Amber and I were laughing and joking across the table as we waited for our food. The Irish pub in Phnom Pehn was nearly empty, as it was after 11pm on a Sunday, but those who remained at the bar were cheering enthusiasticly for the soccer game on the big screens. It had been an amazingly relaxing day; the first time in 9 months that I had spent an entire day away from World Racers. Amber and I have kept in touch over the years since we graduated high school, so when we were both in Cambodia at the same time we had to catch up. The day had been the perfect escape from life: laughing with an old friend, swimming at a 5 star resort, exploring the city on her motorcycle, getting massages, and eating out. Fish and chips at the pub was our last hoorah for the day before she would take me back to my hotel.
But then it happened. That moment that not only takes your breath away, but completely sobers you to the reality of your seemingly happy surroundings.
It was like she came out of nowhere. Black pig tails on top of her head. A little denim skirt and matching blue t-shirt. And those eyes. Those weary, old, soulful eyes. She couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6 years old. As she reached our table, she had to raise her little shoulders up in order for her arms to rest on the table top. She didn’t speak at all, didn’t even try to sell us a rose from the boquet in her right arm that nearly dwarfed her tiny frame. All she did was reach out her left hand and begin to stroke the bottle of water in front of Amber.
Our joyful conversation came to an abrupt halt. It all came rushing over me. A child this young, dolled up, this late at night….she must have been sold. I tore my eyes away for a second and whipped my head around. Peering out the restaurant door I was desperately hoping to see a mom or grandmother or something. Someone with her who also had flowers. Just an irresponsible parent keeping their precious little girl out too late. It wasn’t the case. There were only a few men outside, all tuk tuk drivers waiting for diners to finish their meals and need a ride back to their hotel.
I know the statistics. I’ve heard of the methods. The roses she sells are just a cover up for her real “purpose”. You hear all of these horrific things about children being sold, human trafficking, the sex industry, slavery, etc etc. But to look Slavery and Human Trafficking in the face, the chubby-cheeked innocent face, brings a reality almost unmanageable.
As my gaze returned to her, I could feel my heart breaking. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes as Amber gently pushed the bottle of water to her. The little one, whose entire presence radiated exhaustion and hopelessness, removed the lid and began to drink. She drank so quickly and so deeply that I didn’t want to even try and guess when was the last time she had some water. Another long pull from the bottle and she replaced it on the table. Amber handed the bottle back and told the girl in English (that I’m sure she couldn’t understand) it was hers to keep. She took the bottle and left for another table.
Perhaps she was a well-dressed beggar. I hope she was a beggar. I hope her fate is not the sex industry. I don’t remember what I prayed when she was at our table, but my heart cried out to my Jesus. We need to be doing everything in our power to put a stop to this evil, but we cannot let the horror of it all crush our spirits. Each and every one of these children is precious to our Lord and we have to trust in His providence even when our earthly, finite minds just can’t seem to understand. The power and love of our God is so much greater than even the deepest reaches of human wickedness.
I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for prostitution, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it.
Joel 3:2-3, ESV
