Reflections of an Intern

Author: Rachel, WAR, Int’l Intern

Before coming to intern at Women At Risk, International (WAR), I knew little about WAR, and to be honest, I still feel like I have much to discover because there are so many things that this organization does and I feel like I have only seen a glimpse of all there is. There is no doubt in my mind that this is exactly where God wanted me to be because every other door was completely closed, with a lock, and the door to WAR was flung wide open. Despite all that I have learned, I am still figuring out how this is preparing me and impacting me for what is to come in the future.

I do know that I have been equipped with knowledge, even though there is so much that I still need to learn to educate others about human trafficking, especially in West Michigan & Grand Rapids, as well as advocating for victims of trafficking and other risk areas. Additionally, I want to tell people about WAR, because I feel like there are so many people who have never heard of this organization and the boutique and they are missing out because this place is full of good people.

The emphasis that WAR placed on serving me, instead of what I could do for them, surprised me again and again. The desire to serve me, among other things, has shown me how much I really love people and value relationships. It is crystal clear to me that WAR cares deeply about people, no matter who they are, and while I haven’t been here long enough to really break out of my shell, I still feel confident that I will have a place here because this is an organization centered around providing a safe place for people.

Throughout the three months that I have interned at WAR, I have learned a lot about myself, but mainly about trafficking – about the multitude of people everywhere that it affects, about the myths and stereotypes surrounding trafficking and prostitution as well as the mindset of trafficking victims, and about the wide range of needs that victims have. This has been an incredibly eye-opening experience and my heart has been broken multiple times (it doesn’t require much for me but it hurts just the same). Honestly, it feels quite overwhelming at times because I want to fix it all and have all the skills to help, but I know that I, unfortunately, cannot do it on my own.

I have already been able to share with those closest to me the realities of trafficking in West Michigan and help make them aware of who is at risk and what we can do to help, which is what I want to continue to do. I hope to use my work to advocate for survivors of trafficking and to help make WAR more well known. I don’t have a clear picture of what that looks like yet but I am excited for the potential.

Call To Actions –

Apply for an internship here.
Learn more about WAR’s work here.
Resources for you here.

Picking Up the Pieces / Unchained

Pearl is a survivor (and learning to be thriver and joy based) of sexual (and other) abuses throughout her childhood that began while she was still in diapers. She was essentially sex trafficked for several years from the age of 3 or 4 years old and was also forced to participate in child sexually abusive material during that era. Following is her bio in 7 stanzas.

Picking Up the Pieces / Unchained

Staring into darkness, watching shadows fall,
empty heartbeats echo down the dark and endless hall.
Starry dreams are crumbling, crashing quietly to the ground,
only to be trampled on then yearning to be found.

Fractured psyche, broken trust, leaving only fear,
Shredded heart, silent screams, crying without tears.
All the times, all the lies, all the damned illusions –
‘Loving’ people cast my chains with all their damn perversions.

Where’d it start? Who can tell? Does it really matter?
The time has passed, it’s moving on, having left the tatters.
And now’s it’s time to let it go, drop it to the floor;
Do what it takes to stop the bleed, blocking out the core.

So dark descends and night has come to take me in it’s folds,
And deep inside now I know there’s nothing left to hold.
That one way mirror finally cracked, a million tiny pieces
Perhaps in time, a two way mirror may rise from all the pieces.

In time came marriage masquerading as love,
for his dysfunction called to my self-loathing.
And when God’s whisper became greater than the threats,
I let Him lead me out. It was time to mend.

Been picking up the pieces with much hope, tumult and doubt
Just trying to figure out how to make it all count.
Mosaics have beauty when they’re put together right
and Stained glass glows gently if it forgives the night.

Years go by and hell still lingers, imprinted in my mind,
but something greater has displaced its stature and I find,
Faith holds on ‘til Grace declares: “They will NOT win, I prevail”.
Their chains are breaking because I’m learning, I AM worthy. LOVE prevails.

I can’t thank You enough, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Hidden In Plain Sight

March 2023

Imagine for a moment, working long hours into the night, your back hurting, your lungs stinging from the spicy dust of a well-known chip the factory you’re employed with is producing. Imagine enduring this while also being a minor, still in high school.

People often forget that human trafficking is more than sex trafficking; it is also labor trafficking, and often exists in plain sight.

West Michigan is currently under the microscope for a local food production factory violating child labor laws.

In late February, the New York Times (The Times) published an article highlighting labor trafficking here in West Michigan. WOOD TV also published an article locally.

This matter was brought to the attention of Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) when Rebecca McDonald, WAR, Int’l founder & president, received an email from a local employment placement firm, detailing their applicant screening practices and policies. Understandably, this firm wanted to disclose that their processes met legal guidelines which would help their clients meet legal guidelines too.

An Illinois-based food manufacturer that has production sites in Grand Rapids, MI hired a local employment agency, who allegedly hired the underage workers. The manufacturer has now hired an agency to conduct an independent review of staffing policies and plant conditions. This review is expected to take 60 days.

What can you do to make a difference? #CircleOfProtection

1) To better understand the risks, learn more here.

2) For additional resources, find them here.

3) To receive training as a Civilian First Responder (CFR), read more here.

Create An Impact

March 8th is celebrated globally as International Women’s Day.

Yes, celebrate the women in your life! However, International Women’s Day is more than what we have done in the past. It is a day to come together and continue making life better for one another.

The history of this day

This sense of solidarity and need for change is what inspired the first Women’s Day. It began in 1908 with suffragettes marching on the streets of New York City protesting for equal rights, and the following year, National Women’s Day was declared in the United States. It gained international recognition in 1910, with women from over seventeen countries agreeing to observe a day to emphasize the fight for equal rights. In 1975, March 8 was officially designated by The United Nations as International Women’s Day.

This year’s theme

Organizers have selected yearly themes since 1996, ranging from ending hunger for rural women to ending violence against women. This year’s theme is about embracing equity in the world. This year’s slogan encourages us to do something in the name of women around the world—especially something we might not usually do.

The International Women’s Day website suggests actions such as calling out instances when women are excluded, reinforcing and supporting women’s triumphs, and encouraging women to further their education.

At Women At Risk, International

We are working to support and empower women every day of the year. Our partnering safehouses, both international and here in the United States, rescue and restore at-risk and wounded women by giving them a safe place to heal while providing counseling, education, skills training, and more.

Our vocational training and microenterprise partners give at-risk women the opportunity to earn an income with dignity, empowering them to safely support themselves and avoid exploitation. Educational and outreach programs in the United States and abroad offer women who desire to better their situation the power to do so.

Create An Impact

As you consider what you can do to help women around the world, here are three ways:

1. Link arms with your friends to co-host a WAR Chest Pop Up Boutique!

Learn more here or simply email party@warinternational.org today.

2. Volunteer at our headquarters or at events!

Sign up here or simply email volunteer@warinternational.org today.

3. Donate to our 911 Rescue Fund to help facillitate rescues!

Read stories of rescue here.

We wish all women around the world a very happy International Women’s Day!

The Breezy Winds of March

Bring Fresh Beginnings

March 2023

Hello, WARriors!

As the old saying goes, if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb! However March 2023 introduces itself, let us hope it leaves us stronger and wiser. It is in this light we view the survivors we are honored to know. The storms they’ve faced have made them resilient, and their perseverance paves the way for new beginnings.

You too can persevere through the challenges you encounter! As we welcome March and spring forward, remember that the windy gales in your life carry the potential for a fresh start.

Please keep reading to learn more about the latest news and events at WAR Int’l.


Presidential Travel
March-April: Germany, India, Thailand

Becky McDonald, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, leaves for Germany next week to train U.S. Military in anti-trafficking measures and speak to multiple groups on base. Next, she will be traveling to India and Thailand to meet and encourage our partners. Please pray for wisdom as she seeks to be a blessing.

Follow Becky on Facebook!


March 8th: International Women’s Day

As WAR, Int’l Founder & President Becky McDonald has traveled the world, she has heard of horrific stories of the lack of rights for women and girls, some unrepeatable. She has discovered faith systems where the women are not allowed to take part in ANY part of the worship. They can cook for the men but have NO say in their faith. Women are denied an education, aren’t allowed to hold jobs even if they’re trained as doctors or lawyers, are not permitted to run a business… the list is endless.

Learn more here.


Free Shipping!

Yes, it bears repeating! Did you know that $300 in product sales sustains an individual in one of our international safehouses for an average of one month?! That is impactful shopping! To help as you #ShopToEmpower, WAR Int’l offers free shipping for online orders of $75 or more!

#ShopToRescue here!

Stay current with Women At Risk, International here.


WAR Chest Pop-Up Boutique

We have been invited to hold a pop-up boutique at The Stray on April 8th from 10a to 3p.

The stories of the survivors we support are the lifeblood and heartbeat of WAR, Int’l. They are the pulse and purpose behind the jewelry you wear. This pop-up boutique is a great way to support WAR, Int’l and empower survivors through the work we do.

Learn more here!


Sneak Peak: April’s Light Up Your World Zoom

Our special guest for April is Misty Moore who is Hancock County’s Director of Homeland Security and a certified self-defense instructor. Misty is passionate about empowering women with the knowledge and skills to defend themselves against any type of threat. Misty also has experience volunteering as a Security Director at a home for trafficking survivors, and it was her work in this facility that inspired her to begin her own self-defense training company.

Learn more here.

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Shop our Set Free Collection here!

Shop our Fresh Finds Collection here!