Sex Tourism Booms

From the Heart

The Scarlet Cord - Stripped (detail)

“Nine point four million men come to Thailand every year for sex.” My simple Internet journey to double check this statistic from Noel Yeatts led to the discovery of more shocking statistics about sex-trafficking. The number of pedophiles or sexually broken people demanding to satiate their sex drive with sickening perversions and barbaric acts forced upon another human—many of which are innocent children—is out of control.

To combat this evil and to rescue these innocent victims from the dark creepy crevices of our world, there are many successful non-profits, such as Women at Risk International, StreetLight USA, Manasseh Project, and Shared Hope International. I have had the privilege of working with these particular organizations through my art called The Scarlet Cord: Healing for Sex-trafficked Children. But, unfortunately, the numbers of trafficked victims aided by these hard-working, dedicated organizations is so small compared to the hundreds of thousands that are still held in bondage.

Because millions of tourist are soliciting elicit sex in just one country alone, it will take a united front of non-profits, law makers, law enforcers, community leaders, and even average citizens—like you and me—to eradicate this blight on our watch. Like the abolitionists of past centuries, it will also require great sacrifice and resolve to demand, and assure, freedom for all. Meanwhile, as these tireless organizations work to free one child at a time, and The Scarlet Cord continues to raise awareness and encourage healing, remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful words: “No one is free until we are all free.”

Resources and Help

RAINN
Men & Boys

DONATE NOW and join The Scarlet Cord’s mission:
Freedom and healing for sex-trafficked children

Courage Ablaze Collection Donated

From the Heart

Collage of Courage Ablaze collection watercolor paintings

In November, twenty-five Courage Ablaze paintings—highlighting the Democratic Republic of Congo’s genocide and massive-scale rape—were donated to various West Michigan refugee non-profits. I would like to thank Marvin Veltkamp for making the donations possible. Marvin, and his wife, Joy, serve the African refugees here in America and in Africa—where they have started a sustainable farm community and help feed over 40,000 Ugandan refugee children in two different refugee settlements.

Although my current work with the Congolese refugees has come to a close, my heart still remains open to future possibilities of reigniting Courage Ablaze. The Congolese people—a people of tremendous courage and unbelievable fortitude—have left an indelible mark on my life. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to meet some of these remarkable individuals.

Courage Ablaze: Sabrina’s Nightmare

Behind the Artwork

Faith, Pamela Alderman, Watercolor on paper, Study painting, 12x16 inches, 2013

Story told in Sabrina’s own words

In Eastern Congo, we heard shootings of rifles and some great detonations. Then the quiet was felt, and we saw emerging soldiers armed entering our house and coming into the living room where we were, my husband and I. Our five daughters were in their rooms.

There was a detonation inside the house, and we lay down on the floor as they asked us. When our girls heard the voice of their dad beg the soldiers to leave us, they started to shout. Four soldiers moved towards the room of the girls.

I heard blows and cries of our daughters. They shouted very extremely. I could not move. A soldier killed my husband. My husband died without any rescue—by the hand of his enemy who was unknown—while our daughters were raped.

I cried but GOD alone knows if I was heard.

Heroes in Our Midst

Congolese women, women like Sabrina, have suffered. Murder. Rape. Genocide. But their enemies couldn’t destroy their tenacious spirit. The atrocities afflicted upon them have only strengthened the flames of bravery in their hearts. And these flames have burst into a roaring fire: their Courage Ablaze.

Note: Sabina’s story is a composite story that has been shared in the news or reports. Real names and some of the details have been changed.

Jetta: A Real Life Champion

Behind the Artwork

Resilient - part of the Courage Ablaze watercolor painting seriesBefore retiring my Courage Ablaze Collection—a collection of twenty-five paintings highlighting the Democratic Republic of Congo’s genocide and massive-scale rape—I would like to introduce you to a dear Congolese friend whom I’ll call Jetta. Jetta and her children fled into Uganda as gunfire broke out near their home. Trying to save the lives of her children, she was separated from her husband for the three years—not knowing if he had survived or died.

But while fleeing, Jetta encountered soldiers raping women. So Jetta took a detour. She put aside her own safety long enough to march into a commander’s office to deliver this message: “Tell your soldiers to stop raping the women.”

Jetta’s story is an amazing story of courage. In the middle of war and chaos, she risked her life and her children’s safety—because she cared about innocent women and children.

After colliding with Jetta, I asked myself, “What would you do, Pamela? Would you care enough to risk your own safety to help others in need?”

Let Go and Refocus

From the Heart

My dad on hand written Let Go note

Mental illness is rarely discussed. Yet a couple of different Let Go submissions dealt with this seemingly taboo topic. Art invites honesty. Within the context of art, we can say things that may not be as acceptable in another arena.

I’m so thankful for the honesty of the participants at the Let Go installation. They have inspired the rest of us to persevere through the difficulties we all encounter. Tell us your story at #LetGo. We would love to hear from you.

Mental illness is a horribly debilitating thing. But I’m letting go of my focus on the disease, and I’m refocusing on my journey towards wellness.
Signed, Camilla

Note: One hundred twenty-six participants pre-submitted Let Go letters and sentences to be collaged into the painting. The names and some details have been changed to protect identities.

Let Go Thank You

From the Heart

Hand written statement to let go of hard to be softer and gentle

Let Go exhibit viewed from aboveThank you to the thousands of visitors for successfully helping us to complete our ninth year of ArtPrize. It has been an amazing journey! Over 70,000 Let Go notes were added to our interactive healing installation—an artist/visitor collaboration.

I would like to thank the one hundred twenty-six courageous individuals and third graders from Lone Pine Elementary School who pre-submitted Let Go letters and sentences. I would also like to thank over fifty exhibit volunteers, including the Girl Scouts, Young Life, and the Blue Star Mothers, for helping greet and serve our ArtPrize audience.

A special thank you to the following friends, co-workers, and businesses for helping make Let Go possible. You are fabulous!

Volunteer coordinator Jan VanderWal
Creative project manager Marijo Heemstra
Calvin College intern Melissa Burgess
Carpenter Mark Scholma
Install/uninstall team—Louie Vanderwal, Greg Shepherd, and Kelvin Kronemeyer
Exhibit supporter Patty Alexander
Encourager Kathy Pluymert
A committed group of financial supporters
PlexiCase Inc and Moonlight Graphics for generously donating supplies

A huge thank you to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for hosting my work for the sixth year. We also are grateful to all those who shared their Let Go notes during ArtPrize (#LetGo). And, lastly, I would like to thank Leon, my husband and life companion, for his faithful and loving support throughout the last nine years of ArtPrize. He’s my champion!

Photo credit: Tom DeVette

Note: One hundred twenty-six participants pre-submitted Let Go letters and sentences to be collaged into the painting. The names and some details have been changed to protect identities.

Let Go Promotes Healing

Behind the Artwork

Close-up of hand written Let Go statements

It is surprising, in a way, how I could have written almost all of the one hundred twenty-six Let Go letters or sentences that were submitted. Though the details of our stories may differ, our struggles are often very similar. And these common experiences of pain and loss connect us like a dot-to-dot drawing.

Throughout ArtPrize Nine, new friendships have been formed and old friendships have deepened. The opportunity to support one another through interactive healing art continues to link us together and strengthens us to face the future. This letter about challenging relationships highlights yet another healing and hope-filled journey.

Dear Surrender,

My life is a mess. Over the past two years, I have hurt more than ever in all my life. I have felt so lost and lonely.

My heart says I need help, but logic says I need to protect myself from more hurt. Drink and eat more. Shut down. But the physical pain of overeating will not bring me peace. It only drives me towards more isolation and shame.

But it’s time to turn a corner. It’s time to reclaim my life. So here’s to surrender:

I am letting go of my perception of what a husband should do.
I’m letting go of a daughter’s choice to focus on sex and shallow relationships.
I’m letting go of self-judgment over my parenting.
I’m letting go of a dad who manipulates.
I’m letting go of a mother who has no clue.
I’m letting of a sister who stays silent.
I’m letting go of a brother who disappoints.
I’m letting go of a co-worker who has no right.
I’m letting go of insecurity and self-hate.
I’m letting go!

Sincerely,
Called to Surrender

Note: One hundred twenty-six participants pre-submitted Let Go letters and sentences to be collaged into the painting. The names and some details have been changed to protect identities.