The safe house had been explained to me before I ever arrived. I knew that the safe house only had 3 to 4 beds and that their program’s mission was to help women like myself, who had spent their lives trapped in prostitution and sex trafficking. Their mission was to erase that existence and to show us something more. They would show us what life was really meant to be like and they would show us how to be that Mom with her kids at the park, or how to be that woman with a college title beside her name. I was happy to know that I had a team of women who were willing to love me, love me for me, and support me through this process.
The house was quiet and a beautiful area backed up to the woods. There were tons of songbirds and autumn leaves. The living room was beautifully furnished, with comfy carpet and it smelled so clean. I’d spent the last 10 years of my life in and out of abandoned houses, jails, institutions and back alleys. This was the first house I’d been in for a long time that didn’t come with a distinctive musty or foul odor. Much to my excitement the home also came with electricity and hot water and heat.
I had three beds to pick from. I would shower on my own, with a towel, and a clean washcloth every day. I had shampoo and conditioner, body wash, and a hairbrush. These are things that so many take for granted, but I hadn’t had in years to call my own. And in the kitchen, there were things that I could call my own, from food to drinks, to clean water, to actual dishes. When stuck in trafficking for 10 years I lived off dollar food items and community meals.
And there were these beautiful French doors that led to this little covered balcony with sitting areas on it.
I knew in that moment… That God had heard my prayers and painted a perfect cottage just for me. I knew in that moment… That I had finally found a home. It had been over 10 years, since I was able to have my own bed to sleep in. Let alone, one I could fall asleep in and not have to worry about being raped or robbed.
By the close of that day, I had showered, I had eaten, and I had prayed for the start of my new life to be as beautiful as this place He had created for women like me.