I could be of some help to you. I got my degree in Psych and I love theatre so maybe I can do something with that. If you have time let me know if there is a website or center where I can call to get information to help out.
My email address is shirley.m.norman@gmail.com.
Wishing you all the best!
Shirley