I don’t think one can overemphasize the tragedy of human trafficking. Today I’m pleased to be part of a blog hop supporting a young author with a heavy heart about this very issue. Mackenzie Morganthal is the author of a new novel entitled Not Abandoned that will help bring awareness to this nefarious crime.
Today I’m interviewing the main character, Haley Hampton. Hope you’ll stick around and learn a little more about her story!
Welcome, Haley. Thank you for taking time to do this interview. How are you doing today?
I’m…doing okay, thanks.
Oh? You sound uncertain.
I’ve recently been notified that a dear family friend had her daughter go missing. So, although I’m happy to be here, I’m feeling very worried inside.
I’m so sorry. How tragic! Are you able to share with us a little about what happened?
Well…I can’t really say much. It’s private information. The local police department is handling it well. I just wish there was more I could do.
That’s understandable. How about you tell us a little about yourself and your work?
I’d love to! I’m twenty-one and a native to New York, but currently attending college in Colorado. I’m training in law enforcement and will be going to work at the New York P.D. as soon as I’m finished with my schooling.
Excellent. What is it about police work that intrigues you the most?
Ever since I was about ten, I’ve had the desire to be a part of this line of work. One of my childhood best friends is also working in law enforcement. He’s employed at the police department right down the street from my college. There was just something about bringing justice to unlawful acts that intrigued both of us. Especially now that I know more about human trafficking…
It’s a horrific epidemic, isn’t it? Would you like to share a little about it?
It’s heart breaking to me. I’d heard about the term ‘trafficking’ before, but never really comprehended it until Desi went missing…uh, I mean…um, I started researching about it. To think that there is an estimated 27 million people enslaved in trafficking around the world, is just mind boggling. I want to seek justice for these people. Justice needs to be served for these innocent girls who are taken against their will and forced into such a terrible crime! But everyone just keeps telling me to ‘leave it up to the professionals’ and ‘let the professionals handle it’. I’m almost done with my training and schooling. I’m sick of people telling me I’m not qualified to help!
I can see that you’re very passionate about it. What do you plan on doing to help these victims?
Well… I’m not sure exactly. But I have to do something. Whether it’s big or small. Anything, no matter the size of it, can make a difference. And just because people are discouraging me to leave it alone, doesn’t mean I’m going to listen to them. Honestly, I can’t seem to focus on anything lately except for these victims. I keep wondering, what if I’m too late? What if I don’t rescue them in time? They’ll never get the opportunities that they deserve. They’ll never get to graduate or grow up and get married. I haven’t told anyone this yet, but I’ve been thinking about putting my studies on hold just for a little while. I can’t focus on school anyway. Not with how real human trafficking has become to me lately. I’ve even thought about doing some investigating of my own. But my mind isn’t completely made up. As odd as it sounds, I had a thought the other night about praying to God. That sort of thing just isn’t for me though. I’m not 100% sure about the whole God thing. But you never know, maybe praying couldn’t hurt.
I would have to agree. Praying never hurts. So how does your family feel about you getting involved with this dangerous issue?
I haven’t shared much of this information with my family yet. My mom has always been worried about me training in this line of work. I don’t know what they would say if they knew how serious I was taking all of this. I know that they will be disappointed if I put my studies on hold. Even if I do it for a good cause. I think my Mom especially would encourage me to let the professionals on the case handle everything. Not because she doesn’t believe in me, but because she fears for my safety.
A friend at college is trying to convince me that I don’t understand the sort of danger I would be placing my life in. If my parents knew that, they would really worry about me. But my parents are away in Florida right now for their anniversary. They…actually, my Mom is trying to call me right now. Their flight should’ve just landed. I can’t imagine what would be wrong…if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have to take this call to make sure everything is all right.
No problem. Thanks for joining us today, Haley. If you decide to pursue deeper involvement with human trafficking, please . . . be very careful!
Thank you for having me, Mrs. FitzGerald.
Author Bio:
MacKenzie Morganthal is an eighteen year old, Christian, Homeschool graduate. She loves writing, music, and most importantly Jesus. She resides in Pennsylvania where she keeps busy as a freelance author, worship leader, and creative arts director. She also loves going to concerts, and all things chocolate. While some people say she can be a little crazy, she always takes that as a compliment. She has been writing stories for eight years, and “Not Abandoned” is her first self-published novel.
Two words….human trafficking.
Four different lives…are altered forever.
Haley, a police officer in training, is thrust right into the heart of an organized human trafficking ring when a family friend is mysteriously abducted. Once the problem hits even closer to home, Haley will stop at nothing to see justice prevail.
With no way out once trapped inside the trafficking ring, is there any hope for rescue? When trouble arises and Caryn’s life is compromised, will she be able to survive or will help come too late?
Strength is tested and trust is broken in this mystery of seemingly impossible rescue and God’s loving redemption. After hearing those words, human trafficking, these girls will never look at their lives the same way again… and neither will you.
Links/book links:
CreateSpace estore: www.createspace.com/5427955
Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/069243688X
Website: www.kenziebooks.weebly.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/14073307
Yes, well said! Shedding light in the darkness is so important.
I am so grateful to see more and more books on the market that deal with trafficking, especially from Christian writers. Such a heavy topic, but so important to shed light on this dark “industry.” Looking forward to reading this once my reading pile is down!
This is great! I think anything that will make women realize the danger they are in is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Agreed. Such an important subject.
Thank you so much, Mrs. FitzGerald! I so appreciate your participation in this blog tour! 🙂
My pleasure!
Oh I loved this! Thanks for participating, Mrs. FitzGerald! Reading this was really fun (my first time seeing this interview!) 🙂
Thanks! MM was the mastermind 🙂 Glad to get to participate.