Harsh Realities of Life in the Big City: Prostitution

Cecilia works with a Christian organization whose focus is helping prostitutes into different lines of work and better lives. Granted, some Thai prostitutes actually like their line of work and don't want help. The organization's focus is on those who have been trafficked into the profession or have no other way to support their families. Cecilia told us the story of one girl's path into prostitution. This girl had been raped by her teacher while in high school and became pregnant. The teacher took "responsibility" for his actions and married her. They eventually had two children together but the husband was verbally and physically abusive. Rather than live the rest of her life with an abusive husband, she chose to get divorced and work on the streets as a prostitute. She had no other work options as she had quit school at the age of 15 upon becoming pregnant. The organization took her off the streets, trained her in a new profession, and gave her a home. She now works for the organization and has a desire to help others in the same way she was helped.

Cecilia also told Hayley and I that many prostitutes have been sold by their families in Burma and Cambodia and forced to work the streets. I felt truly sick when I heard this. Although all of us have heard such stories, to be surrounded by it and watching men take advantage of the situation makes it all very real (we have walked down several "red light" areas and seen hoards of western men buying a night with a young girl). I would like to get involved in the organization on some level if time permits. I think this type of volunteer work may become Hayley's focus over the next 8 months.

On a lighter note: I got a job yesterday! I start on Thursday and I'll be teaching Biology and Math to 4th or 7th graders. Should be interesting!