5/100 - getting smothered in hugs

Today I spent an afternoon at Esther's Children in Vera Cruz. Esther's Children (End Sex Trafficking for HER) is an organization that works to provide young girls with the opportunity to avoid a world of prostitution - a harsh and not unexpected reality for many of these girls. 

find the one that doesn't belong

According to the website, "ESTHERS uses a holistic approach to restore lives physically, spiritually, academically, emotionally, socially and psychologically.  This program provides each girl with balanced nutrition, spiritual development, academic tutoring, training in the arts, healthcare – when needed, and group counselling."  

learning the colour red bilingually

One of the ladies here (pictured below) volunteers here once a week and invited me along. Together, we taught two classes. Well, to be honest, she taught and I read out a couple of books which she then translated for the girls who were there. The ages reach from 5 to 15 and the grades vary in each group, and can be as expansive as covering grades 3 though 7 in a single group.

Esther's Children
the Reformed church here rents this space on Sundays and worships on the top level of this building

classrooms to the left of the above picture

Although the girls are the primary focus of Esther's Children, the outreach does not stop at them. Many others are brought under the care of the staff and many volunteers who come to help out with this project.

Although I didn't understand a word the girls said, it was a special experience to have. Some girls even had their first English lesson today! Despite the hardships that they have undergone, they are so willing to love and reach out. One hug quickly multiplied into a positive epidemic. Can you convey love and tenderness through a single touch and a quick smile?

For a short documentary on how Esther's Children works and has worked to transform lives, please click here.