11 years of freedom.

Mid-September, Freeset celebrated its eleventh birthday, which is truly an amazing thing - for 11 years, this business has been working for the freedom of women who have been trafficked, exploited, and sold into the sex trade.

11 years of community.

11 years of providing women with a choice.

11 years of returning dignity to those who have been abused.

11 years of working towards breaking the cycle of the roles passing from grandmother, to mother, to daughter.

11 years of a reason to smile.

Daily I remind myself just how lucky I am, that I have been given this opportunity to work alongside the most incredible people, both the women Freeset hires, and the close-knit group of international staff.

To be around a group of people who have been called from the corners of the earth by God, who have sacrificed years of their time, money, and skills, is really quite inspirational.

Not only am I blessed to be here, but when I have lived in an environment that is an assault to the senses, I really begin to be thankful for the privileges I have back home in New Zealand... I could list the differences in the quality of life back home in comparison to here, but each is on a completely separate scale. It is easier to just acknowledge these differences, and understand that the society of the life we all live today is the way it is, and there is no immediate 'fix'... which is why we are working towards freedom, for a greater quality and equality of life, and for His love to enter the homes of the oppressed and voiceless.

This is why Freeset is still 11 years young, and will continue to fight for the freedom of the women our hearts have been captured by.

Here are some photos of the celebrations that took place at Freeset - colours, sarees, music, dancing, and plenty of food! Initially the music + dancing side of things wasn't going to happen as we felt that it might be too soon after Shanti's sudden death (two weeks), but in the end it was decided that the women needed something to enjoy and be happy about - a chance to celebrate their freedom.

x

Judy's Birthday

On Judy's birthday here in Kolkata, Erika, Anna and I took her to Mani Square mall, to buy her a few things, such as food and a few items of jewelry.

After a very long taxi ride in which the driver frustratingly took de-tours (and stopped to fix the rubber around the door - Judy had accidentally pulled it down), we managed to get to Park Street to meet the  boys for dinner at a restaurant. The food was delicious - I ordered marinated chicken with mint, and the others had similar dishes.

So full that we basically had to roll home, we had some fudge, and crawled sleepily into bed.

x

21.

My birthday wish answered - rain at 5.30am!

Erika and Anna cooked me french toast, with mangoes, water melon, orange juice, and a sweet note from E - too cute.

The yummy vegetable and cheese strips Judy made me!

A new year, and a new nose piercing to match!

Grace's salon.

I even received a free KFC lunch from the girls! (The boys hid away here - they weren't too keen on the idea of watching me having my nose punctured).

The wonderful Annie who was amazing and went all out to prepare a lovely birthday dinner! Loved spending time with all of these people - I am so grateful for the people who are here.

Erika and I - super keen on the lasagne that Annie cooked (as you can see by the fact it isn't on our plates, but happily in our tummies).

The best photo ever of Justin.

Gorgeously-coloured lichees.

This cake was honestly to die for. Thank you so much for baking this Mai!! For those of you unfortunate enough to not have received a bite, it was a two-layered cake, the top being a moist yoghurt cake, the bottom a chocolate/brownie cake.

THERE WAS AMBROSIA. My absolute favourite.

The happy food-filled work friends.

Not only is this a lovely photo of these beautiful women I am privileged to call 'friend', but it is also an excellent display of the comical maturity of the guys.

Balloons!

Quiet drinks back home at the flat.

Guess who branded all of the flat mates + Judy with NZ tattoos? (Btw, awesome snarling Justin).

Beware 'loose' chocolates.

Turning 21 on the 16th was definitely an experience like none I have never experienced before; for the first time in my life, it was warm on my birthday (I'm kidding... it was a sauna), I gained an extra piercing (to the delight of the Freeset ladies - one of which grabbed my nostril to see what type of stud was used), and I was in INDIA. Of all places.

Honestly, the heat here is just so intense. If you have been to my parent's home in NZ when the 'brasa' was going, you will have experienced the feeling of your face smarting at the heat licking your face, warning you to take a step backwards. Now apply that feeling to the entirety of your body, and you are close to what it feels like to have the wind blow into your face, and against your skin. Brutal.

I am so grateful for the friendships I have developed here, and feel very blessed to be surrounded by such caring and thoughtful people!

I am missing NZ, and all of the 21st's occurring at the moment - but I know that this is just a period of learning, exploring, and of discovery; both personal and in culture.

Happy 21st birthday to meeee! :)

Love to you all, and to everyone who made me feel special on that day.

x 

Early 21st/leaving party!

Last night I celebrated a very early 21st birthday (my birthday is in May), and combined it with a chance to catch up with everyone before I depart!

We had the celebrations at Major Toms, and it was so much fun! It was also hilarious/embarrassing/emotional. *cough* Brittany *cough*.

Thank you to Donna G for taking such lovely photos, mummy, daddy and Joseph for just being amazing, and everyone who was there to help me feel super loved!!

 

I am so blessed to have the friends and family I do.

x