Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to find your meagre belongings have been scorched.
Imagine finding out your are expecting and feel an immediate pang of guilt for bringing in another child into this desperation.
Imagine having your children denied an education because you cant afford to get them a birth certificate.
Imagine our children finding hope in a kite made out of garbage bags and twigs. Rather than the latest Ipod, video game or cellphone.
They don't have to imagine this is their reality.
La Carmeltias is a barrio outside of La Vega. It is home to over 1700 families, 6000 adults and children. They are desperately trying to mobilize their community, create change and move forward in what appears to be a bleak situation.
They have no running water or clean water source. They have to pay for any water to be trucked in. Many go without.
They have one school for the children BUT only children with proper documentation can go.
Their children and adults are malnourished, sick and desperate.
There are a couple people within the community who are pushing for change- I would like you to meet one that touched my heart.
Elizabeth is 23, the same age as myself. Although she told me I was too tall to be the same age 
She was born in La Carmeltias with her twin brother.
She is a now heading up a group for young woman and launching a sponsorship program for the children in the Barrio so that they may have access to school, medical attention and a nutrition program.
At 23 she has made the commitment to stay in her community and make a change- even if that means sacrificing her own wellbeing and her own advancement.She is my inspiration.
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