Twenty Three

Last Friday, Mr. Dunn turned 23.

I can't believe that this was the 4th birthday I have spent with him.

Every day, I am more and more in love with my husband and blown away by how much he loves me.

So I tried to plan a fun weekend to show him how much I love him too.

Friday, we got to sleep in, then I took him to lunch at one of his favorite places, Olive Garden.

Then we drove to Newport where we hung out, went to dinner, and my family surprised him on the docks so we could go crabbing for his first time.

Saturday, we went on the beach, played board games, and ate all the crab we caught.

It was a great weekend! I had so much fun, and I hope he did too. My family is the best and they have welcomed Daimian into our group with love and open arms. I couldn't ask for anything better.

It Can't Rain Forever

Night is not eternal.
Morning always comes.

Storms are not eternal.
Peace always comes.

Snow is not eternal.
Spring always comes.

Winter is not eternal.
Flowers always bloom.

Darkness is not eternal.
Sunlight always comes.

I have to keep holding on to the promise of sunlight, of spring, of peace, of morning, of flowers.
So easily has the darkness engulfed me.
It has exhausted every part of my being.
I feel hopeless, helpless, and crushed.
I must look to the promises.

It can't rain forever.
It can't.

Portland Sex

The first country I ever visited was Cambodia.
Cambodia is a gorgeous place with people who are so kind and amazing.
But Cambodia is also known for something that isn't so amazing. 
Sex Trafficking.

When I came home, it was definitely something I have never forgotten. The images of girls no older than 14 walking the streets in dresses similar to what American girls wear to prom - the sign of a prostitute - will forever be burned into my mind. I was only 15 when I traveled to the capital of Phnom Penh. I was only a few years older than some of these girls and I couldn't imagine losing my virginity to the highest bidder.

Since that summer, I have had a passion for those who are bought and sold in the sex trade industry. I have looked at Cambodia as a place that needs prayer, needs help, and needs hope. But recently, I have found that this horiffic reality is much closer to home...

Right here in Portland, Oregon.

I came across THIS article that was eye-opening to what is going on just down I-5 from my home. Portland’s legal commercial sex industry is the biggest per capita in the country. "While Seattle has four strip clubs, and Dallas, another trafficking hot spot, has three, Portland has more than 50 all-nude strip clubs within city limits. One directory lists 40 erotic dance clubs, 47 all-nude strip clubs, 35 adult businesses and 21 lingerie modeling shops." 

Portland is now known as a national hub of sex trafficking. "A demand for sex workers, the city’s geography that provides easy access for traffickers, and its reputation as a progressive youth-oriented community attracting runaways creates a toxic brew rivaling the notorious red-light district of Amsterdam."

Indifference is no longer an option. The thought of little children, girls and boys, being sold for a couple thousand dollars, forced to have sex with grown adults, treated as property... To say its sickening is an understatement. Its gut-wrenching and appalling. The darkness that engulfs Portland has to be addressed. But what can be done? 

The End It Movement is an organization that is working to bring attention to the this hidden issue worldwide. Please, go check out their website HERE and see what you can do to help.

These children need us. The world needs us. Portland needs us. Its time to End It.

Goodbye Grandma

My Great-Grandma Wells was diagnosed with a terrible disease known as Alzheimer's. Although she lost all of her recent memory, and even forgot who I was at the end of her life, I am forever grateful for the time we spent together as she spent her last four years living 2 rooms down from me. We created a bond that will not be broken.

In honor of the anniversary of my Great-Grandmother's death, a letter to her after the disease stole her from me:

Hi Grandma,

It's me. I do not even know where to begin. You died yesterday and I feel like my world has lost it's spark. I remember you telling me that if you ever did die finally to never lose my enthusiasm for living... That seems almost impossible right now. I wanted to write you a letter, so you could remember me in heaven.

There are so many things I wish I could say and I wish I could do with you. I am sorry for starting so late and letting so many years go by without letting you into my life. I wish that I had had more than just four years with you. I am sorry I didn't get there in time to say goodbye. I never wanted to face the truth, that this would actually happen. I did come see you, though you had already passed. I hope you know how much I love you. I hope you know how much I cherish the time we had together and the memories we made.

I'll always remember our dance parties in the living room. Every time Elvis' voice echoed in the room, your feet would start tapping and you started shaking your hips. I remember that when Patsy Cline's beautiful voice filled the air, you would lean your head back, close your eyes, and hum along. I remember sitting next to you and listening to stories of your childhood with your favorite red dress and how much you loved summer, just like me. I miss that. I miss you.

I have learned so much from you. You lived life to the fullest. Even when you were diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had to use the blasted walker, you kept on living and dancing, and singing, and laughing. You continued to fight the disease as long as you could and never gave up. I respect you more than I could ever tell you. You are my hero and one of my best friends.

I will see you again. Have fun while you are up there. Tell Great-Grandpa Chuck and Grandpa Roy hello for me. Save me a spot for my mansion next to yours. I cannot wait to see you again, free of disease and pain. I miss you, grandma, and I always will no matter how many days go by.

I love you, Grandma.

Goodbye.