I wrote a first person story, helping you the reader, walk in her shoes. It is posted on Engedi Church's blog page. Harmony is encouraging me to expand and convert the story into a book. Please take a minute to read and journey with her.
Beatrice was a victim of child sex trafficking hidden deep within custom and tradition. Her mother tried to sell her virginity to local boys. We believe money had been transferred and the boys were "chasing" her. Our good friend went into the compound and talked with neighbors to find out the facts. I witnessed first hand, how the Zambian community is tired of looking the other way. There is Hope in their love.
Beatie and her sister lived with us for eleven days before she went back to live with her mom. Eleven days changed my life. What are we really willing to do to stand up for a child? Are we willing to get lice? Are we willing to share our space and time? It came down to one question...what if this were Harmony? Can I put a price on her safety and love experience? John and I decided to do what we needed to keep her safe.
What was initially a burden, turned into a blessing for my family. We learned more Chitonga language in those eleven days than we did the entire previous months. Her laughter began to come out and her personality shone through. Strange or uncomfortable turned to blessing, laughter and joy. The little transitions didn't matter much in the shadow of loving a child of a King. While she was with us we managed to have her tested for STD's and HIV. While the tests are not 100% reliable, they did come back negitive. We believe she fought off her pursuers with only a few bruises. As she relaxed we were able to talk about more difficult issues.
Through friends and resources, we found Beatie's step-fathers mother and his other family members. We asked for their permission to keep her until the step-father came home. The mothers story was that he had been gone for years. The families story was he was on his way in a few days. The neighbors and community don't like to see girls stay with whites. They worry about trafficking and or abuse. She ended up voluntarily returning to mom's house with Linda for a day per mom's request. At this point we were scrambling for somewhere for beautiful Beatrice to go. Linda, or "Shem", stayed with mom but Beatrice was kicked out of her home and stayed the next night with a cousin before telling us. The cousin was newly married with an infant and only a one room hut. She did not feel it was safe for Beatrice. By the grace of God, our friend Rachel opened her heart and home to keep Beatie safe while social services investigates. . Social services showed that they care for these forgotten children. The director for Kalomo saw the loving relationship between Beatrice and Rachel and directed Beatrice to stay with her until further notice. We were sad we could not have her stay with us but we rejoiced for Beatrice. She is in school, complete with uniform and supplies. We are believing for a year of recovery, protection and safety. We had to leave her in her new home in Zambia. We get bi-monthly updates via email.
Beatrice loves music and she plays a fierce game of spoons. He laugh is deep and rolling. Her physical strength can catch you off guard, especially when she dances with you. She is so bright, her tutor said she would have no problem catching up from a year of missed school. Her favorite color is blue. She didn't tell me because she speaks little English. She understands though, so we can't say anything not meant for her. She wears her blue flower headband like the princess that she is. I miss my hugs, but I trust her in our Saviors hands.
If you would like to help up provide for Beatrice and her foster family while social services investigates please email us asap. Her mother could serve jail time if convicted. We send money to Rachel for Beatrice's care every month. You can be a part of her beautiful story.
Another victory in this story is the relationship with social services. The director looked us in the eye and said, "What we really need is a place for these girls to go.""I could have twenty girls tomorrow if my home was open." Because God had given us a vision for a safe house in Kalomo many nights before, we knew God was establishing our mission. PRAISE GOD!
Our vision is to build and open a safe house in Kalomo that is run by Zambian's, connected with the church, and used as an answer to prayer for girls who need a place to stay while social services or a court case is perused It has to be independent from Social services but working closely with them. It needs to be supported in service by the local church and community. It is possible, because God created it in our hearts.
It is the only one I can find with the little girl sitting in the middle chair. I don't know her name. I know she is six. I know that her step father abused repeatedly her and then killed himself upon her diagnosis of syphilis and gonorrhea. I know that a police officer friend was trying to get custody of her but she disappeared into the family village with her mom where the witch doctor will deal "her demons". That is the reality of girls being abused in Zambia. She went home after that night in my home because there was no where else. I see her sitting in my Zambian dinning room doing something simple like eating with peace. I know in my heart God has more for these precious children. I know Zambians are ready to speak out, rescue, and keep them safe.
Another victory in this story is the relationship with social services. The director looked us in the eye and said, "What we really need is a place for these girls to go.""I could have twenty girls tomorrow if my home was open." Because God had given us a vision for a safe house in Kalomo many nights before, we knew God was establishing our mission. PRAISE GOD!
Our vision is to build and open a safe house in Kalomo that is run by Zambian's, connected with the church, and used as an answer to prayer for girls who need a place to stay while social services or a court case is perused It has to be independent from Social services but working closely with them. It needs to be supported in service by the local church and community. It is possible, because God created it in our hearts.
It is the only one I can find with the little girl sitting in the middle chair. I don't know her name. I know she is six. I know that her step father abused repeatedly her and then killed himself upon her diagnosis of syphilis and gonorrhea. I know that a police officer friend was trying to get custody of her but she disappeared into the family village with her mom where the witch doctor will deal "her demons". That is the reality of girls being abused in Zambia. She went home after that night in my home because there was no where else. I see her sitting in my Zambian dinning room doing something simple like eating with peace. I know in my heart God has more for these precious children. I know Zambians are ready to speak out, rescue, and keep them safe.
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