i missed the memo

60.59.58.57.56.55.54.53.52.51.50.
49.48.47.46.45.44.43.42.41.40.
39.38.37.36.35.34.33.32.31.30.
29.28.27.26.25.24.23.22.21.20.
19.18.17.16.15.14.13.12.11.10.
9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1. SOLD

It is estimated that two children are sold every minute. They are forced to live in brothels, and as the nights fall, so do their untouched bodies and the lively innocence that comes with being a child. They are continuously traded, from one perverse mind to another, and back to a so-called home where their biggest worry is not if they missed their favorite TV show, but instead, whether they are infected with HIV or not. Pain, abuse and shame are their closest allies, appearing to be a never-ending relationship.

Would you imagine, you're ten years old and you are sold by your own family to a trafficker, who then sells you to a brothel, in a place you probably don't even understand the language, and that night, and all the rest to come, you are to sexually service the perverse minds and bodies of those who pay the right price. I don't care how right the price is, in my book, this is rape.

I missed the memo when it became acceptable for our children and young girls to become commodities. I missed the growing trend of the high demand for five year old babies that can give "yum-yums".... yes, that's exactly what you think it is, and yes that's the official term they use. There is a problem when a teenage girl can be bought to serve as a sex slave, just as easy and affordable as buying a blackberry. Oh, that's right, a three hundred dollar blackberry is actually more expensive in a lot of cases, I stand corrected. Disgusting, abusive and shameful.

"In September 2002, Love146 Co-Founders Rob Morris, Lamont Hiebert, Desirea Rodgers and Caroline Hahm went on an exploratory trip to SE Asia to determine how they could serve in the fight against child sex trafficking. In brothels they saw young children being sold for sex. In safehomes they witnessed the miracle of restoration as they sang and danced with survivors." www.love146.org

Organizations like Love146 get it. They understand the urgency of this problem. They understand that it is going to take people like you and I to make the difference. I encourage you to get educated. I warn you the numbers are staggering.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." -MLK

it's about being human

Imagine after endless hours of pain, because you can't afford to buy the medicine, you are brought to this room to deliver your baby.

Photo taken by Amy Porter on our visit to Haiti March 2009.
Clinic in Ounaminthe, Haiti.

So many times I get asked: Why are you, as a Dominican, raising awareness for a Haitian cause? My answer is simply that it's not about being Dominican or Haitian, it is about being human.


In my personal opinion there is a problem, way beyond the discussion of my nationality, when a country faces statistics like these:

• 60% of Haitians do not have access to even basic medical care

• There are 490,000 orphaned children in Haiti, a country of roughly 8 million people.

• Nearly 1/2 of the population of Haiti are children under the age of 18 years.

• Water-borne illnesses account for a large percentage of deaths in Haitian children and adults. 70% of Haitians do not have access to clean, potable water.

• 1 out of 7 children in Haiti die before the age of 5 years, mostly of preventable or curable diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea.

• According to UNICEF, only 36% of adults are aware that they can transfer HIV/AIDS to their children. As a result, over 17,000 children are infected with HIV/AIDS in Haiti, most of whom are not on proper medication.

I will let you take a moment to let those sink in...
See the problem is that these children are suppose to be the future leaders of their nation. What happens when they are not even given the chance? This world seems to be on a fast train to self-destruction and as the passengers we seem to be enjoying the ride a little too much. I believe it is time we start creating opportunities that enable access to education and basic health care for these children.


Danita's Children is a non‐profit organization with the intent of rescuing and caring for orphaned children, meeting their needs spiritually, physically, academically, emotionally. Danita's Children exists to answer the need for orphan rescue and care in Haiti and around the world. www.danitaschildren.org

Many people think that helping this cause means picking up, leaving behind, and moving to Haiti. But the reality is that many of us do not have that calling. Many times, the best way to support a cause is simply getting the word out. I encourage you to visit the Danita's Children website and learn about how you can get involved.

the beginning

Growing up in the Dominican Republic was quite the experience. Past the clear beaches, fertile mountains and local hospitality, sleep the countless families snuggled by the hardships poverty has brought upon them. Most on empty stomachs and restless worries for the second or third night in a row. It was hard to believe I lived within miles of these people. It seemed as if society had become blind to the lifestyles our very own citizens were forced to endure.

It was a hot Saturday morning when I first visited Pancho Mateo, a Haitian community on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. I remember my first impression and at that moment forgetting all I had ever learned or heard about poverty in the country. That moment was life-changing. As we walked through the village, I could feel my heart shattering and tears welling up. A young girl came up to me in search of a mere hug; not money, food, or clothes, but a single sign of love. I realize now, that moment defined in great part who I am and what I stand for today.

Aside from the tin-made houses and lack of clean water, I noticed a small house. This house was different. The children inside were smiling and it seemed to have a peculiar hope-like glow. This house belonged to Makarios.

Makarios, named using the ancient Greek word for “blessed,” is a faith-based organization that focuses on educational development in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. For more information please visit their amazing website: www.makariosinternational.org

After that trip I felt encouraged and empowered. This blog is a product of the seed that was planted over 3 years ago. I have decided to become an advocate for the voiceless, not only in my country, but around the world. home to change is a small and humble place with the mission to educate others on social injustice issues, highlight extraordinary people who are giving hope, and ways to get involved.

Thank you Makarios, YL DR staff, SCS teachers and everyone who has one way or another watered this seed of purpose in my life.