Growing up in a small town was fun. It was one big coal-mining family. Everybody knew everyone's business and was always available to help if needed. Mutual respect existed amongst the townspeople. Therefore, if one needed to leave their child with a family member, neighbor, or friend, they weren't concerned about their safety.  

​

However, it was commonplace to allow a man of God, especially bishops and elders, to stay with church members during their community visits. A superior level of respect for clergy persons was expected. Unfortunately, some of them were evil to the core. The community always hosts a yearly tent revival. Elder Doe always conducted the service. My parents provided a place for him while he was in town. Unfortunately, soon after he settled in our home, it was discovered that he was a pedophile. The thought of him being in our house made me physically ill. Anxiety and fear took complete control. So, the only coping skill I knew was silence. I learned this behavior candidly because, in those days, children listened while adults carried on the conversations. So, it wasn't unusual or difficult for me to be quiet. 

​

A  silent child is ... one in need of a listener and not a judge. 

​

​As a woman, wife, and mother, I was determined to protect my children from the dangers in their world. My early experience and increased activity of trafficking in surrounding communities became the driving force behind the research for comprehensible ways to inform the public of the dangers of pedophilia and human trafficking. So, I decided to draft a book. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how daunting a journey it would be. Additionally, I didn't consider how painful it would be to open up old wounds by researching the second most notorious criminal activity in the United States.   

.

One rainy afternoon I was reading, researching, restless, and frustrated, exploring various titles, searching for one with an exciting and persuasive hook. It wasn't a blowing Rain, but a soft misty Rain. The drops caressed my face and arms from time to time. The frustration and restlessness seemed to ease up, and a peaceful atmosphere ensued. And there it was, write about Rain and its effect on a person's emotions, especially during troubled times. This can't be the title of a book about human trafficking! But curiosity was the adrenaline fueling the intrinsic research about Rain and what other writers had to say about the topic.

​

What is the meaning of Rain? What does it mean when you dream about Rain? Research suggests Rain can be a soothing, calming agent during stressful times. It nourishes life and can substitute as a mental escape mechanism during challenging times. "Rain as a Blessing" by Neil Jonathan. Thus, Yazzmin Danced in the Rain evolved.

​

​

​

Yazzmin Danced in the Rain 

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

"Yazzmin is a playful, lighthearted, academically acclaimed twelve-year-old living a good life with her parents and siblings in Baja, California. She is a spunky, upbeat, and loyal friend to Zoe, who lives just across the way. They love playing in the Rain. Everything in Yazzmin's life was great. Skipping, running down the stairs, singing, "Today is my birthday. I'm going to be a teenager Today!" But, of course, Yazzmin is unaware that she is a product of human trafficking, and on her special day, the trajectory of her life will change forever. Thirity-six years later, she tells her story about how she escaped the jaws of human trafficking and learned to survive through Dancing in the Rain."

​

My vision is that Yazzmin Danced in the Rain will create awareness within the communities and families of the dangers of human trafficking. Addders.