August, 2024 Monthly Reflection

Precious Alexandra

Maria Elena Perales

Alexandra arrived at Myriam’s Haven, a program supporting human trafficking survivors hosted by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, in 2010. She had escaped a year before from a horrible experience she endured for nine years. Alexandra had been a victim of kidnapping at an early age. She was robbed of her childhood and her family; she was kept isolated and never socialized with other people.

I clearly remember when I first met her. She had just arrived and was wearing a hoodie over her head that covered her face, which was already covered by her long, curly black hair. I got to know Alexandra; she was quiet, timid, and didn’t want to share much about herself. We understood that she didn’t want to be seen and trusted no one. She was always afraid that someone might recognize her and take her back to the dark place where she had been kept for all those years. She lived in fear all her life. She usually kept to herself, and she struggled to be among people. It took much of her strength to finally open up to Sisters and companions who wanted to support and guide her.

Alexandra had a bright, beautiful smile that lit up the room. She was a determined and talented young woman who loved making jewelry and loved to learn; this gave her a sense of freedom. Once she found someone she trusted, she would feel comfortable and enjoy the friendship. This young woman, with the help of a group of supporters who loved her very much, learned to speak English and eventually went to school and learned to read and write. She was determined to get her high school diploma, which she eventually did! Sisters and friends threw her a big party to celebrate this tremendous accomplishment. She later wrote, “The most precious thing is my high school diploma. I couldn’t believe I graduated. I have a long way to go to learn more things that I don’t know. My diploma is one of my precious treasures that I have in my life.” To Alexandra, her diploma confirmed her love for learning and sense of accomplishment.

Alexandra did not have the fortune to grow up in a loving family, but by the time she went home to God, six months ago, she had a large family that loved and cared much for her. She touched many people’s hearts. In providing her with such loving support, they gained much more—the love of someone who had struggled all her life with trusting people. They had won her heart—the heart of a young woman who suffered greatly and never got over the trauma of being stolen from her family at a very young age.

Alexandra, you left behind a family that loves you and will always remember you. You are now at peace – something you longed for all your life. As you arrived, the heavens celebrated and sang the glory of God, and all creation shouted with joy!

Maria Elena Perales, Board Member

 

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