Two nights ago we had a 14-year-old girl get dropped off at Gracie’s doorstep by the Honduran police. Though this isn’t a rare case for this ministry, Momma Gracie has left to the US for 2 weeks and there isn’t anyone who speaks Spanish. Papi Lee yelled for Lana (the intern) and I to come to the door and help translate what was going on. The policeman handed over a paper that explained how she was recently raped and needed a place to stay for the night. He said he would be back in the morning around 8 so she can go to the hospital in Tegucigalpa. It was very important for us to not allow her to shower so the doctors could have all the evidence they needed. Once papers were signed by Papi Lee, the policeman was on his way. I immediately introduced myself and asked what her name was. As much as she did not want to talk, she told me her name was Irvine. I asked her to sit on the couch and to make herself comfortable, but not much more. I found myself at a loss of words, not knowing what I could possibly say other than, “you are not alone.” I pulled her in so I could hug her and comfort her. I didn’t want her to cry, I didn’t want her to feel worthless, I didn’t want her to feel alone. I mumbled a few sentences here and there that Lana wanted me to tell her, but nothing else.
Fortunately for both of us, Mila heard what was going on inside and walked into the living room holding Genesis. She immediately sat down aside her and began asking questions about the situation. The silence in the room was washed away by the love in Mila’s voice. For the first time ever, I heard Mila tell her testimony about the rape she had endured for several years. She went into detail about the different men, how she had to escape and how she ended up at the ministry. She told the girl that it was a blessing this happened to her because this ministry is filled with so many people who loved her. She told the girl that the pain and suffering that she went through does not have to continue from this point forward. “Adelante!” she would yell. She told her that she is strong enough and capable to get up and do better things with her life. I know this wasn’t easy for Mila, but she knew exactly what to say. She propped her baby up on her thighs and told her that she thanks God that she was blessed with Genesis. She started tickling genesis so she could give out a loud laugh. “How can you not thank God for this beautiful child?” she said. At this point I’m crying more than the Irvine, OBVIOUSLY. I was just so proud of Mila. She had this girl laughing by the end of her testimony because of her awesome humor. I am beyond thankful to be able to understand Spanish and the moment they both shared on the couch. Life can always seem so hard when you look at it when you are down. Mila was the light in Irvine’s night, the words she needed to open up to the rest of us, the crutch to lean on when she felt alone. I love my beautiful Mila.
