Everyone was rushing around, borrowing each other’s clothes, fixing their hair, doing their makeup… we were about to see our parents for the first time in 7 months. It was the most bizarre thing. People were joking (but with a sliver of seriousness) asking, “do you think they’ll like me?” It was worse than getting ready for any first date, any school dance. It was honestly the most HILARIOUS and bizarre morning of the race. We all sat in the lobby of the hotel waiting. Every car that pulled up we would all jump up to see who got out. Slowly, the group of racers got smaller and smaller. It was so sweet to see families reunite after seven months. There were tears and hugs and squeals.
Finally…. BETSY pulled up and I jumped into her arms!
After a few hours of getting breakfast and trying to catch up, all the racers and their parents went to an introductory meeting. Our parents met our leaders, everybody met the people from the ministry we were partnering with, and we got a brief overview of what our week would look like.
The ministry we were partnering with is called Wipe Every Tear. I pulled this directly off of their website, “WE RESCUE PRECIOUS GIRLS TRAFFICKED IN THE SEX TRADE.” Wipe Every Tear is committed to bringing hope and healing in the lives of women trafficked in the sex trade. From safe places to call home, to education and discipleship, we exist to give women the opportunity to have their lives fully restored.” Go look them up- they’re amazing!
Us racers and our parents sat there as we learned what we would be doing this week…. going into Angeles City, into the bars, and rescue women… WHAT!!!!!!????
