That was what my life had become. How much my life had changed because of my decision to follow my husband to the United Arab Emirates for his work. I had been an activist, fighting vocally for marine conservation in my home country of Australia, securing the support of celebrities like Ricky Gervais and Richard Branson, featuring in various documentaries, interviewed regularly, and making policy change to boot. But now my activism activities would need to be watered down, as what I had successfully achieved in Australia by using my experience and voice, were considered illegal in the country I had moved to.

Babylon, in biblical imagery, is the city of the abyss, sensual pleasure, appearance, and image. It is a city, an enemy of God and His people. For me, it is Tel Aviv. Where I live, yet, in total opposition with what I truly love. The desert.

Our Mississippi has been in our family for generations-- My great-grandfather dug it, my father built his life around it, and now that he's passed on, it belongs to me.

When I was 20, I moved to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Nearly four years have passed since then, and I find myself begrudgingly a part of American life again.

We had just moved to a new country. Our landlords were criminals. My boyfriend got fired. And I was pregnant. With twins.

After I gave birth to my daughter, everything was just . . . gray.

I was arrested, sentenced to 15 years away from my precious daughter, but in the midst, I was spiritually awakened. And I’ve changed.