When my husband told me we got orders to Germany I was so excited. I love traveling. There were so many things I was excited to see. The castles, bakeries, cobble stone streets, cathedrals, and The Red Light District. Isaac, was shocked that I wanted to see The Red Light District. I remember saying, "I'm not saying for you to go with me. I just want to go see what it's about. You can literally see women just standing in the windows. Besides, it's not like they don't want to be there."
So, we've been in Germany for a month. It's even more beautiful than I saw in the pictures. I didn't think there could be one ugly place here. A few weeks ago we tried the Chapel on base. There was a sign up table for going to learn about a Ministry in Antwerp that helps girls get out of sex trafficking. So, I signed up. I really was interested.
When we arrived I honestly thought the girls in sex slavery would be hidden. They would be the ones in the dark basements or alley ways. Not the ones in the window. And then I learned the very sick and sad reality of it all.....
Imagine being in another country and being told that you can go to Europe. They'll send you to get an education and then you can get a good job and help your family. Then you get on the plane and they take your identification and your papers. You're in Europe. You don't speak the language. They beat you and rape you. They say they'll kill your family if you go to the authorities or try to escape. Once you do start "working" tourist groups come to take pictures of you, the government not only turns a blind eye but taxes you for working on their streets, women look down on you, your shift is 8-8. That's 12 hours of men using you, of tourist groups walking by to gawk and you and snap pictures, and sometimes field trips of young boys go through so a future generation will know where to go (yes, you read that correctly and it starts in 4th grade).
If you can get out and testify against your kidnappers or pimps, they really will follow through and kill your family. Or if you come from a strict culture your family doesn't want you back. They'll kill you themselves for not being a virgin. What will you do for food and shelter? Your identification and papers are gone. You can clean houses or make jewelry. But it's expensive to live in Europe. Don't you feel helpless and hopeless just reading about this?
So, I got to see the Red Light District in Antwerp. But not with my previous thoughts. This was with my eyes now open to what was really going on. The girls are beautiful. I mean they are literally the girls I pin on pinterest about wanting my "dream body". And do you know what I heard when I walked by a group of men? They were talking to one of the girls and the guy said, " You are asking too much. You pay me! I do all the work" And they all laughed and teased her some more.
I know that some of you are thinking how I used to think. What about the girls that do want to be there? Because, that is the truth, some are there by choice, but many of these women are trying to get out. As I stared at these women I thought, every girl/woman in one of those windows is someones daughter, someones sisters, someones friend, and some are moms. And if you really think that this is empowering to women bc they have the power of these men. Then look your sister, mother, friend, or little girl in the face and say, " Do you know what you should be? You should be a prostitute or a stripper. Because, someone can put a price on your worth." I think we all know that women are priceless. The women in the Red Light District are priceless. They are worth more than a few dollars or euros. They are worth fighting for.
I came home so heavy hearted and ashamed. I did the ugly cry. The one that you can't stop with snot running down your face. How could I help? Well, honestly I can't do much by myself. So I am asking for your help too.
The Ministry, Breaking Chains, gives these ladies a peaceful place to go. They don't judge them, they tell them how much they are worth. They provide meals. They build trust and relationships with these women. As I mentioned earlier some try to sell jewelry for income when or if they get out. However, most of the beads donated are the cheap kind. The lady that gave the presentation said it best, "look at what your donating. When it's turned into a piece of jewelry would you wear it?" So, I am asking that you go to Hobby Lobby, Michael's, etc. and you buy some nice beads to send. The pretty glass kind, the ones with designs. The ones you would wear. Then buy some of the jewelry. And if someone asks about your jewelry tell them about these women.
You can also sponsor a woman. It takes so much courage to get out of this industry and Europe is an expensive place to live. Help her to pay for her rent,utilities, food, and if she has a child his/clothes. Every penny helps.
And of course the most important thing we can do is pray. Pray for this amazing ministry. Pray for the women that are trapped in sex trafficking and the sex industry. Something that holds women from getting out is not knowing they can get a job. Breaking Chains wants to open a thrift shop these ladies can work out of. However, only a Belgium citizen can buy and run the thrift store. Pray that this dream becomes a reality.
You can find Breaking Chains on fb: Breaking Chains Network
Beads can be sent to our APO address so that you pay the same as you would to send something in the States.
The Cavazos Family
PSC 7 Box 469
APO, AE 09104
Just write "Breaking Chains Network" somewhere on the box and I'll make sure it gets to them.
The last thing I want to share is some lyrics from Hill Song. I really have no idea where I heard this song but the minute I walked onto the pavement in Antwerp these lyrics came into my head and I have not been able to get them out....
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
