The Travel on Purpose Book Club just finished Songbirds by Christy Lefteri, a novel inspired by the real-life experiences of women from impoverished countries who leave their families to work as domestic workers abroad. This is a reality for many women across Southeast Asia. Too often, they are unfairly judged as heartless for seeking “prosperity” over being physically present with their children. Yet their reality is far more complex. Many endure abusive working conditions, systemic gender injustices, and racism, all while being dehumanized and overlooked.

Through our do-good initiative to always connect the books we read with purpose, we had the privilege of meeting Pastor Anna, a remarkable woman dedicated to providing opportunities for women in Sri Lanka.

She has witnessed firsthand the daily struggles women face to support their families. Many grapple with challenges such as paying school fees, affording basic necessities, and accessing food and healthcare—difficulties that are widespread throughout the region.

Over the past decade, Sri Lankans have endured profound hardships. The lingering effects of a prolonged civil war have left deep economic and social scars, while a severe economic crisis has brought soaring inflation, shortages of essential goods, and political instability. Tragedies like the devastating Easter Sunday bombings in 2019 and the global COVID-19 pandemic have only deepened the struggles, leaving many families mired in unemployment and poverty.

In Songbirds, Nisha—a Sri Lankan domestic worker in Cyprus—leaves her 2-year-old daughter behind to provide for her family after her husband dies in a mining accident. With no other options, she takes a job arranged through an agency, paying an exorbitant $10,000 USD in fees for placement and travel. This leaves her trapped in a cycle of debt and unable to return home. Nisha’s story brings to light the systemic injustices and silent struggles faced by countless women like her.

Through this book, we stepped into Nisha’s world, meeting the people she left behind and those she shared her life with—her employer, a dear friend, and the child she was raising. We felt her pain, mourned her losses, and grieved alongside those who loved her.

Nisha’s story gave a face and humanity to the individuals who are too often dismissed as "those people over there."

Kumudini, the Poultry Project Manager
The Travel on Purpose Book Club sponsored a poultry project that will be managed by Kumudini in a rural village in Sri Lanka. The funds will enable her to build a chicken enclosure complete with boxes, perches, the first batch of baby hens, and feed to get started. The project will create jobs for women in the village, beginning with selling eggs and gradually expanding the flock over time.

This journey of reading, learning, and connecting has been an eye-opening experience. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to expand our understanding and compassion and to contribute to a project that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of women in Kumudini’s community.

Visit the Travel on Purpose Book Club page to learn more about becoming a member.