LAN: My Story of Hope

I joined Starfish Project in the middle of COVID-19. I had been working in brothels for many years before that. I never expected to work in a brothel. I had a normal, I would even say good, life before I was tricked into a job I would’ve never chosen.

Over 20 years ago, my husband and I moved to the city. We started our own business selling auto parts, and our dream life began. Our business took off, and we were able to buy an apartment and a car. We had a beautiful son and began the life we had left our family and village to build. Our dreams were coming true, and we were even able to send money back home to help our family.

Then, unexpectedly, my husband got sick. He was diagnosed with a very aggressive skin cancer that needed immediate treatment. To afford the best treatment available, we began by selling our apartment, but eventually we had to sell everything, even our business, to try to save his life. Yet the cancer was too aggressive and spread quickly, taking his life within the year.

After my husband passed away, my son and I were alone in the city. I had no home, no business, and no way to provide for us. I was hopeful when my cousin, who runs a massage parlor, told me she could offer me a job. I was prepared to work hard to rebuild a life for me and my son, but I was not prepared for what was expected of me in this job. Having nowhere else to go, I stayed. I did what I had to do to provide for my family.

When COVID-19 broke out in our city, business was bad. Neighborhoods were locked down. Yet, the Starfish Project Outreach Team still found a way to visit us and deliver care packages with essential items like masks and hand sanitizer. The team invited me to join Starfish Project to begin a new life in a stable job, making jewelry. I couldn’t believe it! So many times I have tried to find a way to escape this life, but there seemed to be no way out. I jumped at the chance to change my life and be a good example to my son. I am so grateful for this opportunity to rebuild my life again.

Check out LAN’s favorite jewelry that she helped create!

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