A Transformed Perspective

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” [Winston Churchill]

This quote deeply convicted me as I reflected on my attitude and perspective over the past couple of months. Feeling overwhelmed by personal and work challenges, I began to focus my eyes on the difficulties and struggles that come both from living in another country and from being involved in this fight for justice. I was frustrated by multiple episodes of sickness, annoyed by my patience being tested numerous times each day, and discouraged by the heavy weight of our work. By focusing on these difficulties, however, there were many nights when I was left with a pretty pessimistic view on life (my boyfriend will gladly attest to this point). Somehow, through the difficulties of the past few months, I had lost perspective on the fact that I was literally living my dream. This internship was one that I had prayed to be accepted to for months. But now that I had been blessed with the opportunity, I was allowing myself to focus my eyes on the difficulties involved, instead of being focused on the incredible opportunity that I had been given.

Over the past week, through several situations, I am so grateful that my eyes have once again been opened to the amazing reality of the personal dream that I am currently living. I must confess that before the week even started, I was dreading it, not because of anything in particular that was happening, but because my family would be coming in a week and I knew that I would be antsy in anticipation. I thought that the week would drag on, each day ticking by moment by moment (yes, I’ve already admitted I’ve been a bit of a pessimist lately). Little did I know that this would be one of the most incredible & rewarding weeks that I’ve experienced since I’ve been here, on both a personal and work level. Not because it’s been necessarily easy, but because I have been reminded in multiple ways that through incredible difficulty, great opportunity arises.

After 10 long and difficult months without a single conviction, the legal team was finally rewarded for their persistence and dedication. On Monday of this week, our office erupted into celebration as three rice mill owners, who ran their businesses using slave labor, were finally convicted. For two of the owners, this was not the first case against them. Sixteen forced laborers were rescued from their rice mill in 2005, yet due to their powerful position in the community, they were actually never charged. As a result, the owners refilled their facilities with new laborers, using threats of violence and physical abuse to keep them enslaved. In 2007, another operation was conducted that rescued 26 more forced laborers from the same rice mill. Four years later, these owners are finally receiving the punishment that they deserve for severely abusing their power. Not only is this sentencing a huge blow to the criminal family, but also a remarkable sign of growth and change in the hearts of the government officials. These convictions are a direct message to those who believe that they are above the law that it will no longer be acceptable for them to exploit others in this way without consequence.



IJM Advocates

In addition to the incredible structural transformation that is happening around me, I have also been amazed by the individual transformation that takes place in the lives of freed laborers. Three years ago, after working for several years to pay back a $300 loan, a man named Kutty was rescued out of slavery from a rice mill in Southern India. After the rescue, Kutty & his family began a two-year journey through IJM’s aftercare program, which helps newly released laborers learn how to rebuild their lives in freedom. The program educates laborers on their rights as citizens, as well as teaches them many valuable life lessons. For example, they are taught how to save money, the importance of stopping domestic violence within their relationships, how to avoid being enslaved again, and countless other life skills.

It is during this period where transformation begins to happen in the lives of the laborers. Instead of dwelling in the fear of their past bondage, their eyes are opened to the potential that their lives hold in freedom. Instead of focusing on the difficulties, they dream of the opportunities. After receiving his freedom, Kutty started working with the Forestry Department, catching snakes whose venom is then harvested for medicinal use (definitely does not sound like a job that I would enjoy). Kutty took pride in his work, and even lobbied the Department for better wages for him and his fellow snake catchers. After years of being mistreated and underpaid (or unpaid altogether), Kutty was now aware of his own rights and demanded to be fairly compensated for his work.



Kutty, Freed Laborer & Local President

 Because of his determination and drive, Kutty was selected to attend IJM’s leadership training, a three-day workshop to equip freed laborers with further training so that they can be a voice for their own communities. During one of the training sessions, Kutty was inspired by the incredible work of a locally elected government official who presided over several nearby villages. After asking many questions about the election process, Kutty decided to run for election in his own village. Last week, in a landslide victory, Kutty was elected as the president of his community! Despite the fact that Kutty belongs to a scheduled caste and had no specific partisan support, he won over virtually all sections of people in the village. Why? Because he genuinely and deeply understood their struggles at a personal level. He had watched his kids deprived of their education and his family robbed of their dignity. As a result, he truly desired freedom and opportunity for the villagers and their families and promised to advocate on their behalf. What a remarkable transformation that the fearful, malnourished and exhausted man who had lived in bondage just a few years back was now empowered to lead his community.

Through these experiences, I have been very clearly reminded of the powerful transformation that often results from difficult and tragic situations. It is easy to become pessimistic, and even cynical, if I allow myself to focus only on the difficulty. As I continue to confront the issue of injustice, it is impossible to ignore the reality that we live in a broken world, full of darkness, oppression, and evil. However, I also know that I serve a sovereign God, who promises to work all things together for the good of those who love him (Rom 8). If I allow myself to dwell only in the challenges of this work, I am choosing to miss out on the joy that comes from experiencing the transformation that is taking place all around me.

Other recent happenings:

• About a month ago, I decided to adopt a bit more of the Indian culture and purchase a “scooter” (moped). After dealing with the daily frustration of bartering and paying for auto rickshaws, it made more sense financially (and convenience-wise) to try a different mode of transportation. It has definitely been an adventure to learn how to drive in a country where there are very few rules besides the mandatory use of your horn. The more I adjust to driving in this country, the more worried I am about the type of driver I will be once back in the States.

 



My Purple Scooty

Beautiful Gardens near Bangalore

• Two weeks ago, I spent the week in Bangalore with the legal team to conduct a week-long course on forced labor at the top law school in India. The week provided us with an awesome opportunity to educate the next generation of advocates about ways to use their law degree for a greater purpose. In addition, it provided us with multiple moments of entertainment…from pushing an auto rickshaw up a hill to combating an ant-infested room with “spray” given by the hotel staff. Unfortunately, thanks to the language barrier, there was a bit of miscommunication between the desire for air freshener and bug spray. Diwali, the festival of lights, fell during this week and we celebrated by doing a little tourism near Bangalore. Stops included a crocodile farm, beautiful outdoor gardens, and the Mysore Palace. Out of respect for its name, we ended the day by celebrating the national way, with lots of “crackers,” otherwise known as fireworks. 

Group shot with some random men who wanted a pic with us!



Crocodile :)

•  On Tuesday, our office launched our advocacy and grassroots-mobilization campaign to raise awareness about forced labor. Even though forced labor is a massive problem within the country, many people are unaware that it exists, even those who are most vulnerable to it. Through song, dance and dialogue, the performance will warn of the pitfalls of forced labor to those who are illiterate and most at-risk. The play will be performed in 50 villages across 6 districts during the next month. 



Craft Time during Freedom Training





• On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to help the Aftercare Team with Freedom Training. Among those in attendance were the families from the operation that I was a part of in July. It was so incredible to see the families again, especially the little kids! In just a few months’ time, it was clear to see the change that had taken place in their lives. I spent the day in the children’s session, where they were taught about the need for good hygiene, the importance of school, and the prevalence of abuse. The constant smiles and laughter of the children far outweighed the unfortunate experience of being peed on three times throughout the day.  



6 week old baby, so sweet!
(yes, that is pee on my shirt...)




Ending the day with a little dancing!



For those of you who are still reading, I apologize for such a long post. I guess that’s what happens when I try to cram 6 weeks of thoughts and experiences into one post. I promise I will do my best to learn from this mistake. :)