As I prepared to apply a set of lash extensions for my client, I did not realize the ignorance in which I lived. There I was, a sheltered college student so focused on my career and my family. My client shared facts that girls are taken every day and forced into sex slavery. It happens right here in Seattle, not just in Europe, Africa and Asia. It broke my heart to learn the many strategies used to target young girls, leading them to be taken, while vulnerable: kidnapped, sold from poverty, running away from broken homes, or even lured by the idea of love or a financially free life. This is the reality of Human Trafficking.
I did not come from a “privileged home” as defined by the American Dream; my parents raised a family of six children on as little as $10 per week (when there was work), with language not only as a barrier, but also as a vulnerability to all types of abuse and threats. I remember my entire childhood relying on free school lunch, church donuts and Holiday dinners and food stamps that mostly paid for expired food, broken toys, and torn secondhand clothes. Not understanding why my life was not like everyone else, I became a troubled teenager and disconnected from my family during the age of which most kids become At-Risk.
When I think of the victims of human trafficking, I know it could have been me. At many times, I could have been naively trafficked. I am blessed to have this life; but a blessing is not so when you hold it all for your own self-indulgence. My heart has ached long enough; this plight has been calling and accelerating me to action – and now is the time.
I’m tired of feeling guilty and helpless – because that doesn’t contribute. My passion to save broken souls cannot be suppressed any longer, by my fear of trusting or being taken by people. I realize these victims do not have the free choice of being involved, and so I take it as my duty as a loving human being to do what I can. I commit to make strides that may never end human trafficking, but will fight against the matter, and at least save even just one more life. I am here to help even one more person realize their beauty, and true strength, so that they can have access to tools and support that can guide them into building a life they deserve.
Even the simple luxuries of waking up in content – we’re not even asking for waking up in ideal happiness or joy, but just to have one morning to wake up without the fear. The choice, to get out of bed at your own time; to drink coffee or tea or anything else for breakfast. Freedom to choose your daily routines, to have a job or not; freedom to dress as your artistic form of self-expression. Just to be a human being, with dignity of free choice.
I think about the ways I may contribute to or exacerbate the deficit in love and connection. I realize with such a simple act of kindness, even I can make a difference. Love is powerful- it never stops being powerful. And it creates miracles.
Some people were put on this earth with intentions of never having children; their purpose is bigger than them: I’m meant to love the broken-hearted and inspire the broken spirits. I will spend my life contributing to a better future for our children. What I’m choosing is to be whole and complete the way I am. I wanted a change, and I’m going to be it. I matter, and I make a difference.
With Project Futures, I will move my mind and awareness through the layers of thought and emotion so that my energy can transpire into love and hope for the very people whose freedom has been stolen.
It is an honor and a privilege to be acknowledged by you.
Thank you for allowing me to share my heart.
LOVE MỹLinh 