It's a Journey

The past few days have been very interesting. We went up to the Hill Tribes where many of the girls who live at Bann Yuu Suk (the Shelter here at COSA) come from. We ate dinner and stayed with the man who is the leader of the Yao people. We were up in the most beautiful mountains I had ever seen. It was breathtaking and wonderful. It was also ironic that a place so beautiful is the same place where such terrible things begin. As I have said before, the people in the hill tribe are at a high risk for being trafficked due to their not being considered Thai citizens. It is common for people in the Hill tribes to sell their daughters into the sex trade in order to support the family. There was one house that was particularly big and beautiful. Apparently, some girls had gone off to become prostitutes and then returned and built a big house for their family. It's kind of shocking that some girls don't go into the sex trade when this is what they see. What is the result of prostitution? Big houses, fancy cars, nice clothes, etc.

At Bann Yuu Suk, one of the girl's sister works as a prostitute. She comes by to visit with her brand new car, nice clothes, and gifts galore. She brings her sister lots of things and gives her money. This is what the girls are seeing. It's sickening. I really feel for these girls. How do you choose a life outside of prostitution when nothing else can bring in that kind of money? When that is all you've seen since you were a impressionable young girl? When that is what your older sister does?

This trip to Thailand has most definitely been one of the hardest things I have ever willingly done. This whole trip is challenging me in so many ways. I can't even describe all the emotions I've felt throughout this trip. I know at the end of the day that all of this is worth it. I am growing as a person. I am learning so much about myself and the world, but it still is incredibly hard. I am on a journey...physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

I am leaving for the beaches tomorrow! Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and who knows where else! I don't know what else is in store for me on this journey, but I'm off to find out!