last week i got to meet and shake hands (actually bow and say “namaste”) with some real life clients.
i went on two trips to see some families who were rescued from a brick kiln (where they were working as slaves) about a week ago. we went to check and see how they were doing, help enroll the children in school, make sure they had everything they needed, etc. (we provide aftercare to all their clients for 2 years after they are rescued).
even though i couldn’t speak to the clients (my interviews had to be through translator, of course), it was incredible to just see them. to see the fear in a strong man’s eyes as he recounted the stories of how he had been abused while at the brick kiln. to see the lines of worry that shouldn’t show yet on a 27 year old woman as she talked about not knowing how they would ever escape. to see the brightness of their smiles as they talked about their plans for the future now that they are home. not only are these people enslaved physically, they are emotionally enslaved by their abusers (usually the owner). they forget how to hope because there’s nothing to look forward to. they forget how to dream because their reality is too oppressive. but after a week of being home, i could see the light returning to their eyes as they dared to believe they were free. it was amazing.
the third trip was on the other end of the spectrum -we visited some clients who were rescued from a kiln 3 years ago. their case had finally come up in court and they had travelled from their village to bangalore to testify against their former owner. they were so excited to see us and talk about how they are working and providing for their families. the children are doing well in school and one boy told us he wants to be a policeman when he grows up. we talked and visited and sang songs with them like old friends. it was incredible to see families a few years down the road from rescue and to see first hand what great hope there is for their future.
it was a tangible reminder of why we are here -for these beautiful people whom God so loves.
