Thursday, April 15 Tita Megan

We started out the day today reflecting on the activities from the previous day. One of our clients, who refused to speak or participate in anything the day before, got on the microphone to share what her experience had been. Just the fact that she displayed a growth in confidence was very powerful (although I could not understand what she said). I asked the social workers to translate for me on some of the things the clients were saying during that time.

One client commented on the videos showed revealing how Photoshop affects the way women look in magazines. She said she now knows she has a purpose, that billboards are fake, but that “we have skills and talents and a lot to share with my friends when I get back home.” Another client commented on the scripture verses we went over, and she said that she learned that although her friends and family leave her, she knows God won’t and she teared up as she shared. Another client was touched by a mask activity we did, where they would draw on one side of a paper plate the way they display themselves to the world (how others see them as a person) and on the other side they drew a mask of what they really are on the inside. She expressed that she learned she should not judge others because “we don’t know what they are going through.” Lastly, client after client shared about the clay activity…where they were supposed to use the clay to express what is valuable about themselves. Many of the clients first created a wilted flower, then created a thriving one representing how IJM has given them strength and hope for their life. It was very emotional, with several clients crying as they shared. This reflection really helped me to see how it is helpful to rescue girls who may not have even wanted to be rescued originally (many of the young girls want to make money this way, and choose to enter into the sex trade or are convinced by their family…however since they are children, we consider them unable to make wise decisions for themselves…but it’s hard for me for me to think about sometimes).

The rest of the day it was just amazing to see the social workers in action. The topic covered dating and sexuality, which is always fun to do with teenagers. While I stressed over staying on schedule, they lived in the moment and truly catered to the clients needs, making sure to incorporate plenty of processing time. It was cool to know that the information being provided was used to help empower the social workers in their own work and in their own life. When discussing dating violence, one of the client’s got very emotional saying that she felt guilty for the relationship she was in, and that she felt we had planned that presentation just for her (which we obviously had no idea about her dating life). There was clearly a lot of growth through the processing of all of the information and activities participated in.

At the end of the night we did videoke (a favorite Filipino past time, which is like karaoke with videos playing in the background…and no…not music videos….just random things – people skating, monkeys, really anything you can think of) and a bonfire (which was prepared right next to the venue…thankfully nothing caught fire ) Some of these girls have some of the most amazing voices I’ve ever heard. At the bonfire, each client stood in front of the fire and made a promise for change. I think I expected the clients to hate being touched since they had been traumatized and abused, but it was amazing how much they obviously craved healthy touch. Although I couldn’t fully communicate with all the clients through words, they would put my arm around their shoulders or just hold my hand.

I got to supervise a cottage of 4 young ladies who are just so sweet. They called me tita Megan which translates into to something like aunt Megan....which I obviously loved. I talked to one girl tonight who talked about wanting to eventually have a boutique of her own. Livelihood here is a major challenge which is why I think so many girls go back into the trade. It’s the only way they know to make money or were raised to make money, so we talked for a while about hopes and dreams, and how to accomplish goals (which had also been incorporated as a workshop in the training).

It sounds creepy, but tonight before I fell asleep I just watched the clients as they were sleeping and couldn’t help but be so grateful that they were safe that night. That nothing was going to happen to them, that they got to go swimming today…that they got to play with clay…that they got to sing and dance for fun….that they got to be kids.