At that time, most people had never heard the term “human trafficking,” but that was changing. It had been one year since the US State Department released their first report on human trafficking, two years since it was defined as a crime by the United Nations. In the early days of anti-trafficking efforts, descriptions of the crime were both over-simplified and sensationalized. But since that night, we’ve also learned that there’s a lot more complexity. Trafficking doesn’t just happen to girls. It doesn’t just happen “over there.” It’s more often for labor than sex. Not everyone is trapped in obvious ways, like locked doors. And often, a “rescue” isn’t the only (or best) way to freedom. 

Some time later, when enough evidence was collected, local authorities conducted a raid on this brothel. But the children, including the girl who wore #146, were no longer there. We don’t know where she is now, but we hope she’s been able to find freedom from exploitation and is living a vibrant life.

After that trip in 2002, we founded Love146. As we’ve built our response, we continue to wrestle with the tension of an urge to take immediate action with the time it takes to be thoughtful, so that our efforts can be effective and sustainable. It takes time to listen and recognize that we don’t and can’t have all of the answers. Today, Love146’s global work preventing child trafficking and journeying with survivors is informed by our approach of being learners.

The trafficking and exploitation of children is one of the most severe human rights abuses imaginable. But from children we’ve journeyed with, we’re learning to persevere and to hope. We’re learning the power of love. Love opens our eyes, love gives us the courage to pursue justice, and love continually reminds us to be more human.