Update
It has taken longer than I had hoped but I am settling in here at Gifford Towers. I have my apartment decorated and organized now that my trike isn’t taking up the entire living room. I’m impressed by the amount of storage there is in this tiny apartment. I managed to fit almost everything Miss Amanda managed to salvage before being removed from my house. It’s difficult to do larger tasks but it’s manageable.
I have my parents in the corner by my desk. Daddy’s flag from his funeral and war medals are there along with my POW/MIA flag. My crafts are stored in cubes on shelves. My metal prep table is crowded but I can easily move things to utilize it.
My pantry is back and fully stocked along with my 5 gallon buckets of staples. I have stocked my freezer which I am thankful that I could bring here. I haven’t frozen many prepared foods but I’ve got plenty of bagels and lentil soup. I’m working on making more for when cooking is difficult or I am too tired. It’s taking time but it’s helping me get stronger physically and mentally.
My processing speed is still a bit slow but it’s improved tremendously. Conversations are much easier and rather normal. I’m having difficulty remembering very little now. I still have some trouble with certain events during our trafficking but not much else. It’s a far cry from when I couldn’t remember the names of my family members, ex-husbands, etc.
The various knowledge that I had acquired in my lifetime is coming back as I do more, read more and have more diverse conversations with people. I am gaining more and more confidence every day as I continue to improve. I have setbacks but try to remind myself of just how far I have come in such a short time.
I have printed pamphlets with information about my trafficking; where you can find out more about human trafficking; and who to contact. I have flyers with simply the contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline and FBI. I have also made business cards with my own contact information for ease and simplicity.
My trafficking ring poses as a human trafficking organization when a cursory glance reveals that they are anything but legitimate. I am trying to work against their disinformation while advocating for truth and justice for us all. I hope to venture out and speak to more people about it when able.
It is an uphill battle but I must keep advancing. I am grateful to be supported by a wonderful community who are devastated by what happened to me but proud to see my true self shine through the trauma. I keep going for them to stop this evil in our midst. They have proven to me they understand that
Every life matters, especially yours.
God bless Nebraska and especially Her people.
