My name is “Rama”.

I believed my life would always be on the streets, and I would die there. I saw no way out. It was me fending for myself since before I can remember. 

One day, unfortunately, I crossed paths with the wrong guy. 

An American tourist bought me for sex when I was only ten, selling me to his contacts for years. I didn’t know much about America, but what I saw was men with money and no heart. There was evil in their eyes. 

I thought I’d get used to all the abuse over time. I did feel numb, but I never accepted it. I always wished it could one day all end, but it seemed too good to be true. 

One day, I met a nice man who saves kids and told me I could leave this life behind. It took me a long time to fully believe him. 

He brought me to a nice place, and I stayed awhile. They were great people, but I got scared, so I ran away. 

But they never gave up on me. 

These caring people would find me and listen. I could see in their eyes that they cared, but it was hard for me to trust. Because they were patient and loving, and never forced me to go with them, I learned in time that I could trust these people. I could feel it. 

The safe place is called an aftercare center. O.U.R. connected me with good doctors so I can have the treatments and medication I need to cope with an STD I got from my life on the streets. Many Western men abused me. 

I decided to fly to the United States to testify against my trafficker so he could receive the justice he deserves. That gave me a lot of closure so I could restart my life. Today I see my life differently than before. 

I see myself as a young man who is worth something more than just a price. Today I have my own apartment, I’m working, and the amazing aftercare team visits me often. 

My trafficker once told me I would die in the streets….

He was wrong. 

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