She Has A Name

We’re here in Moldova on a missions trip staying at a girls transition home.  The following is a story I learned and want to share.

I hesitate to even speak this little girl’s name in this story because what she has endured in her 10 short years is nothing shy of horrendous, so I won’t. Her past does not define who she is becoming? Out of respect, I will not tie her name to this story which focuses mostly on her past.

She’s the youngest in the house and is very quiet. I made the error this morning of thinking she was simply shy, but oh how I was wrong!

It never occurred to me this cute little girl could have major trust issues with men she does not know due to her past. In fact, as I sat outside around noon today when she returned from school, I wondered aloud what her story was all about. She seemed like such a sweet little girl and I could not imagine a parent not wanting her.

However, within an hour I came across her story in an accidental manner. I was within earshot of a conversation about her. She was the “village girl”. Her mother began hiring her out for money to men to have their way with her. I couldn’t imagine what I was hearing! This incredibly innocent and cute little girl had a past that is just unspeakable!

I watched her tonight after dinner as she sat at the kitchen table with Sergio, the house father, who is assisting her with homework. She is so quiet as she sits there listening to him help her understand her assignment.

Yesterday, I tried to be friendly with her when we were both outside but she did not respond to me. After hearing her story today I haven’t tried to speak with her for fear I may be unintentionally attempting to cross some boundary she needs to establish in her life right now to feel safe. So, at about 11:15pm they finish the homework and Sergio gets up to leave the room, leaving this little girl to gather up her books before going to bed. I’m at the kitchen table myself preparing for an assignment at the orphanage tomorrow.

As I continued to read and prepare, I hear a very quiet “good night”. As I looked up, its this little girl looking at me as she walked out of the kitchen with her hands full of books.

Initially, I shared this story only with a few close friends in an email. But as I considered the experience, I began appreciating the redemptive power of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Christian world, you’ve probably heard a clever little saying: “He turns our scars into stars”. Well, perhaps I am imagining what I observed, but I think I saw a twinkle in her eye as she left the room smiling.