Rachael is 15. She is one of the 11 kids I correspond with. Me and Rachael have known each other for a year now, but through our letters there was a special connection. She's honest and very sweet. Also in her letters. They are long and she expresses well on paper. In reallife Rachael was rather shy but I could tell throughout the whole day she was comfortable and enjoyed every minute of being together. So did I.
Pamela, the health worker at the project joined us during the visit and while Rachael was getting her facial mask Pamela told me: "One thing I can tell you for sure Stef, is that Rachael is a very honest girl". Pamela was calm and serious but shared with me some parts of Rachael's story which hit my heart and swirled my gut. Up to this point today I don't know what to do with the emotions it brings to me when I think about 'it' for too long;
Rachael is an orphan. She came from loving parents and seemed to be tight with her dad. Her father passed away in 2001 and her mom in 2003 (if I remember correctly). Her dad owned a nice motorbike where he would take people around and earn a living like that. Since the death of her parents, Rachael has been living with her aunt and uncle.
..."Rachael is very honest"...Pamela told me again. "She came to the project one day about a month ago telling me her uncle did something to her which isn't right"...
I made sure I understood Pamela correctly...
Sexual abuse.
This beautiful young woman, right here by my side...having her facial mask...
I didn't want to cry there but I could have. It disgusts me and anger boils up inside of me which I didn't know I had in me. Instantly, my love for Rachael grew even more. I wonder so often these days what I have to give. I raise questions to God asking in what way He means to use me?
Rachael is one of the many. One of the many girls who have to deal with sick minded men like her uncle. One of the many girls who have to grow up too fast.
But, unfortunately, she is one of the few who dares to speak and trust someone well enough to inform them what was done to her.
I ask you to take today, to pray for these girls. They are countless. Pray for their dignity, selfrespect and selfesteem. God heals.
3 opmerkingen:
Wow, I can imagine your heart breaking when you heard this. My heart and prayers go out to these girls. Please keep us posted about your experiences even if they are as dark and disturbing as the one about this girl. It is good to be reminded of the kids and grown ups that have to call this their daily life.
Greetings Annemiek
Hi dear, I cried! I do not have those conversations in which I have to be strong, you had them... but you tell them so lively and so real that I cried for this girl and the many others still out there! I'm so glad that you give her the love she deserves and give her some hope and dignity. Please keep on sharing that what you received from God first!
You are a twinkling little star in the lives of many! Keep it up!
Wen
A sad reality for so many precious children (girls and boys) around the world.
It is so courageous of her to share about this horror. I am happy for her that you are her correspondent sponsor. A great blessing.
Hugo.
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