3 year old *Perlita’s eyes sparkled as I spotted her in the busy mall. Her tiny hands were clinging to a department store bag. As soon as the coveted hugs and kisses were given, she was allowed to open the bag, pull out and slip on the princess dress she had chosen for herself. This was the selection she and all of the other little girls under the age of 5 from the safe home had made. They had also chosen ballet outfits for their dance classes, and had found shoes, dresses and hair accessories. All their own. Just for them.
We caught up with the older girls who were giggling and running back and forth from the dressing rooms with their “shopping buddies”, exchanging sizes and perfecting their individuality through that one outfit that would be their final purchase. They had each been given a gift card to spend, and budgeting was an essential part of this day.
Lunch was at least 22 happy meals. Maybe more. Then the girls went ahead of us on a secret mission we were not to question. We arrived across the street a little while later and were ushered into an auditorium and told to sit on the first 2 rows as guests of honor.
The littlest ones had all changed into their matching ballet outfits and began to dance for us. They had been practicing their performance for weeks. They were so sweet.
Then the older girls took their places on the stage. The song started and it was nearly impossible not to let their personal stories roll through your mind.
Orphaned. Abandoned. Exploited. Abused. Suffering.
But as each girl began to share their gratitude and thanks through the one medium they all felt they could express themselves adequately through, their joy became more and more apparent. The song they had chosen was a message of believing. Of leaving the past behind and throwing themselves into the hope and the future they know belongs to them. And the result brought the kinds of tears that I hope everyone gets to experience at some point in his or her life. Tears of wonder and appreciation and hope. The kind of empathy that not only walks in the shoes of suffering, but as a result, gets to share in the joys.
This is the work you graciously support… you are empathizers.
*Perlita’s mother, a victim of forced prostitution and trafficking, abandoned her and her older sister. They live at the safe home full time, where they receive an education, quality care, love and understanding without measure. Names are changed for protection.
Written by Julie Riley
(re-post from IEmpathixe.org/blog)
(re-post from IEmpathixe.org/blog)
SUMMER EXPEDITION
The iE Staff and Interns relocated from Boulder to Mexico City for the summer. Joining us to collaborate with local advocates and our partners were 39 US child advocates whose ages ranged from 17-70. The diverse group included psychologists, students concentrating on research and case studies for degrees, PHD’s, lawyers focusing on anti-trafficking, various practitioners, and volunteers from all walks of life who are deeply committed to protecting and restoring vulnerable and victimized children. Our work included further strategizing with our partners, serving victims and at-risk kids, and influencing influencers in politics, including policy makers whose efforts directly impact this work.
Safe-home
Teams reorganized storage rooms, restocked the pantries and supplies, purchased the girls’ swim gear for their biweekly swim lessons, and they received gift cards to a department store so they could shop and practice budgeting. The girls also enjoyed two trips to the Aztec ruins and shared common meals at the cultural center.
Teams reorganized storage rooms, restocked the pantries and supplies, purchased the girls’ swim gear for their biweekly swim lessons, and they received gift cards to a department store so they could shop and practice budgeting. The girls also enjoyed two trips to the Aztec ruins and shared common meals at the cultural center.
Street Outreach
iE continues to maintain strong relationships with street outreaches to the vulnerable children populations in Mexico City. This summer, we began the delicate process of getting teen parents and their 5 month old baby off the streets. Other efforts included, visiting residential centers, serving and encouraging the kids and staff, cooking meals, playing soccer with the kids at both the Hovde and Alianza outreach centers. We remodeled, painted, and re-carpeted 2 bedrooms which house over 20 kids.
iE continues to maintain strong relationships with street outreaches to the vulnerable children populations in Mexico City. This summer, we began the delicate process of getting teen parents and their 5 month old baby off the streets. Other efforts included, visiting residential centers, serving and encouraging the kids and staff, cooking meals, playing soccer with the kids at both the Hovde and Alianza outreach centers. We remodeled, painted, and re-carpeted 2 bedrooms which house over 20 kids.
Your support makes these things possible and brings powerful changes to the lives of vulnerable and victimized children. IEmpathize is an organization that I believe is worth my money and time. I've seen them make a legitimate difference for real kids! If you have not taken the time to watch this short video, do it! its worth the 4 minutes of your life. It features some of the stories of the actual girls I met in Mexico City.
Mexico City: The Way Home (English 4min) from iEmpathize on Vimeo.
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