Destiny for women and children joy

 We have been here in India for three full days.  I have heard, learned and seen things that have broke my heart and that have inspired me. We have met children and women that have overcome things that would likely destroy others. The strength in these women and children is like no other. They are truly survivors.

Yesterday we went to Destiny, a program where the women are working and are at a level of independance that is amazing. The women were so proud to show us the items that they have made and designed. We were just as proud to buy them. Buying these items gives these young women a sense of accomplishment that their work has value. It also allows the girls to continue to work and earn a fair wage so they can support themselves and contribute to their family and community. We heard stories of trafficking and learned what it is like to be a woman in India. They told us that gender specific infanticide had become so bad that in some parts of India  it is against the law to tell a woman the sex of her unborn child because she will abort if it is a girl. It is amazing to me that these men see no value in the people who clearly are the strength of the family and the community. They are the glue and will be the future. These women are so strong and determined that they not only will "make their own Destiny" but they will change the Destiny of India. Today we went to Childcare home. This home has about 50 girls between the ages of 5 and 35. We were met at a locked gate that surrounded the home. The gate is to keep the traffickers out and the children safe. Even after the children are brought there, there is always risk of traffickers manipulating the girls into leaving. When we entered it was like a normal family where children were playing, laughing, running, crying, and helping each other. For a moment I forgot what it was like outside of the gate. The reality of India is not smiling happy curious children. It is filled with corruption and poverty. Yet, in here the unity and family bond that they have is incredible   Their faces were full of wonder and curiosity about us. They wanted to know as much about us as we did them. They brought us to their bedrooms and other parts of the house. They explained what the rooms were for and introduced us to the other girls as we went. Then they took us to the jewelry making room. This is a new program and they are learning to design and create their own jewelry line. They took out what they had made and they were so happy to share. This program will offer so much opportunity for their future. It will generate income for the girls and the home.  When they were done, they danced and sang. It was something off of a stage, they were so beautiful and talented.   The girls taught us to dance and asked us to do the same. We sang and signed with them and they smiled to make us feel good and decided that they would perform for us again. I watched in awe as these girls that have had such struggles have triumphed and will continue to do so. At one point I watched them join hands and in our language and theirs sang," We Shall Overcome", and I know they will.