I am very thankful: thankful to be alive.  This is what I am most grateful for.  This is my story.

I am a mere child of fourteen, but I have had experiences that make me seem much older.  Some of what I have gone through would shock you; some of what I have endured shouldn't even happen to a dog.

I was sold to a child prostitution ring by my very own father when I was seven.  He felt that I was a burden because I simply had been born a girl: he already had five sons, and to him, I was nothing more than an extra mouth to feed, so he got rid of me in a most cruel way.  I was abused, used, and beaten by a countless succession of men and even boys, some barely older than me; yet I was expected to perform my duties, so I did without incident.  Not to do so would warrent another severe beating or perhaps death.

On the inside, however, I felt dirty and unworthy.  I didn't like what was happening to me.  I was scared I would end up getting pregnant with a stranger's child or getting horrible diseases like AIDS or gonorrhea.  Thank God I nevr did, but still ... this was no way for a young child (or teenager) to live.

I did manage to escape, which was a miracle given to me by God.  But before I tell you that, I must get through the bad times first.  I do hope you will not think less of me as a result of this.  I am only a girl who ended up in a most unfortunate situation.

~To be continued!~