Last Monday we met Anna, a 15-year old girl from Russia just doing what she could to help support her mother and three siblings. (Read the first part of her journal here.) While Anna’s journal entries are fictional, what I write in them could very easily be a real life situation for one of the millions of people trafficked around the world each year. As you journey with Anna through her journal each week, think about the REAL “Annas ” out there and the struggles they likely face each day. Pray for them.
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February 25, 2013
So, God, I talked to Mama today about the flyer I saw in the window. She said that it seemed a little weird and maybe too good to be true, but also thought it would be an amazing opportunity for me. I could see hope in her eyes but, she fears me leaving. I don’t know what to do. As I talk to you about it, there isn’t peace, but I don’t even KNOW the last time I felt THAT, and this HAS to be the answer to my prayer, right? I mean, I saw the sign on my way home from CHURCH of all places. We need this money. I’m scared. Help me know what to do.
3 am
It’s never a good sign when Mama comes home early. I’ve made my decision. I HAVE to go to America. I have to do this for my family. Please be with me Jesus. I’m scared. Help me be able to say goodbye to Liza, Marta, and Ruslan without crying. And give Mama peace in all of this. I can tell she feels so guilty that she hasn’t been able to provide for us like she wants. I think that’s why she has such trouble talking to you or reading what you tell us in the Bible. She’s ashamed. Anyway, enough of that, my mind is made up. Even if Mama tries to keep me from going, I have to go! Help me get at least a little bit of sleep so that when I go to the bus stop tomorrow I look like a good, responsible young woman fit to be a nanny. I’m so thankful for your promise God that you are with me wherever I go. Remind me of that every day in this exciting journey!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
February 26, 2013 – On a bus to catch our plane to AMERICA!!!
Well, here we are. This is really happening. I’m going to America! It’s so exciting and yet it was so hard to say goodbye. I managed not to cry too much when leaving Liza and Ruslan and Marta, but I just couldn’t help it when I said goodbye to Mama. The man who took our passports to arrange our flights seems very nice though and reassured Mama that we’d be able to write. Rumor has it with the other four girls on the bus with me that he may even give our families access to a phone to talk to us or at least let them know we made it safe to America.
It does seem to be taking us longer than I expected to get to the airport, but maybe it’s just bad traffic or something. I think I’m going to try to take a nap since I didn’t get much sleep last night. Guard and protect Mama and the kids. I worry about them tonight if Mama ends up having to go out. I wish Marta wouldn’t have take that on so young, but I guess that’s the way it will have to be until I can send the first money back. Help them know that you are always with them. Amen.
Later that day – still on the bus
I just woke up from my nap and something doesn’t seem right… first of all, it’s already dark out which means it must be well after dinner and all they’ve given us to eat was a few crackers. We’ve had to be traveling for at least 9 hours and it looks like a CHINESE man at the front of the bus right now. It’s hard to see from back here but I think the man who took our passports when we got on the bus just gave them to that Chinese man in exchange for some money. What’s happening, God!?! Please keep us safe!
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Come back next week to hear what happens to Anna and in the mean time, check out The Exodus Road and the work they are doing to fight human trafficking and rescue those enslaved.
joyfullyblessedblog.com 
The stories are sounding real, but change is coming! Thanks for continuing to share.