AIM TO HELP GIRLS

I was really really happy to be a part of this meaningful cause with the Agape International Mission (AIM) team. It was the only thing that made me happy the entire week.

Agape International Missions (AIM) was founded on the ground in Cambodia in 1989 as a humanitarian aid and church planting organization in Cambodia. Since 2005, their ministries have focused on ending the evil of child sexual slavery. AIM takes a holistic approach of Fighting Trafficking, Restoring Victims, and Transforming Communities, in order to defeat trafficking. 

They have a US headquarters in California and their mission in Cambodia has been chronicled by CNN in a documentary called “Every day in Cambodia” which featured Hollywood star and human rights activist, Mira Sorvino.

AIM is founded by Mr. Donald Brewster, together with his wife, Bridget. If you watch the documentary done by CNN, "Everyday in Cambodia", you will understand how much they have done for the girls and how AIM has grown so much since when it first started. My visit to Svay Pak was interesting as I got to witness the factories these girls work in and the places they stay in. Svay Pak was (and I say was) known for its prostitution activities. I believe that AIM's presence in that area has changed its reputation. Of course, the area is still not cleansed of its dirt, but it is better. Honestly though, it is really clear that prostitution is still a major problem in Cambodia, evident by the amount of girls in sexy hot outfits sitting in clubs and standing by the road side. It is sad that when you look at them, you can't help but think if they are victims of sex trafficking.

AIM has a SWAT team which is tasked with the duty to rescue girls from human trafficking and ONE FC’s female fighter, Ann Osman, together with her coach, AJ Pyro led a seminar in Cambodia to help prepare the SWAT team in their battle against human trafficking. In addition, the two awesome fighters also gave a quick course to the girls from Svay Pak.

Before the seminar, we went to the Agape Restoration Centre (ARC) where the younger girls are. We saw kids as young as four years old at the centre. I was really touched when the girls danced for us. We were told that they have started preparing since 5am, putting on make-up and all. You know, I silently wept because I was really touched beyond words. I don't think you will know how surreal it feels to be that touched, you will really need to be there to feel it. I think especially after Don told us that to see a smile on some of these girls' face is precious, because it is not easy to be happy after such traumatised incidents. I hope that the girls really had a great time that day with us and I hope we at least made them happy.

I have full admiration for Don. He has everything planned out and has a solid system to help prevent trafficking, rescue girls from sex trade and human trafficking, restore the girls' lives and then reintegrate them into the community and help them help others.

This is a great video that sums up what AIM does in 2 minutes. 

One of AIM's initiatives was also to partner with 3 Strands. You can check out 3 Strands, a brand which help organizations already engaged in the fight against human trafficking with sustainable initiatives that creates jobs. You can help by buying the bracelets and t-shirts made by the girls. I kid you not, the quality of the shirts and bracelets are top notch. I have a few of those t-shirts with cool designs and I was so impressed. You can start shopping here. 

Sorry I cannot post pictures because I cannot reveal the girls' faces. But I can tell you that they are such pretty and sweet girls. The girls in Cambodia will continue to serve as my motivation to move on in life whenever I face a challenge because I know these girls have it harder and they still continue to live on. My life is so much more blessed compared to theirs and I have no excuse to not carry on. I have good food, friends and family; I am blessed in so many ways. These girls will forever remind me of that. So when I am down, they will be my inspiration to get back up.

Personally, I am very very honoured and intimidated to be standing in the same room as Don and his wife Bridget. I feel like I am so below them in terms of nobility. Don and Bridget's passion and kindness draws me to them. I feel intimidated most of the time but I am so glad I got to spend time with them.

Me and Don Brewster. I  didn't manage to take a photo with Bridget though.

I can't wait to go back to Cambodia because it is such a beautiful country and I just love it there. As I am writing this, I am in Taiwan getting ready for the next adventure. :) 

Despite the stress, I shouldn't be complaining because life is really interesting. I just hope for the best tomorrow. I shall also end this post with a message - "Real Men Don't Buy Girls". That is all I want to say.