After 22 hours of transit we arrived safely in Bucharest, Romania on Friday afternoon. We had the weekend to get over jet lag before the conference started on Monday. So for the first few days we took it easy and played tourist around Bucharest, soaking in the different culture, food and language. We took a free walking tour to get our bearings and discover the best places; our favourite part was the Old City. Cobblestone walking streets with beautiful old buildings for shopping, restaurants and lots of…let’s say…dodgy establishments. The reason we came to Bucharest was to attend the European Freedom Network’s Bridge 2015 Conference. |
It. Was. Amazing.
In so many different ways:
Firstly we met great people; there were over 200 people from 31 countries all involved in the fight against Human Trafficking. Whether it was in prevention, awareness, advocacy, politics, research, training or after care. There were people from abroad working overseas as well as local people working in their own countries. There was a wealth of experience ranging from people who have been in the fight for decades all the way…to us who are only just starting out.
We learnt so much this week! Starting right from the first session on Networking with the amazing Helen Sworn who is the International Director of Chab Dai in Cambodia. Glenn Miles’ session’s on Research was invaluable and Rachelle, in particular, was pretty excited after talking with Glenn and laying the groundwork for some future Skype conversations regarding her studies into sexual expoitation. Katherine Welchran a great session on the importance of health and medical aspects to aftercare of survivors. David Grant facilitated an excellent session focusing on Men involved in the anti-trafficking field and Tim really enjoyed the discussions that were generated in that space. Sandi Morgan presented curriculum that has been developed for effective after care for survivors of Human Trafficking based on best practice models. And as if we hadn’t learnt enough already, last but not least, Maria Ahlin who founded the Freethem youth movement in Sweden, explored the links between pornography consumption and sex trafficking.
Firstly we met great people; there were over 200 people from 31 countries all involved in the fight against Human Trafficking. Whether it was in prevention, awareness, advocacy, politics, research, training or after care. There were people from abroad working overseas as well as local people working in their own countries. There was a wealth of experience ranging from people who have been in the fight for decades all the way…to us who are only just starting out.
We learnt so much this week! Starting right from the first session on Networking with the amazing Helen Sworn who is the International Director of Chab Dai in Cambodia. Glenn Miles’ session’s on Research was invaluable and Rachelle, in particular, was pretty excited after talking with Glenn and laying the groundwork for some future Skype conversations regarding her studies into sexual expoitation. Katherine Welchran a great session on the importance of health and medical aspects to aftercare of survivors. David Grant facilitated an excellent session focusing on Men involved in the anti-trafficking field and Tim really enjoyed the discussions that were generated in that space. Sandi Morgan presented curriculum that has been developed for effective after care for survivors of Human Trafficking based on best practice models. And as if we hadn’t learnt enough already, last but not least, Maria Ahlin who founded the Freethem youth movement in Sweden, explored the links between pornography consumption and sex trafficking.
Tim had the opportunity to attend the Palace of Parliament where Romanian ministers, including a former President, European politicians, ambassadors and local and international NGO’s gathered to discuss the issue of Trafficking in Human Beings. The discussion specifically centred around the next steps forward for Romania as a source, transit and a destination for victims of trafficking including funding and legislation proposals. During the week we also had the enormous privilege of visiting a safe house. Just listening to the head of the organisation and everything that they have experienced, the range and quality of their staff and their approach to after care floored us. We left with the utmost respect for the work that they do and the way in which they include God at the centre. What stood out the most was their lack of fear in a horrendously scary industry and also their protection and love for the survivors in their care as if they were their own family…you definitely don’t want to mess with them! They are simply amazing.We have finished the week energised and passionate about the road ahead no matter what it holds.
On top of everything we have met some really incredible people with similar passions and have hopefully made some good friends as well. As we write this we are currently on a sleeper train travelling to Oradea where we will hopefully be setting up home soon. The snow-capped mountains at sunset provide a stunning backdrop to the next chapter of our adventure. We have finished the week energised and passionate about the road ahead no matter what it holds. On top of everything we have met some really incredible people with similar passions and have hopefully made some good friends as well. |
As we write this we are currently on a sleeper train travelling to Oradea where we will hopefully be setting up home soon. The snow-capped mountains at sunset provide a stunning backdrop to the next chapter of our adventure. As we sign off on our first full update from Romania we’d like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support. It hit us at one point this week how much we have been so generously blessed. We have been given such a special gift by all of our supporters that we can have the freedom to pursue the passions God has ignited inside of us. Thank you.
Much love,
Tim & Shell xo
Much love,
Tim & Shell xo