Child Freedom Journal | Christmas 2024 | A Heritage of Hope

Christmas 2024 | Volume 22 | Heritage

childfreedom

ome things about Christmas get sweeter with time. As children, we were captivated by the magic—the twinkling lights, the shiny paper, the cheerful songs. But as the years passed, Christmas became more than just a time of excitement. It turned into a celebration of the small moments—the quiet pauses—that connect us to the people we love and the traditions that shape us.

Every family follows its own rhythm during the holidays, but there’s a remarkably similar thread we all share. Whether we hang long-cherished heirloom ornaments, embark on baking the same cookies we have for years, or listen to those same songs over and over and over, we all welcome familiar traditions. These rituals do more than mark the season; they remind us where we’ve been, connecting us to our past and building new memories for the future. In these moments, we feel a sense of heritage—enriching the season and layering it with meaning that deepens over time.

While many of us are steeped in long-standing traditions, the rescued kids are just beginning to create theirs. Not only do they take part in all the thrills the season has to offer, they also step into new life, following the footsteps of those who have gone before them.

As they grow, they hear about children who once faced similar challenges, lived in the same home, and walked the same paths.

These older kids, now adults, have gone through vocational training, started meaningful careers, built their own families, and become the difference by giving back.

This is the legacy these children inherit—a heritage of hope.

As we savor favorite moments and traditions with our own families this Christmas, let’s not forget this incredible heritage you’ve sown into the lives of the rescued children. Their stories remind us of the true heart of Christmas, the love, connection, and hope all around us this season.

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Raj Kian - age 4

We’d love to tell you we have 1,200+ perfect little angels at The Children’s Home, but the truth is—they’re just kids! Like all children, they’re learning, growing, and figuring things out, and that sometimes means a little childhood mischief along the way. With guidance from our team, they’re learning to resolve their own conflicts and learn life lessons along the way. This Christmas, we’ve got a few “naughty” and “nice” moments from the year that we hope bring a smile to your face!

For the rescued children, Christmas has come to mean more than decorations or gifts. It’s a season filled with family, connection, service, and the hope of a bright future. This perspective and the actions it inspires are integral to the legacy you’re helping create: a heritage of hope that will carry them forward.

To capture just how far they’ve come, we asked the kids to share their thoughts on Christmas from their early days at The Children’s Home to now. Elsie, Akhil, Chandu, and Vijaya were eager to answer.

“Christmas think it has is new to me—I som with lights an ething to do d songs.”

ow what “I don’t kn t everyone bu , is Christmas cited— it must seems so exally good!” be re

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is when “I think Christmas other h eac e giv ple peo ver presents, but I’ve ne.” done that before

“I’ve never before - I ca had a Christmas n hardl my first on y wait for e.”

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As Miss Maryland Teen USA, I made it a priority to focus my year on impactful service. Supporting Child Freedom Coalition was a natural fit, especially after visiting the Children’s Home, where I saw firsthand the incredible impact of this work. Partnering with Child Freedom Coalition allows me to amplify our shared goal of reaching an equitable society for all.

One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey as Miss Maryland Teen USA was the heartwarming welcome my family and I received at the Children’s Home. Seeing a billboard with my crowning photo and being greeted by hundreds of the school’s 1,200+ children and staff, all celebrating my win, was deeply moving. As I spoke to them in my mother tongue, Telugu, about my role and my purpose for visiting, I saw the glow in their eyes—the realization and reminder that someone who looked like them could hold such a role.

The children at The Children’s Home taught me the power of resilience and gratitude. Despite their challenges, they embrace every moment with the brightest smiles on their faces, grateful for their new chance at life.

The key is to start—no matter how small—and stay committed. In my personal experience, I have found that when you care about something deeply, your impact will grow in ways you never imagined.

Growing up, I admired my family’s dedication to giving back, especially through volunteering at non-profits in South Asia during our yearly visits.

Until visiting The Children’s Home, I didn’t realize the full scope of what they were doing to help child trafficking and labor survivors. Meeting the staff and children left a lasting impact on my heart.

As Miss Maryland Teen USA and a spokesperson for this incredible cause, I am committed to using my voice and platform to amplify the Coalition’s mission, raise awareness about the importance of child advocacy, and inspire others to take action. Together, we can build a more compassionate world where every child has the chance to thrive.

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A N O T E F R O M T H E S TA F F Some stories take root and stay with you forever. Gopi's is one of those for me. I first met him in October 2012, on my second trip to India. He was just 9 years old, recently rescued, and despite all he'd been through, full of joy. Gopi had a way of brightening a room—always looking to help others, always smiling. Even at such a young age, his kindness and eagerness to serve were clear.

I've had the honor of watching him grow over the years, and now, Gopi is a young who takes pride in his motorbike and food delivery job. But what moves me most is how he spends his free time in prayer and volunteering with the rescued kids. He's become a mentor to the younger kids, pouring back into the place that gave him hope.

Gopi, age 10 , with Marcy Moorh David & ead

This is what happens when children are given a second chance. He's not only built a life for himself but has become a living example for the kids at the children's home—a figure of hope they can trust and aspire to follow. As he mentors them, the kids discover that their dreams are within reach—they, too, can build a purposeful future!

In many ways, Gopi is helping sow into the heritage at The Children's Home—a legacy of resilience, kindness, and possibility that will carry forward with every child who calls it home. Seeing Gopi thrive reminds me that our work goes far beyond rescue; it's about raising up a generation that will shape their world from the ground up, one life at a time.

Gopi age 12

DAVID M O ORH EA D

CHILD FREEDOM COALITION CEO

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Gopi age 22, with David Moorhead

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We work to foster connection. To create environments for the rescued kids to build lifelong relationships with friends and teachers. To respect our South Asia Team’s expertise, opinions, and circle of influence when making decisions.

To prioritize people over progress, creating communities where both donors and the children they serve thrive. To view every member of The Coalition as a vital team member instead of seeing them as a number. To rally an army of abolitionists ready to make a change. So we can end human trafficking forever.

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Reach out to someone far away with a heartfelt card or letter.

Your words bring connection and warmth, even from a distance, reminding them they’re loved and thought of.

Share a family tradition from your past, or ask a loved one about theirs. Just as you honor your heritage, the rescued kids are discovering and embracing theirs.

On a chilly night, build a blanket fort and watch a Christmas movie together. These little moments of joy and wonder mirror those you’ve given the rescued kids.

Welcome a new friend or neighbor to your table. Sharing a meal together reminds us that the true spirit of the season is loving and welcoming others.

Pile into the car with blankets and hot cocoa and take a drive to admire the Christmas lights. Seeing the world lit up in color reminds us of the magic that makes this season so special.

Spread the word by sharing the story of Child Freedom Coalition and the rescued kids by giving this edition of The Child Freedom Journal to a friend.

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