As my term of office as European Coordinator for Talitha Kum comes to a close, I look back deeply grateful, seeing this journey as a school of intercultural collaboration and a shared experience of mission.

From 2023 until now, Europe has experienced complex and painful realities: the war in Ukraine, forced migration, social and economic crises, increasing vulnerabilities, as well as the rise of new forms of trafficking and exploitation, especially online. Faced with these challenges, it has become clear that preventing and combating human trafficking requires collaboration, vigilance, transnational solidarity, and a ceaseless capacity to discern the signs of the times through prayer.

The international nature of Talitha Kum enabled me to explore the richness of a network that brings together different countries, cultures, languages, congregations, organizations, and charisms, all of which share the same vocation to defend human dignity and to accompany those who have been wounded by human trafficking. I have learned how important it is to pay attention to the realities of each country and each network and to respect their rhythms and resources, while at the same time building together a common, credible, and bold voice.

This mandate has made me realize that leadership in an international network means harmonizing differences and creating spaces where experience, vulnerability, competence, and hope can be shared, for the true strength of the Talitha Kum network lies in relationships: in the trust built step by step, in the willingness to collaborate, in the prayer that sustains the mission, and in the fidelity of so many people working closely with victims and survivors at the grassroots level.

I wholeheartedly thank all the networks across Europe for their confidence, support, patience, and generosity. Each network, with its own identity, experience, and perspective, has contributed to the beauty and fruitfulness of this mission. By working together, we understood better the routes, the risks, the limitations of the systems, the challenges of protecting victims, but also the power of hope when the mission  is pursued in communion.

I am also grateful for the connection to the international dimension of Talitha Kum, which reminds us that Europe is not a separate world, but part of a global reality. Human trafficking crosses borders, and our response must be equally open, connected, and united. Everything I have learned from this international experience—vision, courage, inter-congregational collaboration, friendship, responsibility, and a spirit of community—remains a precious gift to me.

I am truly rejoicing that Sr. Marie Power is taking on this role, and I am confident that she will carry on this mission with wisdom, generosity, and courage. I hope she will be met with the same support, openness, and fellowship that I have received throughout my term of office.

I conclude this phase with a grateful heart, keeping in prayer every network, every person, every encounter, and every initiative that has made this mission such a beautiful and unique experience. Thank you to every person I have met over the years through Talitha Kum!

Sr. Adina Balan, CJ