Trade As One

It is the day before Mother’s Day, a day that is an opportunity to honor our moms, but also a difficult day for those who have lost their mother or a child. At Trade as One, we know that loss and hope are usually weaved together, often in ways we cannot comprehend. Yesterday, we received a beautiful email with two redemptive stories from one of our producers, Hargar,  and they have graciously given us permission to share them with you.

Across Hagar, we have many stories.  Most of our stories start sad, but then they become stories of faith and hope and love.  And, the greatest of these are the stories about love:

The story of 19 year old Sambath. Things fell apart when her father abandoned her mother.  Seeing no other options, Sambath’s mother sold her. She was trafficked to a Phnom Penh brothel.  At 15, she was rescued.  It was a long recovery for the betrayed young girl.  Along the journey, Sambath learned to love again. She also learned to forgive.  When she finished training as a beautician, she dreamed of having her own business.  More than that, she dreamed of a loving relationship with her mother.  When her mother helped her open a beauty salon right under the house they share, she achieved both dreams.

And, the story of 14 year old Bophana.  Raped, she became a mother when she was by no means ready. Terrified of the birth and cast out by her family, Bophana came to Hagar Shelter six months pregnant.  It was a traumatic time.  Now, Bophana has fallen in love with her baby. She is developing faith in herself, as well.  She hopes to go back to school and find a good job and support her daughter. Hagar is seeking a Cambodian family that will provide loving foster care as they both grow up.