If only these words were from a movie. . . How had she ever gotten to this place in her life? The fear for herself and her children was worse than the physical and emotional pain. The panic welled up inside again as she realized what she had to do.
For 12 years Paula Lucas experienced pure horror as she and her children were terribly misused and abused by her husband. As a U.S. citizen living abroad her choices were limited. Living in the Middle East , she had no one to ask for help. Knowing if she abandoned her marriage, and got caught before reaching U.S. soil, she faced imprisonment and would never hug her children again. But those risks had to be taken because Paula knew it was up to her to get her kids and herself to safety.
Day after day - for 12 years - Paula wondered how to escape how to survive.
Night after night she cried on the inside . . . pleading for answers that never came.
"I have to get away. How can I leave? Can I make it back to the U.S. ? How? When? Help me!"
These thoughts ran through her mind time after time. Fear, loneliness, anguish, and despair mixed around the love she sometimes still felt toward her husband. The cycles of abuse and care waxed and waned like the lunar pull of the moon.
The care of the children during the day kept her mind occupied. . . at least when things were calm. The nights were hard. Cries and fears always magnified themselves in the stillness of the night. Paula knew she had to escape.
Frantic on the inside but patient on the outside, Paula waited until her husband was gone on a business trip, and then began the search for their passports. He had hidden them to keep her and the kids inside the confines of both the house and the border. Terrified and desperate, she felt defeated. Anguish took over as she ransacked her home in the search. Finally, trembling with panic, she discovered the passports and a tiny glimmer of hope gradually rekindled in her heart. Knowing her time was limited, she packed one suitcase for her and her 3 boys. . . and left. Risking prison if caught, she took all her courage and walked out of the nightmare and, eventually into freedom.
Paula escaped the abuse but ran straight into poverty in the richest country in the world. Penniless and owning nothing, she started over. She started fighting again . . . but this time it was with the U.S. government. Due to the regulations of coming "home" and the bureaucratic red tape, she found herself homeless and fighting for the custody and safety of her kids . . . yet again. The freedom she longed for was not to be gained immediately.
Paula spent many more nights wondering, "Will I get to keep my kids? Will we ever get out of this shelter? How many more women are just like me living abroad . . . all over the world with no one to call? I need help. They need help."
Fortunately, Paula was a fighter.
She quickly realized that no organization existed to help U.S. women leaving abusive situations abroad. There was no help for these women desperately needing to come home.
While homeless, Paula worked nights to take care of her kids. The days she devoted to helping women living around the world. Even though homeless, her dream eventually became reality. Paula established the American Domestic Violence Crisis Line. This organization is the only one with a worldwide international toll free crisis hotline: 866-USWOMEN.
Research shows that 4-5 million U.S. citizens live abroad. This non-profit organization supports an estimated 50,000 of those women and children who are suffering abuse. (That number of abused woman and children is only an estimate.)
Paula's deep passion to reach these suffering women did not happen overnight. She lost a few battles but eventually she won a large part of the war against abusive isolation. American women anywhere in the world can now call and receive counsel and help. Her survival ensures hope to anyone who needs it.
Paula's thoughts at night still call out for help. . . although now it is a voice calling out to her on behalf of strangers in foreign lands. . . women unknown to her by name, but united in spirit. This little dynamo of a woman has overcome huge obstacles.
Paula determined to live and to help others live. She succeeded because she did not quit. She is no longer homeless, and not even a bout with cancer has slowed her down. Paula just continues to give and give.
As the 2005 Volvo Corporation Hero for LIFE award winner, Paula's dream is still to ensure the safety of woman and children everywhere. She never dreamed of winning anything with her life's work. . . except her own life. She knew deep within that reaching out to other women would help secure her own future. And she has done that very, very well.
Isn't that a key factor in happiness? Reaching out to people?
Nothing in this life is as precious or valuable as when our hands and hearts are reaching out to others.
Whether in sorrow or joy, I encourage you today to reach out to someone. . . anyone. . . in a small way or in a big way. I guarantee both of you will be richer for it. If you are struggling, take a small step toward someone else, and eventually your steps will lead you to a better place.
(Remember: If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad in an abusive situation, there is help: please call the International Toll Free Crisis Hotline: 866-USWOMEN)
Ginny Dye, Sandi Valentine & Suess Karlsson are a team of writers who all share a passion to empower and motivate everyone who they touch through their writing. Their stories are a gift to the world! Learn how to create the http://www.firefliesfortheheart.com success you dream of, overcome obstacles and challenges, and live a life of grace and love. Please visit us at http://www.firefliesfortheheart.com
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
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