Time To Grow
IT CAN FEEL LIKE THERE ARE TOO MANY WAYS TO GROW and too many methods to do it. Meditate, challenge ourselves, set goals, believe in ourselves, find accountability, manage our time, read personal development books—all good things, really.
And while we try to do them all, that list just keeps growing, and pretty soon, it gets challenging to prioritize all the ways we want to better ourselves, our families, and our businesses. The pressure mounts, and growth goes from a hopeful progression to a stressful goal. We lose sight of what growth is in the first place—natural.
At the beginning of our lives, growing isn’t something we think about; it’s something we do. We learn to crawl, walk, talk, and play. We are encouraged and equipped to grow by our parents, teachers, and friends throughout childhood, and eventually, we learn to be our own person.
We must learn to look at growth as a gift in each season. It looks different for all of us, and it changes pace all the time. However you’re growing right now, we hope you’ll join us in learning to nurture your growth with patience.
As a critical member of the team responsible for successfully splitting PayPal from eBay in an unprecedented nine months back in 2014, former PayPal Chief Information Officer Brad Strock brings an expert perspective on strategy and company growth.
Though he technically retired back in 2019, Brad has spent the last three years serving on multiple boards of directors and advising companies and CIO’s. In this, Brad has generously weighed in on our growth trajectory for the future, connected us with new donors, and provided vital guidance on our programs and ideas.
“Since the beginning, I’ve appreciated CFC’s focus on developing a sustainable model so it’ll be totally self-sufficient one day,” Brad shared. “Their focus is on investing in caring for the children and creating opportunities for skill and career development.”
"You can make a donation many places and make a difference, but with CFC, you make an investment that changes kids' lives for generations to come." - Brad Strock
We cannot end slavery independently. Only through a Coalition of supporters and educated trafficking survivors is that possible. As we continue to graduate students, we step closer and closer to self-sustainability.
“You must be strong now. You must be brave,” my mother whispered as she held me tight. “I know you’re scared. I am too, but you have to grow up right now to survive.”
I looked into my mother’s kind face and nodded. My parents had told me what to do if it ever came to this. Be brave. We will come for you. If the money lenders ever got tired of waiting for repayment of my parents’ debt, they would send agents to settle it. And I would be the settlement. I would need to obey, keep my head down, and never draw attention to myself. Stay alive.
So, I swiped my tear-brimmed eyes with a grimy hand and buried my fear and emotions deep down inside of me.
I was only seven, but I grew up that day. It kept me alive for the next two years in the rock quarry.
I’d imagined being freed from that horrible pit every moment of every day, but when I saw my rescuers crest the jagged edge of the rock quarry, I was devastated. My parents weren’t with them. The men were kind and gentle as they hoisted me out of the quarry, but I couldn’t stop wishing they were my parents instead.
When I came to The Children’s Home, I knew I was safe, but I couldn’t let my guard down. I’d never envisioned being free without my parents beside me. So, I stayed quiet, watching my back while the other kids giggled and played.
Freedom felt different than I thought it would.
A whole world of opportunities stood before me, but I couldn’t enjoy them. Allowing myself to feel again was too terrifying.
But then Sasha pulled me aside. She was a widow I’d noticed working at The Children’s Home, but I’d never spoken with her before. “I see you holding yourself back from enjoying your childhood,” she told me. “There’s still so much time for you to grow up. You’re safe to enjoy this freedom now. We’re all looking out for you.”
Those simple words broke down a great barrier inside me that day.
Three years later, Sasha and I still talk every week. She’s a great listener and helps me work through what I experienced in the rock quarry. I’ve made a great group of friends, and I don’t feel like I’m on my own anymore.
Being here at The Children’s Home gives me the space and time to learn who I am and what I enjoy.
So far, I’ve discovered I love making things, telling stories, and learning in school, but I’m not a big fan of washing dishes. I thought being grown-up meant not being afraid or showing feelings, but now I know it’s about embracing them.
Soon, I want to enroll in vocational training to be a tailor. Some of my friends have already started, and they can’t stop talking about how much they love it.
One day, I hope to use the money from my job as a tailor to help kids trapped in slavery and find my parents.
Until then, I plan to enjoy every moment of my childhood.
There is a vision that drives us.
It's been there all along, gaining momentum as we've worked alongside you to make a difference for the rescued kids in South Asia.
It's to grow until we put ourselves out of business.
One day when The Children's Home is fully funded by graduates of our programs, we'll reallocate our resources to build a second Children's Home. Here, more rescued kids will live in freedom, experiencing safety, love, education, and childhood, eventually learning a trade of their own. In time, graduates will also fund this home, then the next one, and the next one. Until slavery no longer exists in South Asia.
Dedicating time to personal growth can feel like a daunting checklist, but we’ve found that growth often begins with shifting the way we think. The rest comes naturally.
We desire to do things uniquely better. To be lifelong learners, innovating where possible while also holding fast to time-honored traditions. To not be held back by fear of failure, and instead set our goals realistically high, adjusting when needed.
To view feedback as a gift that is key in helping us serve the rescued kids better. To communicate every story, email, social media post, financial decision, impact update, and booklet to the very best of our ability, showing you just how significant your support is. So we can end human trafficking forever.