Jamaican Jubilee: May 2012

Well, I can't believe it, but I have been home for a week now. I've been thinking back over my time in Jamaica, my many experiences, and the lessons I learned. My time at Hebron was very special, and I will definitely never forget the wonderful people or the beauty of the tropical island! My mom and I also had a great time together! She relaxed (which doesn't happen very often), experienced the food, church service, beach, and even presented at a school before heading to the airport to come home.

During my last week in Jamaica, I had the awesome opportunity to meet with two Shared Hope representatives, visiting the country the for a couple days. Not only was I able to share with them some of my experiences at Hebron, but they enthusiastically shared more specifically what Shared Hope does in anti-trafficking. In 2007, they came to Jamaica to conduct intensive research on the issue of the demand for sex. They identified factors that lead to sex trafficking, such as poverty and the break down of the family, and the buyers of sex (mostly tourists in Jamaica). One of the purposes for their visit this time was to update this report and better assess the issue of sex trafficking in Jamaica. The report overview can be found on the Shared Hope website. The report is a bit lengthy, but very informative and helpful! I would encourage you to take a look at it. The direct link to the Jamaica report is: http://www.sharedhope.org/Portals/0/Documents/demand_jamaica.pdf

Domestically, Shared Hope has also created a "Report Card", assessing or "grading" each state on six different factors related to the issue of sex trafficking. These factors include the prosecution of the pimps and traffickers, the protection for girls who have been trafficked, and the criminalization of sex trafficking. Pennsylvania received an "F" as the grade. That means our state is not doing well at all. On the Shared Hope website, along with the "Report Card", exists recommendations for each state as well. Please check these out as well. I plan on contacting my legislator and getting more involved in seeing my state's grade be changed for the better! Please think about joining me in raising awareness and promoting zero tolerance for child sex trafficking!

I want to thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and support during my internship! It meant so much to me, and I really believe God used you and your prayers to protect, refresh, and uplift me during my time in Jamaica!

As I finish up this final blog post, please continue to pray for the Hebron ministry. The actual building that Hebron is located in is for sale. Pray that somehow Christina and Shared Hope would be able to buy the entire building to expand the ministry of Hebron. Pray for the issue of sex trafficking both in Jamaica, and here in Pennsylvania, and I would challenge you to get more involved in the anti-trafficking movement. Contact me at eichelberger.katie@yahoo.com for more information and ways to get involved!