Witnessing Healing in Costa Rica: A Story I’ll Never Forget
Witnessing Healing in Costa Rica: A Story I’ll Never Forget
Author: Jess Dahl
November 27, 2025
I can hardly believe we did it. I’m still in awe—truly in awe—of everything God did over the past month and a half.
You are receiving this because you’ve supported me, supported Wholeness Journey, or you’ve even been on a Wholeness Journey yourself. And for that—thank you. Your heart, prayers, and generosity were part of every moment I’m about to share.
Last week, our team returned from Costa Rica, where we had the opportunity to serve girls ages 11–25 who had been rescued from human trafficking—about 23 girls in total. We also worked with a group of about 40 older women who were still in the life, currently being sold for sex.
A Week of Healing
Throughout the week, we hosted healing retreats—deep soul work—for the girls. One girl stands out in my memory. In the beginning, she was closed off, guarded, and hesitant to participate.
Then something shifted.
Within the first hour, the men on our team opened up about moments in their lives when they didn’t feel worthy. As they spoke, I saw tears in the girls’ eyes—they resonated deeply with the vulnerability shared.
I then led the girls through an art therapy activity, inviting them to explore what worthiness meant to them. That same closed-off girl suddenly raised her hand.
She said she wanted to be “born again”—not just spiritually, but because she hated herself so much that she wished she could die and become a different person.
My heart broke, and at the same time, I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to share one of the most traumatic moments of my own life. I talked about how even the closest people can cause deep pain, yet God’s love never fails.
At Wholeness Journey, we always lead with vulnerability, because healing requires safety.
Then her story came pouring out.
It was dark.
It was painful.
It made sense why she felt the way she did.
She admitted she rarely shared it out loud because of the shame she carried. But in that safe space, surrounded by love, she let herself be seen.
We cried with her, held her, and reminded her gently and truthfully:
Your story does not have to define the rest of your story.
Becoming the “Momma Bear”
What happened next was beautiful. She opened. She softened. She transformed.
By the end of the week, she became the “momma bear” of the group—hugging the younger girls, encouraging them when they shared, and gently reminding them of their worth. Watching her shift from guarded to nurturing was one of the most powerful transformations I’ve ever witnessed.
This is why we go.
This is why we serve.
This is why we lead people into healing and freedom.
Their stories are heavy, yes.
But when they are given a safe place to speak, process, connect, and dream… healing begins. Hope rises. Their future opens up.
Thank You
This is just one story from our time in Costa Rica—one of many. More stories are still unfolding, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your support. Thank you for helping us create spaces where restoration, connection, and hope become possible.
If you feel called to continue supporting this work, you can donate toward our cause and mission, helping us reach even more women and girls longing for a safe future and a new story.
Thank you so much.