Sunan lived in a place of safety, but his mind was still a dangerous battleground. After his escape from Thailand’s red-light district, anger kept his heart from healing. At the safehouse’s school, Sunan screamed and slammed doors, desperately trying to protect himself from more pain and disappointment. But his teachers stood beside him, praising his good behavior and letting the bad slowly slip away. As he stumbled through English lessons, Sunan’s teachers clapped their hands and danced with joy, knowing that his past knew no kindness. Soon he was practicing English phrases on the weekends and asking for private classes on Saturdays. As he grew in skills and confidence, he also began to build a community of close friends. Today, knowing he is capable and loved, Sunan is thriving within his safehouse family.

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