IJM celebrated another estabishment closure today. I accompanied the IJM team the last time there was a closure, only having to leave early for another meeting. When I left, one of the lawyers promised me it would happen again...and it did...this time closing the first massage parlor IJM Manila has ever done. It was really creepy going inside..looking much like a brothel. The beds were not like massage beds, but regular flat beds for sleeping...or other things, and dirty sheets were all over the place.
We went in broad daylight when the massage center was still open. The girls still looked so young, although we knew they were adults from the previous rescue. The staff there was very calm and accepting of what was happening...I think they expected it. It was incredible to see our partners lock/chain up the doors for good...with a big open sign also in full view....and also to see how excited the local officials and police officers were to be doing such a good thing. It was a blessing to be a part of, although Corey is requesting I don't go on any more in order to be safe. We are now officially out of closure signs and need to buy more. One of our attorneys says when they first bought the signs a while ago, they thought they were buying too many but bought them in faith knowing that if they had these signs they would be put to good use. Now we have to buy more!
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