Hero

Asha is totally my new hero. oh...she's amazing...she's little (like 4'11) but man is she a big women! courageous...she is my hero....

yesterday kristen when to Asha's room to take her to Freeset (they were supposed to meet at 9:30), but she wasn't there. only her mom was there (which is funny, cause she doesn't live there) - and apparently she's a big somewhat intimidating lady, who is NOT supportive of Asha leaving the trade. Kristen asked where Asha was - and her mom just said she was gone...and that kristen should leave too. so, kristen left, and she went to Freeset. She was just standing there, and along comes Asha, who taps her on the shoulder and says, "i've been here since 9:00." Her mom is not supportive of her transition...and Asha just doesn't care! (keep in mind she's in her mid to late 20's - so its cultural/family pressure that continues to give her mom so much influence over her).

Everyday the Freeset ladies pray to start the day, and when Carey called the ladies in to pray, Asha marched right into the middle of the circle...and the ladies surrounded her and prayed specifically for her. The Freeset ladies have been praying for freedom for the women in the Gach...so Asha is also an answer to their prayers.

She worked her first day yesterday, and they've started her full time immediately (i think usually the ladies start part time)...and there is a group of women who've been working there for a number of years - they're leaders among the women...and they said they're going to take extra special care of Asha - that because she is so set on her freedom - they're going to support her, and take care of her in ways that her mom won't anymore!

The whole thing just makes my heart dance. i just keep praising God for the work that He did! It never works this quickly...women never choose so "easily" to leave the trade...it takes months, and years usually for the women to find freedom...so know, clearly that God has been at work, bringing freedom to Asha using your prayers offered on her behalf. please continue to pray for her - for continued courage, and perseverance - and that she'll find spiritual freedom to match her newfound physical freedom!

kristen told me that they pray for a "hero" all the time. As one woman finds freedom, that she'll be the "hero" who God can use to bring freedom to more women. And while i know for sure that Asha is my hero - i'm also praying that she will become the hero in her brothel - that the women she lives with will also find freedom through her example...