She sits on a barstool facing the street, waiting. Her eyes are empty. Her mind fills with images of her parents' faces, her little brother, their small garden. A home she can never return to. When she left for them, she also left them. Forever. It was the only way.
She's not the only one. A row of barstools line the street side of the open-air bar. Pulsing music and red neon lights lure customers into the deeper recesses, but the young women--girls really--are the main course. Customers browse like they would glance over a menu posted outside a fine restaurant. Gray haired men from foreign countries. She doesn't understand much of what they say. She knows only the words she'll need.
She waits with loathing. But her father is in debt and her little brother needs to go to school. She reminds herself again and again, like a mantra. It's the only way. It's the only way.
Someone steps up behind her and she feels a touch on her shoulder. She closes her eyes for one last look at her brother's face, then puts on her mask and turns to face the customer. But the eyes she meets aren't burning with a fire lit in hell. They twinkle with an unfamiliar warmth. A soft smile graces a face framed by dark curls. The gentle voice that speaks has a British lilt, and the words are as startling as a foreign woman's presence in this place.
"There's another way."
To be continued . . .
Jeanne Damoff is in Thailand, remembering once again that our God is a redeemer, and being amazed by His beauty.
love, love, love, love, love it. Seems like something being conceived out of both observation and engagement. Can't wait for more.
TMLG
Posted by: Tracey M. Lewis-Giggetts | February 26, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Jeanne,
I've thought often of the work IJM does there as I've prayed for your trip. Your pictures reminded me of the stories I've heard from there. Wonderful post, Jeanne. I look forward to the rest.
Elaina
Posted by: Elaina Avalos | February 26, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Jeanne,
I was literally just thinking of this widespread problem this morning. This post hits close to home in some ways and I am praying not only for your safe journey, but the safe passage of young girls like this one to life and health once again.
Thanks for all you do. The pictures are stunning.
Blessings,
Madison
Posted by: Madison Richards | February 26, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Powerful writing, heartbreaking and hopeful.
Posted by: Jim Sanders | February 26, 2009 at 02:17 PM
I was shocked! The start of my tranquil morning routine was jarred to tears, sobs really, as I read this post. "Astonishing" is the best word to describe the power our Lord has put into words. I saw the bishop in Les Misérables in this narrative. You'd think, as I began to read another entry of yours, I would have been mentally prepared for a jolt from your "pen". Keep writing well!
Geo
Posted by: GAD | February 27, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Jim S. said it all.
Posted by: Nicole | February 27, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Can't wait for the next episode. You are a real writer in the way you touch our emotions. Thank you
Posted by: glennys williams | February 28, 2009 at 06:01 AM