After years of homelessness and poverty, Eliza's dreams come true. But the dream life comes at a great price. When her father whisks her away from an impoverished life in the Philippines at age nine and the dream of going to America is within reach, Eliza's innocent childhood fantasies are fulfilled…or so she thinks. Eliza endures abuse and alienation, but in time experiences God's love, grace, and mercy, giving way for her to create a life in which she can survive within a world where she had been helpless. Separated from her mother and brother who love her, she fights hateful words and lashes that cover her body by remembering her mother's smile, hearty laugh, and bouncy curls as well as her brother's protection and adventures in the Philippines. She runs away to escape her life only to find there was nowhere to go. Eliza's life in the Philippines and America are different and similar, but in God's hands, she realizes her strength and purpose.