Ana Bellenghi - Molested: A Missionary Childs Journey

MOLESTED

A Missionary Childs Journey

Ana Bellenghi

2016 Ana Bellenghi. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, 127 Ninth Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee, 37234.

For all other Scripture quotations, see Appendix for complete list of copyrighted Bible Translations.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4956-1933-5 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-4956-1934-2 (epub)

ISBN: 978-1-4956-1935-9 (mobi)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011961052

Cover photograph by Billy Nguyen Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ana Bellenghi. All rights reserved.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

~Prologue~
Historic Information and Background Setting

For the sojourner who daily survives the unspeakable.

About the Author

I am not a highly educated theologian or scholar.

I am a fellow sojourner who simply bares her soul.

Be gentle.

Be kind.

This is my humble request.

To the reader of this book, be aware. Be Very Aware. There is a romantic notion in ministry circles that being a missionary or being from a missionarys family somehow or other makes you Saintly, well guarded, and trouble-free. Dont kid yourself! Being from a missionary family is just as difficult, if not more so, than life experienced by those of us who grew up on the outside-looking-in on ministers kids and missionarys kids. Dont think for a moment that just because youre the child of a preacher or a missionary means that you automatically escape the dangers and perils of Western culture in the 20 th and 21 st centuries.

This book depicts the journey of one such child of a Baptist missionary family. Hers is a journey filled with horrific events that no one should ever have to endure. It is a story of violation, a story of abuse, a story of heartache and of betrayal. But, it is also a story of victory, the kind of victory that comes only with the kind of perseverance and tenacity of an individual committed to overcome the hurt and tragic events of the past.

Dont bat an eye at what youre about to read! The events described in this book are very raw, emotionally charged, and occasionally humorous. But in all cases, these are the actual accounts of an extraordinary woman who overcame abuse both in childhood and as an adult, and writes this book in an effort to expose the truth about the inner turmoil of individuals who were themselves victims of molestation. I personally would not have believed the incidents described if I were someone reading this book for the first time. I would also have to ask myself, How could one woman endure so much? Others might say This cant possibly be true! Well, it is true.

May you find your journey through this book one of intrigue, inquiry, and insight. Insight into the world of people who might be your co-workers, your customers, or even members of your own family. You may be outraged by the events told by the writer. You may be saddened by what you read. But my prayer and hope is that you may find this book one of victory victory over ones past, victory over monumental adversity, and that you may experience the peace found in the loving arms of a God who, as is said in Psalm 147:3, He heals the brokenhearted, and bandages their wounds.

The story is not over, it is only beginning.

V. David Wesley I

~Prologue~
Historic Information and
Background Setting

Southwestern United States :

Early history reveals that El Camino Real (The Royal Highway) served as the main Latin American commerce route from deep in the interior of Mexico where it originated in Vera Cruz. For centuries, Spanish Conquistadors explored the region as they pressed onward into the North American continent in search for the Seven Cities of Gold.

Topographically, the ancient highway extended into modern day El Paso, which in Spanish is translated as The Pass , following the Rio Grande River northward into Colorado where the river originates. The Rio Grande River now serves as a natural boundary along the border between Texas and Old Mexico.

Exiting El Paso, into what is now known as modern day New Mexico, these Conquistadors and explorers stayed close to the river with their animals and passed through Mesilla Valley on their way to what they believed to be the Seven Cities of Gold. Through this area, the river basin extended about thirty miles north of Las Cruces, translated from Spanish has the distinct meaning of The Crosses .

Due to the rocky and rugged natural land barriers, they were forced to move away from the river.

Across the desert plain, the perilous trail soon gained a reputation of being referred to as the Jornada del Muerto , (pronounced Hornada del Mwairto) loosely translated in English, Journey of Death .

As they left the river basin making their way across the grueling ninety mile stretch of desert that offered no shelter and scarce water sources, their very lives were endangered.

Legend tells us the only way to make their way across the treacherous Jornada was a forced march only at night for three days. This was the exclusive remedy to dying in the Jornada from heatstroke or thirst, as temperatures soared into the hundreds during the sweltering daylight hours.

After three nights of an arduous journey with forced marching, and if they survived, they finally returned to the riverbanks in a place called San Pascual Pueblo, home to the Piro Indians.

The modern day area is designated as a protected ruin located in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, not far from the historic town of Pilabo, now known as Socorro. In Spanish, Socorro means relief, or help.

Here is where the surviving colonists received assistance, relief, and help from the local Indians. Essentially, this is the place where they found salvation after enduring the horrendous effects of their journey through the Jornada del Muerto .

Long after true salvation through the transformational power of the Blood of Jesus Christ, many of us continue to tread through life on a path scorched by the hellish heat of circumstances that defy human reasoning and explanation. More than ever, I am convinced it is only by the grace of Almighty Jehovah God that we live, move, and have our being.

During my personal Jornada , a similar march was required, one of self-discovery where painful memories lead to the realization of personal spiritual bondage and captivity to dangerous compulsive behaviors (what I refer to as sin).

I often wonder if the sins of a believer are more heinous than those of an unbeliever. As believers, we are held to a higher standard; yet, we tread the fine line between grace and legalism as we sojourn through this one chance called life.

During this arduous life journey, oftentimes we are in need of help and relief as we encounter situations that demand self-confrontation.

An introspective journey into the dark corners of a soul, what you are about to read is a true account of various struggles and events resulting in near spiritual apostasy. Ive made every effort to present a transparent, open, and honest chronology of a collection of selected memories and events, to the best of my personal perception, recollection and belief.