As I attended the inauguration of the new salon in Chilimarca that will soon be run by adolescent survivors of sexual violence, I was surprised as one of the young ladies greeted me with a hug, that was then followed by a bashful smile. I have grown accustomed to seeing the scars of sexual violence, which are all-too-often thought to be invisible, expressed in mumbled greetings, downcast eyes, and a shyness that keeps these teenagers from seeing their true beauty and abilities. They know all too well the pain of being robbed of their innocence, self-confidence, and the carefree spirit that usually accompanies childhood and adolescence. So I was pleasantly surprised to receive a physical sign of affection from someone who usually is more reserved, and I am hopeful. I am hopeful that the therapy that these young women are receiving through Centro Una Brisa de Esperanza (A Breeze of Hope) will continue to nurture their abilities, and that this latest venture into learning new skills and accepting new responsibilities will help them to bring these abilities to life. It has been an honor to be a part of the support of these survivors so far, and I thank you for having made that possible. As a tribute to these survivors, and to celebrate my birthday, I will be going to their salon to chop off 25 centimeters (10 inches) of my hair and donating it to Locks of Love. How can you be part of this celebratory step in my life and the lives of those who hold a big piece of my heart? By sending notes of encouragement that I would be happy to translate from English to Spanish, by your constant and continual prayers, and by helping me to reach my fundraising goal as my last year in Bolivia is coming to an end! Please consider giving:
No matter how you can help, please remember that I am always grateful for your support, and that you are always in my thoughts and prayers! Only 8 short months until I am back in the U.S…. Love, Valerie
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AuthorValerie Ellis, who is in alignment with the Black Lives Matter Movement and everyone whose life is impacted, now or before, by times of social injustice. Archives
July 2022
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