43 Days to Freedom - Stephanie Interview

Summary

The STIMPACK Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: 43 Days to Freedom - Stephanie Interview
Host: Jeff Frazier
Guest: Stephanie Dufo
Release Date: May 17, 2024

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of The STIMPACK Podcast, host Jeff Frazier welcomes Stephanie Dufo, a courageous survivor and key figure in his experiences in Haiti. The episode delves deep into Stephanie's harrowing journey of being kidnapped, her time in captivity, and the eventual escape that led to her freedom.

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The Kidnapping Incident (Day One)

Stephanie begins by recounting the day she was kidnapped, coinciding with Jeff’s abduction on April 12th, her daughter's birthday.

[00:40] Stephanie: "Hi, Jeff. Thank you for inviting me."

[02:00] Stephanie: "I was kidnapped from back from work... I was considered a rich person, so someone gave me up."

Stephanie describes the moment her car was ambushed near a police station during peak hour. She immediately sensed the hostility as another vehicle forcefully halted her car.

[03:32] Stephanie: "The car just ran and came in front of me. I immediately knew it was a kidnapping."

Despite her attempts to reverse, a second vehicle blocked her path, and four young men armed with rifles exited to seize her.

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Life in Captivity

Upon her removal from the car, Stephanie was driven to Gravin, where she and other captives were kept under tight control. She shares the emotional toll of being separated from her family and the profound sense of guilt she felt.

[09:26] Stephanie: "It's a life-changing experience. I appreciate life more than ever... I feel guilty for my family."

Stephanie emphasizes the psychological impact of captivity, highlighting the shared suffering between her and Jeff, both of whom were targeted but treated differently by their captors.

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Bonding and Coping Mechanisms

During their confinement, Stephanie and Jeff, along with other captives, sought ways to cope with the extreme stress. Stephanie recounts efforts to build rapport with their captors to secure basic necessities like food and water.

[14:00] Stephanie: "I tried to be friends with them, kissing their hands, hugging them all the time so I could get food and water."

A pivotal moment occurs when Stephanie faces intense torture alongside Jeff, leading to a deepening of their bond as they navigate the terror together.

[15:30] Jeff: "It was the first glimpse we had into Stockholm syndrome... understanding that was a legitimate issue."

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Escape Plan and Execution

Stephanie details the meticulous planning and tense execution of their escape. Despite initial setbacks, including failed ransom negotiations and increased suspicion, she and Jeff managed to break free from captivity after 43 days.

[17:03] Stephanie: "Since day one, I couldn't sleep... I was always looking to see how am I going to escape."

The escape involved a combination of stealth, strategic planning, and sheer determination, culminating in their daring exit from the compound.

[19:14] Jeff: "You were actually never really watching when I was doing stuff, because I was..."

[25:10] Jeff: "I grabbed your hand and I put you on the other side of me."

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Aftermath and Freedom

Upon escaping, Stephanie describes the overwhelming relief and subsequent challenges faced as they navigated their way to freedom. The transition from captivity to freedom was fraught with emotional and physical hurdles.

[37:19] Jeff: "Today is your day."

[37:21] Stephanie: "Yeah, today’s my day."

Stephanie reflects on the immediate aftermath, sharing how she struggled to regain her sense of normalcy and reconnect with her loved ones.

[40:31] Jeff: "Wow. It was on social media. So that photo in the office."

[41:13] Stephanie: "Rice."

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Reflections and Conclusion

In the concluding segments, both Jeff and Stephanie offer profound reflections on their experiences, emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of raising awareness about the plight of Haitians facing similar threats.

[44:15] Jeff: "We're grateful for all those who are paying attention to Haiti..."

[44:41] Stephanie: "Even though our story was very hard, but we were lucky..."

Stephanie underscores the severity of the situation in Haiti, noting that their escape was a rare stroke of luck amidst widespread atrocities.

[45:17] Stephanie: "I want to thank again everyone who prayed for us. Without your prayers, we wouldn't be here."

Jeff expresses gratitude for Stephanie's bravery in sharing her story, highlighting the podcast's mission to shed light on critical issues affecting Haiti.

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Notable Quotes

• Stephanie on Her Kidnapping:
  “I immediately knew it was a kidnapping.”
  [03:32]

• Stephanie on the Psychological Impact:
  “It's a life-changing experience. I appreciate life more than ever…”
  [09:26]

• Jeff on Coping Mechanisms:
  “It was the first glimpse we had into Stockholm syndrome...”
  [16:36]

• Stephanie on the Escape:
  “We have to escape. We have to escape.”
  [17:44]

• Stephanie on Gratitude:
  “Even though our story was very hard, but we were lucky...”
  [44:41]

---

Conclusion

This episode offers a raw and honest portrayal of Stephanie Dufo's ordeal, her resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity, and the enduring bond formed between survivors. Through detailed storytelling and emotional depth, Jeff Frazier and Stephanie Dufo provide invaluable insights into the human capacity for survival and the urgent need for action to support Haiti's vulnerable populations.

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Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode to spread awareness and support for Haiti through STIMPACK's initiatives.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to the Stimpak Podcast. Stimpak is a Haiti focused think tank and interventional ngo. Thank you for listening. All right, well, welcome to The Stimpak podcast 43 Days to Freedom series. We have a very special guest today. Stephanie Dufo has joined us. Thank you for joining us. Those of you who have been listening to the podcast have heard me mention Stephanie many, many times. And so I'm excited to peel her away from her busy life for a little bit to come hang out with us. Stephanie, good afternoon.

[B]

Hi, Jeff. Thank you for inviting me.

[A]

You got it. Thanks for hanging out. Sorry, go ahead.

[B]

Hi, everyone. Hi, everyone. I want to first of all thank everyone who prayed for Jeff. All the prayers that went to Jeff went directly to me too, because Jeff was a scent from God to me.

[A]

You're too kind. Thank you, Steph. Oh, gosh, man, you just made that heavy fast. So. So, as all of you know, Stephanie's been a big part of my experience in Haiti. And of course, she and I have unfortunately shared some harrowing moments and of course became like, I've mentioned, like family very quickly. Are you okay if we maybe go back to day one and maybe tell people about your experience on day one? Because yours is a little bit different from mine and I think it's interesting.

[B]

Well, I'm not detailed as you because I don't remember as day one, day two. I'm just remember like the big events.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, I was kidnapped the same day as Jeff. It was April 12th. It was also my daughter's birthday that day.

[A]

I remember that.

[B]

Yeah. And I was kidnapped from. Back from work. I was going home with four colleagues at. It was peak hour around 4:35. Yes. Near a police station, actually. But my story is different from Jeff. I was pointed out, meaning that someone gave me up in Haiti because of the color of my skin. I'm considered as a rich, rich person. So someone gave me up.

[A]

Yeah, I. I remember us learning it's probably pretty early on from the kidnappers that you had been targeted.

[B]

Yeah, actually the kidnappers told me that because I had no idea. You know me, but I'm. I'm a people person, so I get along with everyone. Even with those people I got along with. I couldn't believe that someone could have done that to me because I have no problem with anyone.

[A]

Tell us a little bit about what it was like when you were taken. I know you were driving. I remember the kidnappers talking about what a good driver you were. Tell us a little bit about the moment. It Happened. What you saw when you noticed?

[B]

I saw the car. Since I was going now from my work, which is on the airport road, 15 minutes from where I was kidnapped. I wasn't bothered because it's the main road. It's when there was a bump and then everybody has to slow down in the bump. And the car just ran and came in front of me. I immediately knew it was a kidnapping, so I did that.

[A]

The.

[B]

But the. How do you say it, Jeff, when you go back, you reverse. Reverse.

[A]

Yeah, shift into reverse.

[B]

And then another car came into my car and then bumped me. So I. I was like trapped. Exactly. And then four young men, not even. I don't think they're even 22, came out of the car with the rifles and take out a car. Four men. And then they circle the car. I couldn't do anything, so I went. I had to surrender.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So they took me. They took me out of the car. Kept the, The. Remember, I had four people with me. So they stayed in the car. They put me in the first car that blocked me, and they came and drove my car. And then I went. And then they drove me to Gravin. They were like, oh, we've been following you for a long time. Do you want to join us? You're such a good driver. Yeah, I'm like, I'm feeling like a little bit. Oh, okay, okay. It's not. Let me see if I can talk. So I've been talking to them, trying to. I said, my. My father in law died three days. No, he died maybe five days. Three or five days. I don't remember anything. But my father in law, it was. We were. We were caught on a Wednesday. My father in law died on the Thursday before. So I'm like, my father in law died. Oh, my God. I cannot. I cannot get kidnapped because I have to go to the funeral. It's not possible. But they didn't care. Yeah, they didn't care at all. We drove maybe for an hour, an hour and a half, which was like, for me, like a day.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then I came in. And then when I got in, when I. When I arrived, they started shooting. Yeah, it was like a party. Like. Yeah, I. Party. Stephanie's here. Yeah, I'm just joking. I'm sorry. I'm just trying to be relaxed.

[A]

No, I, I remember that. And those listeners who listened to Day One, I remember they were shooting like nuts when you came in.

[B]

So when I came into the room, I look at my surroundings for the few seconds. I didn't see anyone. I was like, where am I? And then I saw you and three other people and Yeah. I didn't understand that you guys were kidnapped. Also after a few seconds when you guys welcomed me, well, you. You were still in shock because you were here three hours before me.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then try to like how. Calm me down.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I was like, when I saw you, I'm like, what is that dude doing here? He's like 6 foot big like that. What is it doing here?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And we didn't speak the same day. The first day we were too in shock. I think we spent. We really spoke the. The second day.

[A]

Yeah. You spoke mostly to the Tucsons, but I mean we all did because we didn't have any information for each other. The only person with anything interesting to say were the long timers.

[B]

Yeah. So I remember also the chef came and then he introduced himself as the chef, etc and explained the situation and how it was going to be and then he left and make a ransom.

[A]

Demand to you that first day?

[B]

No.

[A]

Or did he just say give me your family or interpreter or whatever?

[B]

No, he didn't say anything. But my phone was ringing all the time.

[A]

I'm sure.

[B]

And then people was calling because at this time I'm supposed to be home.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And in Haiti, every time you go out, you call. Every time you arrive somewhere, you call. I didn't call. I didn't call my husband. I did call my mom and then they started calling and nobody was answering my. But they. They insisted. And then the chef Jeff insert and said she. She's kidnapped and hung up. So my. So I think they called my cousin and told my cousin because my cousin is a negotiator too.

[A]

Oh, that's right.

[B]

So they called my cousin and my cousin called and then he. I take steps and I was in the bathroom. I went to the bathroom. I think I was gone. I don't. I don't remember what I was doing. And then my cousin called and then I think chef Jeff told him something and he answered back, but he was rude. So they came back and then they were looking for me, but I was in the bathroom. He was gonna give me. I don't know.

[A]

That's right. I remember that. Yeah. We were grateful that you were gone.

[B]

I was in the bathroom. Yes. So it's. Well, I got lucky that day. I didn't get a beating the day one.

[A]

Okay. What other parts of the experience do you want to talk about that you're comfortable with? With talking about?

[B]

It's a life changing experience. You I appreciate life more than ever. My fate went up the roof. I'm. I'm really. I really. I am really. I do believe in God. You can see that. I didn't really practice, but I know I'm very faithful. Faithful? Is it a word? I'm sorry. My English is not so well. I speak mostly French, so pardon me.

[A]

English is great.

[B]

I never thought I was gonna get kidnapped. The day before I got kidnapped, I didn't do my prayer. I usually ask God. I said, God, protect me. Please cover me from your blanket. Remember I was telling you that. So I didn't do my prayer. And the morning. That morning, my husband ale. Told me not to go to work because we had a. We had a someone we knew that got kidnapped in the morning and we heard about it. And then Annie was like, stephanie, don't go to work. It's not worth it. What you're getting paid is not gonna. Is not gonna pay a ransom if you get kidnapped. I'm like, alan, come on, please. What can happen? Nothing is gonna happen to me. I felt guilty mostly when I got kidnapped. I don't know if you remember, everybody who was going asked. I told to them to tell. I'm sorry. I did my best. I tried to escape. I'm sorry. It was very hard on him. I think it was harder than on him, than me, in most of people, because he's a very sensitive person. And I felt so bad that I listened to him because I thought he wanted me to stay around. And, well, they say if you knew. Right.

[A]

You know that it's not your fault, though. Right? You know, now, I understand you were having a lot of those mixed emotions then, but you know now it's not your fault. It's only the kidnapper's fault.

[B]

I know.

[A]

Okay, good.

[B]

I do know it's not my fault. But it took me a while. I felt bad for my family, for my mother, because I'm the only child of my mother. So I knew my mom was suffering. I knew my husband was suffering. Well, my dad passed a year ago, so I felt. Well, I felt guilty.

[A]

That's something I feel like people don't understand. Is that probably the hardest part about being in captivity is knowing that your loved ones on the outside are hurting for you.

[B]

I think it happened to you too. It's the worst thing. Oh, it's not even you. Because you know what you're going through is what those people are going through. My girls, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I couldn't speak to them. Yeah.

[A]

Tell me about. Is There anything else that you wanted? I don't want to get in your way. I'm going to start asking you questions.

[B]

But, yeah, you can ask me because, you know, it's hard for me to talk about it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't have as a good memory as you. I remember the big part. I also. What do I remember that caught my. My attention? A lot of things, actually. I tried to remember the good parts. I remember I was so scared, but I didn't want to show it because I was acting tough. I didn't want to think that they think that, oh, I'm vulnerable. And then they took advantage. I remember trying to be friends with them, be the most friendly, kissing their hands, hugging them, kissing them all the time so I could get food and water to bathe, water to drink. I think it was the most terrifying thing not knowing what was going to happen. The Saturday was the reality check. Remember I was telling you that the day. The day after. Well, I can do that. And then Saturday came and the torture call started for me. And then that, I think, is the day we bonded. That day we bonded. When you did the blessing for me, they were tasing me. For me, it was like hours. I don't. I don't know if it was, but for me it was like hours. And I was trying to stay tough because I didn't want to cry. I didn't want him to. I didn't want him to have that satisfaction, you know, like, yeah, I'm torturing. So every time I was, like, answering, trying, like, to stay firm, answering, I don't have any money. You're mistaking. No, I'm the only child. I'm. I don't have the money. But they weren't hearing it because I was pointed out. I was pointed out as a rich person because I don't know. I was. I don't even know why. And then I think he felt guilty after, Remember? And then he. When he. He untied me so I could. When he brought up the. He brought. He brought the food and then everybody. And then he untied me. And then he told me, I don't know, maybe you didn't understand. He said, don't worry, I'm not gonna kill you. You can eat. Eat. You're fine. So I started eating. I couldn't eat because I was like, yeah, I was. I was shaking. And then he was the one now, like, trying to calm me down.

[A]

Yeah, it's ridiculous.

[B]

Yeah. And then what's his name you use in the podcast went. And then Said, yeah, Curvin. I told him. Remember that?

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

He was. He was a kidnapping. He was held like us, and he was taking the chef's side. And I was so mad and so disappointed because we're in the same situation. I'm being tortured. And then you. You're trying to. Oh, Chef, I. I told them. I told. I gave them. I told them how it works here. Gave them how. What were the. What was the rules? I wanted to strangle him. I was like, oh, I hate you. And then he didn't even understand.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What he was saying. I think you had to explain, because me, I can't. I cannot. I don't know. I was so. I don't know if it's a bad word.

[A]

That was the first glimpse we had into Stockholm syndrome. Right. The fact that he had been there, I think, 22 days at that point, and clearly his mind was on. Already messed up. I think that was actually really helpful for me. Knowing. Being able to see into the future and understanding that was a legitimate issue that we would have to protect ourselves from. Do you want to talk about escape stuff?

[B]

Well, since day one, I couldn't sleep. Remember, I had problem sleeping, and I didn't sleep that much. I was always looking to see how am I going to escape. And you were not. You were not. You were not on board at all. The first days. And remember when it was raining, I said, oh, that was the day we were supposed to escape because people. Haitians are scared of rain. We don't go out when it's raining. I don't. It's weird, but it is what it is. Even me. Even me, you know, if it's raining, I'm not going to go out.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That day. It was the day that they kept. They stole your $10,000.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't know if I told you, and I think it's very selfish of me, but when they were negotiating. I'm. I'm so embarrassed to say it. When they were negotiating for you, and then they said. Okay. I was, like, so sad. I know. I was happy for you, but I was.

[A]

I understand.

[B]

So sad. I was like, how am I gonna. How am I gonna do it without Jeff? Oh, my God. But I was really sad when it didn't happen because they made. I remember they said, put your shoes. Go get dressed. Put your shoes. And then you were ready an hour and two hours. And then after they came, it was a shock for everyone. And then they said the money wasn't enough. So we were like, okay, plan B. Because it was day 28. To day 28. Yeah, it was day 28. And then the escape plan. I couldn't even explain how you did it, because when the people. When they asked me who helped you, I said, we. We did it ourselves. Said how? I couldn't even explain. I'm like, wow, this is like the movie. I was like, it's like Indiana Jones.

[A]

You were actually never really watching when I was doing stuff, because I was.

[B]

I was in the door. Yeah, I was in the door looking at the. Those people. They were music. They were having fun. Because. Yeah, $10,000.

[A]

Tell me what it was like for you after I went out the window and.

[B]

Oh, my God. It was a reality check. Remember? I was, like, so hyped. We gotta escape. Yeah. Yes. Yes. We have to escape. And then when it came, like, oh, sh. I was like, oh, my God, this is it. When you went out and then you pulled me out, I was shaking like a feather. I was, like, stressed. I didn't know. I was like. I wanted to go back in, to be honest with you. I'm just. Okay. But I'm like, okay, we're out. There was no way we could get in. It was like, let's go out. So we went out. My first shock is when we opened the gate, we were in the middle of the salon. I'm like, oh, my God. The mountain that was in front of us were, like, so 10,000 miles away.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then it was. It was brighter than now in the morning. I was like, what is going on? It was so bright. And. No, with the disguise. That was. Yeah, it was really. We wanted to go out. We wanted to escape, you know? And the first. The first people we saw, I was like, oh, we're dead. We are dead. Well, thank God. They didn't really pay attention. I think they knew. They knew, but they didn't. They were. They weren't soldiers.

[A]

So I didn't pay attention because they. They kept talking the whole. Their conversation continued as they passed us. You know, they. They didn't even hesitate.

[B]

Chef, come on. It was 2:00am like, you're like six foot. How. How tall?

[A]

But I'm an incredible actor. St. Come on.

[B]

Something in your face. Mask. Come on. They knew. They just didn't pay attention. I remember when they came, and I just remember. I just. How do you say it? How do you say it? I went down. Like I was going to pee. I was.

[A]

Squat.

[B]

I pretended.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Oh, yeah. And then I was like, okay. When they pass, I'm like, okay, we have a Chance.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then we continued like five minutes after we found those. Those boys. They were boys. They were not even 20.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

With the rifles. They were the soldiers doing the rounds. And then you explained in your podcast, because I listened to it, what happened that we were like, we have money. I started talking to them like, we have money. And they wanted to know where we came from, but I didn't want them to know that we came from here. Like two minutes from where you are. You know, I'm like, I don't know. They've been asking, did you come from Tibua? Tibua is another place. I think it's the. They have a rivalry. They don't get along. I said, I don't know where he come from. We just left because they were torturing us. And then I was trying to make them feel to be sensitive, but those people are not sensitive at all.

[A]

Right.

[B]

So. And then I started talking. You said, you're American. So I think it helped because they're very. They're afraid of Americans. And. And I started to talk about the money. We have money. We can give you all the money. And he's like, where's the money? Where's the money? I said, well, give me a phone. I'm gonna call for. And then they drove us. No, they not drove us. They walked. We walked inside of the slump. And then he said he was going to take a phone. And then he left us with a teenage. Oh, well. A 17 year old. It was jet black in the room. It's like a. Is it bigger than a guest bathroom? Like. No, it was very small.

[A]

Very small.

[B]

Yeah, it was like.

[A]

I remember we were sitting on folding chairs or stacking chairs like you might have in a church.

[B]

They had a carpet. Yeah, when they put carpet, it's like a boys room. You know, they call it boys room. It's like where they go for. To meet girls, bring girls and everything. And it was really dark. And then you didn't mention that, but it's okay, I will. And we couldn't see anything. And then the. The guy and the boy told me come. And I. But it was. We couldn't see him. Remember, we couldn't see anything inside. So I went and I'm like talking to him. I think I thought that he wanted to talk to me and I was talking to him and I'm like, yeah. And then he started to put his hands on my legs and then he was like caressing my legs. And I told you that. But he. They don't speak English. And I told you, Jeff, he's touching me. And then you said, come. Come to me, and I take you. I don't know if I came or you. I don't know.

[A]

I said, grab my hand. I said, grab my hand.

[B]

I said, grab your hand. And then you pulled me back.

[A]

And then I put you on the other side of me. I put you on the other side of me.

[B]

I'm sorry, you're.

[A]

Can you hear me now?

[B]

Yes, I hear you.

[A]

I grabbed your hand and I put you on the other side of me.

[B]

So you put me on the other side. And then everything stopped. And he kind of, after that, being very nice. He said, don't worry, you're fine. Don't worry, we're not gonna do anything to you guys, etc. And then the boy came with the phone, made my phone call. Nobody answered. And I called the. The. The only number I remember, which is my boss number, and I called him, and then he called Alain, and I got the number from the negotiator who had the money. And I called the negotiator and explained, and he said, well, call me in a half an hour because I have to call the person because the money is not there to tell you home. I'm like, okay, all right, perfect. So we're like, wow, we're gonna get released that day, you know? And then he left. And I told him that I need the phone in half an hour so we can know where to meet for the money. And he said, okay. And he never came back. He never came back. When he came back, it was almost daytime. And now what? I remember telling him, we have to go. We have to go, because if it's data, we won't be able to go. We won't be able to defeat. Don't worry. Don't worry. And then he came with on someone else. And I'm like, that's not good. And I try to play it. I'm like, the more people you tell is, the less money you're gonna have because you have to. You have to share the money. So stop telling everybody that that were here. And then you're gonna get money. But it was the plan. He already went to the chef.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And told the chef about. Well, one of the chef, not the chef we knew. I don't know. So it was. It was him. And when. When I. I explained, he didn't believe me. I wasn't that convincing either, because I couldn't explain how you did it. Okay. And then he still said. He still said he was gonna Release us. But if he goes at this time, it's gonna be suspicious because this car doesn't go out.

[A]

Yeah, I remember that.

[B]

And then we pass in front of the hour.

[A]

When Stephanie says go out, she's referring to goes out of the gang controlled area. So some cars that they've been stolen through other kidnappings, they know that they can only stay in their. Their hometown, their home base.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Where there's no police. So they can't go out of those areas into areas where there are police because then that vehicle will. Will set up alarms and, you know, get them arrested. So that's what she means by this car can go out.

[B]

Yeah. So we passed by the house. I was relieved that I was not bring up back there. So he went, but. And we went somewhere. And then they left us in the car to 11:00am or noon. Yeah, yeah. And then they receive a call saying that Chef Jeff wants us back.

[A]

That's right. That's right. They. They used it. How did I remember? We heard that.

[B]

Yeah, you were talking on the phone. He was talking about, oh, Chef Jeff wants them back. He. He talked out loud.

[A]

But tell me about what it was like for you once they started driving us up the hill.

[B]

Oh, I thought I was gonna die because they warned us. They warned us that, huh? And we knew what happened to the guy before us who they. They tied for the whole day the same way they tied me with my hands and my knees together on my stomach. And I remember, I don't know if it was an hour I stayed like that. I thought I was gonna lose my knees. You guys were the one like, balancing me so I could. I'm like, oh, my God, I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. So when we got there, the fatra were obviously. You could see they were. They were not happy. Yeah, they could have been killed too, because they were doing their supposed to be the guards, so they could have been punished too. So when we got back, I saw the face. I'm like, oh, my God.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's either we're gonna get a whooping. Are we gonna die? Yeah, they tied us the same way that I described earlier. And they started to beat it. To beat you with everything. They found the cable. I'm sorry. I remember they put the cable in between your fingers and you were yelling. You were yelling. I said, I wasn't gonna do that. It was so hard. They tased you. I remember you were the first one. You got tortured a lot. And I was. I'm like, oh, my God. If I'm gonna die. I think they did, like, 15 minutes. I did it. Did it. I couldn't. I saw the cable. I saw the taser, and I saw that they were all over. It's like. I don't know how many there are. They were like, how many? 5, 10, 15. All over you. And then it was my turn. I don't know what happened. And then Rasta said, no, do not touch her. I was spared that. I was spared that moment. I would survive. I would not survive. I wouldn't have survived that day if they did that to me. We were in the others. I know. They couldn't say anything. I know. But I was like, why don't you say something? But I understand. I understand. Even me. I didn't say anything. I'm so sorry. I should have said something.

[A]

There's nothing you could say. There's nothing you could do. There's nothing you can do. They have all the power in those situations.

[B]

So the day pass. We're punished. We don't have food. We don't have anything to drink. Remember that? We left everything in the other room. So we spend the day like that. And nighttime comes. And then Chef. Chef Sanson comes. But I did. I forgot to explain. I forgot to. Well, I didn't say the past things. Where Chef Sanson was tasing me all the time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, like, I'm scared of Chef Samson because Chef Sanson is torturing me before I. I escape.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So when I see he comes with a gun.

[A]

This is bad cop. And. Or.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or whoever. Yeah.

[B]

So he comes with the gun. Remember? He comes to me.

[A]

I remember.

[B]

And then he takes his gun. Did he point it in my head? The gun? I don't remember, But I remember he. He hit me with the gun here first. And then he hit me two, three times with the gun. And on my. In my. On my knee. Exactly. On my knee. And then you said, stop. You said it was my. You said it was my idea. She's not. She's not at fault. And then he came to you and pointed the gun on you, on your head. And then he started like. And then he pointed in your feet like he was gonna shot you. And then everybody's like, no, no, no. That was the first time everybody was. Because everybody's scared. Nobody talks and everything. And then we were, like, united. This time. There was the only time everybody was like, no, no, no, no, no. And then he didn't do anything. Amen. But it was scary. And then he told us to undress, even me. I remember, like, when we were escaping, we were supposed to go to the mountains, and then it was going to be cold, so I put two. Two. I had two shirts. I had two. I had the boxer that I think the two cent left. And then. So when I took off my clothes, the first I had the. The second one. So I was on boxers, and I had the shirt. And you. He put. He. He told you to take all your clothes off except your boxer. And he told you to lay down on your. On your stomach and never turn. And he said, if you turn, he's going to kill you. So I remember you stayed, like, for hours like that, not being able to turn or to sit down or to do anything. I lost so much weight. I lost. I think I lost 24, 26 pounds. Well, even when I diet, I can't lose all that I lost. So my bone. I was so bony. When I laid down, my bones were hitting the floor, those bony. So I couldn't sleep anymore. Like, on my stomach. I couldn't because of my. Even in my. On my. I couldn't sleep on my back either, because I had too much bones. They were bony. And then we were sleeping on the floor. I have to tell you, I forgot what I was saying. I'm sorry. Because I was thinking about how hard was it the last days, the last week. Oh, did I. I don't know if I mentioned. Today is much a year since I've been released.

[A]

Today's your day.

[B]

Yeah, today's my day.

[A]

Awesome. Have happy freedom day.

[B]

I was physically freed, but not mentally. Awesome.

[A]

So tell me what it was like after you left the. You left the compound. So you walk out, I give you a hug. I say goodbye.

[B]

Remember the guy who came in the cars looking at us and then said, isn't it you the one who had the heart problem? He's the one who drove me down.

[A]

Oh, wow. Okay.

[B]

You have to put a mask. You have to put money. He said, well, she saw my face already. Ah, so I guess he's a big chef, too. He's a chef because putting the mass is not a. And I remember going on. And then he said, like, get down off the car. Someone is gonna pick you up. Moto. I'm like, oh, okay. But the motorcycle was already there with someone. So I put my. He opened the door for me, said, let's go. I didn't recognize the person. Yeah, it was like one minute drive. And then I went to the motorcycle, which was like, less than one minute. And then I see a black car that I don't know either. I don't know anyone. And I. They got me in the car. I thought I was being. I was being bought. Another game?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then they went and do the airport. Word. I'm like, oh, my God. Usually you have your people getting you out. Yeah, this. They were like driving me there and then I saw my. I passed my. I saw an employee because I. I work in the airport route and I saw an employee. And then I asked, can I. Can I tell them? Can I put down my window because the window jet black tinted to tell them that I'm released. They said yes. So me, when I did that, it's because I wanted them to know that I've been place somewhere else.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah, I've been moved.

[B]

Yeah, I have been moved. I said, yeah, I'm getting released. Exactly what I thought he was going to do. He did. He called the office and then told them that he saw me. I got released. And then I'm passing by the office, but I don't know where I'm going. And I'm like, oh, this is my office. And then they stopped the car and said, is it where you're going? I'm like, I don't know. I don't know. What's the.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then they make a phone call and then they said, bring her there. And then that's where. Well, that's where I was dropped. And I learned how I got out because they paid four times for me. They never let me out. And so my boss made a call to someone who knows someone who knows the gang. And then they released me with the. They released me and then they got paid at my job that knew I was out.

[A]

Wow. Wow. It was on social media. So that. That photo in the office. Yeah. Some of your friends had shared it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Crazy.

[B]

On social media. I was out before even my. My mom, they don't even know. So they send her a picture before, I think or something like that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So now I'm out. I don't. I don't need to tell you. I eat all the house.

[A]

It's good. You ate and ate and ate. That's good.

[B]

Oh, my God. I ate more like I was so hungry. I was so hungry.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Right.

[A]

What was your first meal?

[B]

Rice.

[A]

Right. That's all you came up with?

[B]

No, the thing is, I came and then my friends. That, my friend thought it was like the best idea to come with Chinese rice.

[A]

This is the one thing I've been eating. Eating.

[B]

But I ate it with appetite.

[A]

Oh, good.

[B]

That's oh, my God. And then I think I called Mary that day. Well, I received a call. It was from someone from the embassy telling me that FBI was gonna call me. So it was true. I never received a call. Or maybe. Well, I wasn't answering calls. I don't know. But the first thing I did. Well, not the first thing. I have to be honest. I. There was already people waiting for me. Maybe, like, maybe three hours. I'm sorry, Jeff, but it took me maybe three or four hours.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then I called Billy, and I called and I called Mary, and then I called everyone to tell them I was out to. To. To tell them to. To update them, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah, about him.

[A]

You're too kind. The fact that you were even concerned about me at all after you got out is.

[B]

I always tell everyone I got physically released on May 16th. It was today, but I really got released the day you got out, which was May 23rd.

[A]

24Th.

[B]

24Th. May 23rd was disease. Graduation.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

It was this year's graduation.

[A]

I made it, you know, and we knew you would manifest.

[B]

I manifested it. I said, I'm. I have to be in the graduation. Well, that was the first mistake I made, because I think they played on it to keep me. Keep me more. So I. I was released on May 16, and I traveled. I traveled on May 20, and I've been here since then.

[A]

Good, Good. Don't go back. When she says here, she's referring to the U.S. she's in the U.S. now, safely. I'm grateful for that. Well, Stephanie, I tell you what. Um, it. It's been a great conversation. Thank you for being. Being willing to share, and I know that's a sacrifice to share this kind of stuff publicly. I know that you share my sentiment that we're. We're hoping to do some good, to raise awareness about Haiti and the atrocities that are happening there. There. There are some minor good steps happening in Haiti, and we're hopeful that things are going to improve, but.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

We're grateful for all those who are paying attention to Haiti, whether through this podcast or through other means. And hopefully our story can raise some awareness about so many people who are being kidnapped regularly and then being held held captive in many other ways through these horrific gangs in Haiti. Yeah, go ahead.

[B]

Even though our story was very hard, but we were lucky, because after we read this, it got worse. People are tortured. They're burnt, they're raped. They are kept longer than us, so we can say we were. It's unbelievable, but we were lucky.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah, we were. We were one of the lucky ones.

[B]

Yeah, God was with us.

[A]

Amen. Amen. Well, thanks, Steph. Anything else you want to say before we close?

[B]

I want to thank again everyone who prayed for us. Without your prayers, we wouldn't be here.

[A]

Amen.

[B]

God is good.

[A]

God is good. All right. Thanks, Steph. So grateful for your time and, you know, maybe we'll have you on again later, but you've been a wonderful second voice. I'm sure people are sick of hearing from me, but very much grateful for the time you've taken with us today and give lots of hugs and kisses to your children for me.

[B]

Thank you. You do the same.

[A]

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