We jumped off the bus and there was a line of mostly women waiting to get to see a loved one. I was taken back by how many were there. We had just arrived at the prison in Trujillo. Life in prison here is a whole new world, and by new I mean so corrupt. These women were looking for freedom for their sons, husbands, brothers, and so many more. Some knew that their loved ones needed to be in there for what they did and others had pain in their eyes knowing the one they loved was guilty and trapped behind bars. You could see every emotion, every wall up just by looking into their dark brown eyes. They all had a story to tell.
A group of 45 Gringos..needless to say we stuck out, but so did she. Blonde hair, tanned skin, tall compared to most Peruvians, and a look of desperation in her eyes. Honestly, she looked like us. She was there for a purpose..I just didn’t realize how much of a difference her purpose was from ours. Two of my squad mates were able to have separate conversations with her. She was a 20 year old girl from Canada living in Trujillo with her boyfriend’s family. She had been standing in that line since 5am and wouldn’t get into the prison until about 1:30pm. She had to bribe the guards to let her in so she could see her boyfriend…Along with having to bribe them, if the guards aren’t happy that day they take it out on the women while doing strip searches and putting them down with harsh words.
When you looked at this girl you could see it. You could see that she was screaming for help deep inside. She was begging for her Heavenly Father to come rescue her but she was being held onto by so much bondage of her past. In that moment my heart was breaking with hot tears streaming down my face because I could see myself in her..caught up in living in shame, guilt, and bondage.
I could feel God saying to me, “She’s my daughter and I am fighting for her just as I have fought for you. You are walking in freedom and she soon will too.”
The parable of the lost sheep came to my mind. God will not leave you because you are more lost than ever before. He is running after you and begging you to turn around so He can show you His true LOVE!! What it means to be loved by your father, to be picked up when we can’t seem to stand, and to walk with us through the storms.
I wish this story could have ended with her knowing the fathers love and coming to see that this wasn’t the life God had for her…
Although it didn’t happen today, I know It WILL!! God is working in her and I truly believe that my two squad mates planted seeds and her heart is being stirred because God is working in her!!
What are you running from? Are you lost and feeling desperate for the Fathers love? He’s waiting for you! He wants all of you! The broken pieces, the hurt, the shame, and the lies people placed on you.. Even if your earthly father isn’t around your Heavenly Father will ALWAYS be!
