Raksha

For the last three days we have been working and staying at Raksha as well as some projects in the city.
This has been the hardest and most touching part of the trip. The other night I was sitting in the prayer room surrounded by 50 girls ages 4-18 who are all victims of sexual abuse or trafficking. As I sat there in meditation, Chant, and prayer, it hit me and the tears began to flow. It's easy to forget when we are playing, dancing, studying, or just talking that each girl has an individual and horrific story of sexual violence. Many will never have children of their own, they will fight the emotional trauma of what was done to them for the rest of their lives. How blessed we are to live in a country that fights sexual abuse and stands up for women and their rights.
The first day we helped the girls study and prep for their exams and then walked them to school, wishing them luck. When they returned from school we studied more, did lice checks and removal, translated and worked on a menu, had a sane party, ate together and just spent time together.
The next day we had the opportunity to attend a festival where Menuka the founder was speaking. All who attended were in their best saris and looked so beautiful. We had an Indian feast that was so delicious. We then spent time at the office with the younger children, children only 4 years old who were abused so badly. One child was kidnapped and taken into the forest where she was raped repeatedly and left for dead. A four year old. My heart is filled with rage and sadness, hurt and pain, so many emotions. Yet the children are so resilient and keep pushing forward.
We then traveled to a Hindu Mecca where they cremate their dead and we were able to witness that ceremony and worship. We ended the night at a Buddhist temple.
This morning we headed to a village. One girl who had been abused was reintroduced to her village and to help them be self sufficient we brought up these sewing machines so that they could have a business. One of the reasons Raksha is so great is because they not only rescue the girls, they rehabilitate them, give them legal care, teach them skills and in some cases are able to help them reintegrate into their village. Upon arrival we were met by many village women and the girls family. They fed us corn and cucumbers fr their garden. Then all the women gathered in the community center for a quick celebration. They were so happy and excited to have a means for income.