re-emergence of human trafficking

I have never taken a job with a focus on human trafficking. However, this issue has emerged in every endeavor I have been a part of in the past seven years. To me, that speaks to the prevalence of this issue.

I have been writing on this blog about human trafficking since 2008. You can read those posts: here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. It is mentioned many more times, but these are the posts dedicated specifically to the topic.

In November I returned to America. Though I know that America is a destination point for humans that are trafficked and I am well aware that this is a global issue - I didn't expect to run in to it. Then BAM! There it was again, rearing it's ugly head.

Human trafficking appeared almost immediately when I started volunteering for the Community Foundation health research project. Someone suggested I include it in the report. I hadn't considered the possibility. I started asking around and the results were astounding. Yes, human trafficking was an issue of concern - even in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

At one interview I had an undergraduate intern with me. The interview subject worked for an organization helping individuals overcome substance abuse. Near the end of our interview I asked the question about human trafficking. Oh, the stories they had to tell! When we got back in the car, the intern was in shock. I told her I felt like I had robbed her of some innocence, simply by having her present during those graphic descriptions. She mentioned it for weeks.

The 2010 global Trafficking in Persons report states the need in the United States for education of law enforcement - how to recognize and address the problem. Given one local news story, I agree with that recommendation. One interviewee told me a horrible story of police behaving badly. Apparently, in an effort to crack down on prostitution local detectives were participating in sex acts with the accused. When asked why they behaved in such a manner, the detectives said the sex acts were necessary because the ladies "don't speak much English." The obvious question, at least in my mind, is - where did these girls come from? It would seem to me they were victimized multiple times - trafficked, sexually exploited, and then treated as criminals. I am not making this up, you can read this story in the Washington Post.

After I was made aware of the issue locally, I also learned that Virginia was forming an anti-trafficking task force. Good move. But, they were limiting the majority of activities to the big city of Richmond. That is unfortunate.

I have also learned that not all cops behave badly (thankfully!). In my new job I was told a story of an officer who rescued some girls from a brothel, and rather then prosecute them he worked to find them a safe place to stay. He enlisted the help of a faith-based youth residential facility. That facility has now taken on this issue as one of their own.

When discussions began with this youth facility and they mentioned human trafficking as one of their focus services, I shouldn't have been surprised. It seems to come up so often I should expect it by now. But, I didn't. The issue of human trafficking had, once again, found it's way in to my work.

just Sheri, beginning to think this is more than coincidence

P.S. One of the largest, and most effective, organizations addressing this issue right now is Polaris Project. Click on their logo to learn more about their work.

cultural experience: grass jelly drink

My student has decided to share some cultural experiences with me. I embrace these opportunities, it was part of why I wanted a student from another place - so they could expand my horizons, and broaden my perspective.

Once she brought me home-made food. Recently, she brought me a new drink - grass jelly.

I wasn't really sure what to expect. Drinking grass hadn't been on my bucket list, nor did I think it would taste good. But, she assured me it was fine. After our meeting, when we had already said our good-byes I opened the can. The smell was unusual. I forged ahead.

The taste wasn't bad - sort of like root beer or strong tea. I kept drinking.

Then I was hit by a surprise - chunks. I suddenly discovered the "jelly" part of the drink. It included chewy squares of something. Again, not bad - just unexpected.

I finished my first can of grass jelly drink. Then I texted her my reaction, including the surprising chunks.

Her response, "LOL." She promised to bring me more items to taste test.

just Sheri, enjoying new experiences

beyond "survival"

My work in recent years has been fully engrossed in survival needs - clean water, access to life-preserving medicine, shelter, food for the hungry, and recovery after disaster (natural or man-made).

Because the needs were so great, there wasn't much opportunity to focus on more developmental issues - education, rehabilitation, healthy lifestyles, and accommodating those living with disabilities.

I was recently asked - what do other countries do for those suffering with disabilities? I answered the question honestly. Those born with disabilities in less developed nations don't often live to see their first birthday. There aren't the same kind of legal and social systems set up to protect children, so no one steps in when a child is being starved to death. When they are gone, they are often not spoken of again. It isn't pleasant, but it is the reality of a survivalist circumstance.

I am now doing public health work in the developed world; where there are legal, social and clinical systems in place to help people beyond simply surviving.

I have mentioned in previous posts and tweets that I have been engrossed in site visits lately for work. It has been an interesting learning experience for me. First, I have had to change my mind-set. I am working on moving my "you are here" button.

I am not "there." I am here...it's amazing how difficult this concept has been for me to understand (or perhaps it's a matter of reluctance to accept this reality?). Here isn't just another place - it often feels like another universe. But slowly, slowly I am adjusting.

Second, I have been exposed to some learning opportunities in the public health sector that were not previously afforded me due to the ongoing focus on survival needs. For instance, I am learning about brain injuries and the rehabilitation services that accompany this issue. Due to our advanced medicine, more individuals survive a serious injury, but the result may be remaining brain injuries. There is a group working on this issue through community-based programming services. They are one of approximately 15 in the nation with this focus. But, they want to do more and focus on the neuro-behavioral issues that may accompany a brain injury - meaning acting socially inappropriate. These actions may have serious consequences, such as incarceration. I learned that in our nation 25-87% of inmates have a history of traumatic brain injury. There is an interesting article on this topic available here. Fascinating!

just Sheri, feeding my inner nerd

open door policy

Do you remember that children's song about the church and the steeple? It was always accompanied by fun hand motions.

Here's the church...Here's the steeple...Open the doors and see all the people.

Over the years I have spent quite a few hours thinking about a particular question - what is church? I've come to a few conclusions. 

1. Church is not a building, though that is the name we call it. 

2.  "The church" is made up of the last part of the rhyme - people. 

3.  Everything else is just a human creation; such as the building that houses the church.

I have had the privilege of attending church around the globe. This opportunity only further solidified these conclusions for me. 

Church can be held anywhere, at any time. Church can meet under a tree. Church can meet in a basement of an office building. Church can meet in homes or schools. Church is not the building - it is the people. Which I think is pretty amazing.

The other thing I've learned is the people are not one type, make, or creed. The church is diverse; made up of different colors, languages and traditions. To me that means the God we serve is bigger than my geographic location or culture.

One of the major criticisms of "the church" is all the money poured in to facilities. It is expensive to construct a building, maintain it, and keep the lights on. The worst part is, that after all that expense the building is often used infrequently. That is an unfortunate circumstance. However, since I've been back in the US this has not been my experience.

The church we have been attending houses many gatherings throughout the week. We meet on Sunday mornings, but Tuesday night a Spanish church uses the building, Wednesday it is used to feed the needy, Saturday night a Ghanian church meets...and those are only the activities I am aware of. I love that!

In recent weeks I have been visiting community-based health programs for work. I have been VERY encouraged by what I have seen...

One local church has converted their basement to a small free clinic - equipped with a waiting room, office space, space for vital sign checks and exam rooms. In addition to providing space for the clinic, this church provides hospitality for those who come to visit the clinic through baked goods (including sugar-free varieties for diabetics), drinks, gift cards for medicine purchases, bus tickets and more.

A second church provides a sit down dinner for the homeless and coordinates with the free clinic and state run community service board to provide clinical services. This church buses in the homeless and many others come via public transport. Those who come sign-up for services. Throughout the dinner they spend time with a doctor to talk about health problems, get needed medicine, or speak with someone about ongoing mental health issues. This service is changing lives for the better. Equipping individuals to improve the circumstances of their lives.

A third church hosted a health fair - including rapid HIV testing, blood donations, blood pressure screening, and a mobile van to check eye-sight and hearing. The group providing the eye and hearing screenings, also provides treatment for those in need - paid by their generous volunteers.

The church is alive and active - using their buildings as a community resource. 

just Sheri, loving the open door policy

Gone Fishin'

Recently, Phim and I headed to a gun store that sold live bait. We bought our fishing license, some worms, listened to advice from the men at the shop who weren't used to seeing our type in their location...

We rented a small, motorized boat and headed out to catch some fish.

I really wanted to be on one of the kayak's...but that will have to happen another day. 

The scenery was so beautiful and serene, until we came across these painted rocks. The local high school row teams had left their mark. What is it about young people and destructive behavior? There are other, more productive, ways to leave your mark on the world - but that is just my personal opinion. 

We did get to see one fun bit of nature - a turtle, enjoying the water just like us. 

Though we caught no fish, we did have a good time on a leisurely Saturday. I had told Phim that her dad, Lope, would have come home with a catch. He later asked if we had a successful adventure. 

She said it was likely too late in the day and we'd need to go earlier next time. 

His response, "you just need to know where the holes are." 

Apparently, we lack that knowledge...at least I do.

just Sheri, a non-fisherman with a license