Perspectives on a Year and a Half of Anti-Trafficking Work in Thailand

As my time at DEPDC/GMS comes to an end, I am filled with a myriad of emotions.  Joy for the incredible people I have met, worked with, taught, and learned from.  Joy for the many incredible moments we shared as a multi-cultural group of people working together for a common cause. Awe for the dedication of the prevention team in Mae Sai – some who have been with the organization 10, 15, 20 years and who have selflessly dedicated their lives to helping at-risk youth in the Thai-Burma border region.  They have an unparalleled commitment to human rights that will be an inspiration to me for the rest of my life.

Gratitude for those who have mentored me, challenged me, helped me grow and expand my knowledge about human trafficking and the factors that influence it.  Inspiration for the Westerners who left their homes for Southeast Asia with ideals, open hearts and minds, and a willingness to help in any way they could.  Inspiration and enthusiasm for the Thai,
Burmese and hill tribe youth who I had the honor of working with and who are – hands down – some of the most gifted, passionate and joyous people I have ever met.  Most days I felt they benefited me more than I ever benefited them.  I leave hoping I was able to impact them in small but powerful ways and that they are able to fully realize their dreams and ambitions.  What no one tells you about international volunteerism is that you will fall in love with the people who capture your heart and you will leave with only one regret – that you couldn’t give them the world.

Acceptance for the flaws and imperfections we have as human beings, as organizations, as societies.  It doesn’t mean we acquiesce, it just means we learn to recognize these flaws and keep striving for progress.  Of course there is sadness in leaving a place I have called home for the last 15 months.  A place in the Golden Triangle surrounded by lush mountains and vibrant green rice fields where police checkpoints and border patrol are commonplace.  A town abuzz with street markets and a flurry of border activity – home to an organization that has been working to prevent exploitative labour in the community for over 20 years.  I guess anytime you close one chapter and get ready to open a new one it is bittersweet.  In the end, I am amazed by the experiences I have had and the lives that have touched mine.  I hope I have made positive impacts even if only in small ways. The good times, the challenging times, the days when nothing went right, the days when everything went right…it was worth every minute.