Winter/Spring 2018 by TriDelta

“I hope when people read my story, it shows them what leads up to these situations. And it shows them that you don’t have to be ashamed — you can learn from your experience, move on and help others.” It was Mackenzie’s three closest friends that alerted her parents to their daughter’s plan. Sensing that Mackenzie was potentially in more danger than she realized, the Baldwins immediately contacted the FBI.

the potential dangers of the internet and human trafficking, as well as toxic relationships. Since the book’s release in November 2017, Mackenzie has also done several interviews, including with talk show host, Megyn Kelly, on NBC.

According to the FBI, the relationship was not what it seemed: Kosovo is a hotbed for human trafficking; the probability that Mackenzie was being lured overseas to be kidnapped and exploited was high.

And as a brave, bold and kind woman, Mackenzie is doing more than just creating awareness about the danger of human trafficking online; she is actively supporting women who have been victims of the crime. A portion of the book proceeds is being donated to a Dallas-based organization called Sparkle Living, which helps women who have been rescued from human trafficking rebuild their lives.

With the help of the FBI, the Baldwins confronted their daughter.

Mackenzie recalls that meeting, which took place at the Baldwins' home: “I was so scared. I felt like the world was crashing down on me…I’d been working to keep this secret from my parents and everybody for over a year. And at this moment everything was coming into the light. They were telling me this person wasn’t good for me and he probably had mal-intentions for me, and I just couldn’t believe it.” After breaking things off with Aadam, Mackenzie focused on rebuilding her life and relationships, but it took her a long time to feel comfortable and confident in sharing her story.

“We partnered with Sparkle Living because we saw them as a wonderful organization with a huge heart,” says Mackenzie. “Their whole goal is to save these women. When we talked to the creator of Sparkle Living, you could see the raw and wonderful inspiring passion and love she had for the girls. They are doing something that needs to be done. I hope to help improve the lives of these girls, not just through money, but through time as well. I want to help build a friendship with these women and surround them with the love they have been deprived of.”

“I didn’t talk about it for six months,” Mackenzie says. “But when you go through something embarrassing or traumatic, you can either run from it or own it.”

For Mackenzie, it’s also important to share her story because the lessons she learned can be applied to all relationships— not just online.

Mackenzie decided to own it. She knew she could help other women who might find themselves in similar situations.

“I hope women can see themselves in me and recognize that they’re falling into the same trap I did,” she says. Her advice to women who find themselves in a toxic relationship is, “Talking to someone you love and trust, whether that’s a parent, a mentor or friend, is the best thing you can do.”

Mackenzie and her parents began sharing their story with their church group. Eventually, the opportunity for a book deal came along and so Mackenzie and her father, John Baldwin, authored “Almost Gone,” detailing Mackenzie’s journey. Today, Mackenzie is bravely and boldly sharing her experience with other young women as a cautionary tale of

Mackenzie adds, “I hope when people read my story, it shows them what leads up to these situations. And it shows them that you don’t have to be ashamed—you can learn from your experience, move on and help others.”