Since my work against human trafficking began four years ago, there has been a high level of uncertainty in my life.
I didn’t know what had happened to my kidnapped friends, or how to find them.
I didn’t know what would happen to my friends – or their children – after I found them.
I didn’t know if I would be able to continue my work, or complete the documentary, at all.
I didn’t have the equipment I needed, and didn’t even have enough funds left to live in my own country.
Now – for the first time in four years – I have certainty, and continuity. I have the time and funds needed to finish ‘Sisters For Sale’.
It has made an incredible difference to be living a simple, clean life on a steady rhythm.
To wake up in the same place every day, and have a good idea of what the day holds in store.
To have a sense of control, to be making this documentary out of something more than desperation.
To be able to listen to the rhythm of the story, not just the ticking of the clock.
I still spend far too much time on the computer, but now it’s a choice.
There are many people who know me as a nomad, a risk-taker, a perpetual wanderer.
They might be surprised to know how easily I’ve slipped into a more stable life, a comfortable cycle of editing, writing, and reading.
‘Sisters For Sale’ is progressing even better than I’d hoped, as it grows ever longer and gains new depth. It’s right on time, too – on schedule for September.
In about six weeks, I expect to have a complete edit of the documentary, and will start collaborating with the rest of the team to finish the sound, colours, music and animations.
You might not hear from me until then. That’s a good thing.
…
In 2015, Belinda Bauer – one of the world’s best crime writers – released ‘The Shut Eye’, a novel inspired by our work in Vietnam.
‘The Shut Eye’ was shortlisted for the prestigious Golden Dagger – an award Belinda has won previously – competing against both Stephen King and J.K. Rowling.
I’ve finally had a chance to get my hands on a copy, and it’s not hard to see why Belinda’s recognised as one of the best in the game.
Knowing the inspiration for the book, I thought I had an unfair advantage – and Belinda still managed to fool me at every turn.
If you’ve been following our work and are looking for some weekend reading, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
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