Meena

Meena didn't have a home anymore. War between two terrorist groups had driven her and her family away but with little hope of where they might go. Meena had traveled with her mother and younger brother to a refugee camp with little personal belongings. But Meena's mother knew there were dangers for herself and her children even in the refugee camp. The first week they had arrived other women had told her about men who came and took women and young girls or invaded the tents where the women and girls were staying. Meena was instructed to stay in their tent where they slept and ate. Meena cared for her baby brother when her mother would venture out of the tent only to get food and supplies when they needed them. Meena would venture out only to use the restroom but shared how the way some of the men looked at her made her afraid. 

A Project Rescue team arrived to serve the refugees with medical relief and food and to talk to anyone who needed encouragement. Meena was drawn to a bright-eyed Project Rescue woman who didn't seem afraid and told Meena wonderful stories. Meena shared about her family and asked where Project Rescue was from. 

"I want to go there," she said. "Then my brother would be safe and my mother would worry less."

The women asked Meena's mother where they were hoping to go and Meena's mother had no answer. 

"You would have a safe home with us. Meena could go to school and you could learn a vocation if you wanted."

Moved by this stranger's compassion, Meena's mother agreed. Now, Meena has a safe place to learn and grow and is no longer at risk of being abused or trafficked.