Elizabeth Norton Gray
A Champion of Hope for a Far Better World
Elizabeth Norton Gray
A Champion of Hope for a Far Better World
Blog Post

My Last Visit on Capitol Hill in Washington DC

This past April, I got a seat at the table in the offices of Congressman Kim, Congressman Pallone, and Senator Booker to talk about various issues that are so very close to my heart. That same week, I had some intense conversations through email with Congressman VanDrew.

On the agenda was a variety of things including my perspectives on the Child Welfare system of NJ and the age out at 21 bill that was up for Federal approval. We also discussed the important difference between poverty and neglect, the need for more resources for foster parents. (including a support system for the foster mother to help them cope with the hard to say goodbyes and the ever revolving door to their home) Resources like these are one that will increase the quality of foster parents available for service.

Of course, I am sure no one can doubt if you know me, the last line on the agenda was the child trafficking situation that I was of witness to from 2009-2020. (If you are new here….. More info on that can be read here)

There are few places my soul feels at rest and during these meetings I was overjoyed for feeling like I was answering a calling so greater than myself as I was advocating for trafficked children. For once I didn’t feel helpless. I felt like I was doing my job. I was advocating and in those moments I felt like there was nothing else I should be doing.

Being in DC, this time around, ignited me further into finishing my degree in Political Science and I can not wait to return to what might be my favorite city.

I know many people do not understand my desire to be a politician. Some call it a passion. I would not though. Passions are fun. This is a calling. It’s something God has placed on my heart years and years ago, as far back as 1991 and it is something I have to do, even if at times if I do not desire to do it.

I know this is my job no matter how many friends I have lost because they are suffering “2nd hand embarrassment!” Is it not my fault that I can see the corruption at the hands of police, the teachers union, and more? I saw disgusting practices with children while getting lost on a neighbor’s property in 2015 and have lived to talk bravely about it. I know more than the average about people in leadership roles around me and it makes me nauseous.

If one had an online platform, the connections, the energy, to advocate for the voiceless how could you not? Politicians may not be appealing. Good Politicians, however, are also essential to how our government works and I can’t imagine America without them.

Furthermore, What kind of person would I be if I ignored what I saw, what I know, what I was told, and what I experienced? I fathom I would be a person I, personally, wouldn’t be capable of liking. I fathom the people in my life would not like me very much either. If I said nothing or did nothing, I would not like myself.

I can’t imagine watching someone I love go through what I (and my family) have gone through from 2019 to now. I also can’t imagine knowing a loved one that has experienced and seen horrible things like I have. Watching a person fight the huge ask of the eradicate of human trafficking and being unable to listen, comprehend, or unable to encourage them in the journey blows my mind. 🤯

I will fight for Zulia, the child I held and was asked to buy. I won’t just fight for her, I will fight for every student in that school. No child should have to go to school wondering the price tag on their own head. I also will fight for my own children so that they can grow up in a better world where the sale of a human being is not accepted.

I pray for a world where the pro-life movement has JUST as much focus if not more on being protectors of the children already here, not just on the unborn. The pro-life movement should encompass foster children and stand firm in opposition to child trafficking. Until we get there, I will be here, there, and everywhere (even in Washington DC) pushing, pleading, and reminding everyone that it is our duty to fight for those that have no voice.

So, Maybe I am a politician. I am fine with that label. I would rather be associated with those working in DC against trafficking and foster care reform, than those who are not interested in the pursuit to help children in need. (or even encouraging to those who work to do just that!)

Dc was great. It won’t be the last time I will be there. I can’t wait to get back on Capitol Hill.

——-update——-

It’s so great to live in a time where I can virtually work on Capitol Hill merely by posting on my blog and causing a reaction here in lil’ old woodbine. What a time to be alive.