Leaving for Cambodia

My Goal
I will be leaving in just a few hours to travel half-way around the world to meet with some non-government organizations (NGOs) in Cambodia that work daily to bring an end to child trafficking. Upon my return, I will have a resource wish list from the NGOs. My goal is to match up specific corporations, associations, foundations and non-profit organizations with the NGOs' wish list. I will send out a follow-up email upon my return and ask you, my friends and family, to look at this list and let me know if you can make a match with any of your connections.

My Story
At this point, you must be thinking I'm CRAZY, but hold on and let me tell you my story. It all started two years ago this month. I had just put Luke to bed, he was only 15 months at the time. I sat down in my cozy chair with my favorite blue blanket and started flipping through the channels (prior to TiVo) and I started watching Dateline NBC, not knowing my life would change that night. Over the next 30 minutes, I sat in complete disbelief that something so horrific as child prostitution was happening to children in this world. All I could think of was that these girls were the ages of my nieces. I became enraged and knew that something must be done.

Over the next year, the story and images never left my heart, so I knew I had to take action. In April 2005, I started searching the web for organizations in Cambodia that focused on child trafficking issues. Since then, I have connected with several Cambodian NGOs that are working daily to fight this cause, with one headquartered right here in Portland, Oregon.

During my seven-day trip to Cambodia, I will be meeting with program coordinators, touring a school, orphanage, silk weaving project, and youth center that are all committed to helping the Cambodian children. I have no expectation going into this, except to listen and learn. Upon my return, my goal will be to create awareness and connect people and resources. The ultimate goal - change lives and end child trafficking!

Favorite Links:
Dateline NBC - Children of Sales - Undercover report on sex trafficking in Cambodia http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4038249/

Village Focus International - http://www.villagefocus.org/

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