It all started last spring when I had the privilege of meeting Esther in Colorado. I felt an immediate connection and it was inspiring to hear her speak of the work that New Horizons was engaged with in India and how they were changing lives. At that moment, I knew I wanted to visit and meet these girls in person. Together with my husband and several friends, I made my first trip to India this past October.
We arrived in the evening and learned more about New Horizons’ story over dinner. The next day, we had our first opportunity to tour the Transition House and meet the young women who lived there. The young women invited us into their spaces with pride as they showed us their designs and skills at sewing scarves, table runners, dresses,
kids’ clothes, and purses. They showed us where they lived, studied, and worked and, all the while, Esther translated their stories.
Later that evening, we all gathered in Johnson and Esther’s living room. The girls were very shy now; they were sharing their stories of how they had first arrived at New Horizons’ Safe House and then, later, how they had chosen to continue their education and vocational training at New Horizons’ Transition House. It was a tender time as each of them shared their stories. Many of the girls shared the tragic part of their story but then transitioned into sharing their experiences after arriving at New Horizons House. Each face was transformed, and smiles would overtake them as they talked about how, for the first time, they had a safe and healthy space to grow and access training, education, and love.
After they finished sharing, it was our turn. I shared with them my own story of being a survivor of trauma. When the girls heard our experiences, there was understanding and empathy. Tears and compassion flowed throughout the room. There is a beauty that rises out of ashes when women share their stories and lift each other up. Hope and holistic healing are then possible.
Later, the evening transformed into a night of fun and celebration. Joy broke out in the form of dance, and these girls can dance! To see the light and pure joy flow out of the young women, evidence of all the years of healing they have been through and walking into victory in their own lives. If there is sorrow and pain in the evening and Joy comes in the morning, then they are living their morning out daily now.
New Horizons House is a rare-cut diamond; it is a sanctuary where young girls, after having been rescued from sexual trafficking, abuse, and trauma are embraced with warmth, compassion, and unwavering support. They are provided with a secure environment where their physical and emotional needs are addressed. New Horizons is helping women heal and flourish. We are currently raising funds to build a larger Transition House that will allow more young women to be served and experience the love and transformation that is occurring there.
This is only possible because of you, and we are grateful for each of you who partner with us in this important work.
Rachael Eichhorn
