I'll end the trip saga with HOPE, as it seemed to keep popping up here and there throughout the trip. There was the time spent talking to the trafficked children, asking them about their work, who they lived with, and whether or not they'd rather return to their parents and go to school. Each of the 17 we spoke with said YES to the later without the slightest hesitation. We are doing everything we can to make that a reality for them very, very soon and can't wait for that day. As difficult as some of that conversation was to hear, I walked away with an underlying presence of hope for each and every child – not only in Adovepke, but also on Lake Volta as a whole. We ended our week with some time spent at Challenging Heights, the shelter we will partner with for rehabilitation, counseling, and basic schooling for the rescued children. Their facility is fantastic – two stories for classrooms and bunk rooms, a sports field, kitchen and dining area, and an open covered space for playing.
Because of many generous people, we were able to take 12 large bins full of children's books, school supplies, sports equipment, and art supplies. As we unveiled all the goodies and spent the next two days with the 44 children there, we were welcomed with smiles from ear-to-ear, hugs, and shouts of exclamation in singing, playing futbol, reading, writing, and coloring. It was a perfect contrast and ending to our week. Childhoods have been restored.
But it makes all the difference.
Post a Comment