So I flew out to Portland on Sunday afternoon for a few days of work out here (with Transitions Global). I've heard great things about Portland, and was excited to check out the city. What I found was, while not totally unexpected, at least surprisingly consistent. Portland is very, well, Portland. It quickly became apparent that there is at least an unspoken set of cultural cues that any self respecting Portlander takes great pride in abiding by.

Now certainly there is something to be said for a city having an identity of its own, but I (along with my fellow travelers) really noticed something beyond that. It was as if everyone who wanted to be "cool," or "hip," or "human," operated under a pre-determined set of standards, that included cues on such things as food and beverage consumption, dress code, modes of transportation, and even appropriate pets. In fact, it became such a running joke that eventually we boiled our findings into a single phrase-"That's Portland." Used as a catch-all, the phrase "That's Portland" can be used to convey a very specific meaning, one that says "the way in which you're behaving/dressing/speaking/acting can best be summed up by simply referencing the city in which you reside."

I made a concerted effort to not take pictures of individual people, as I felt that to be a bit degrading, but I did shoot a few shots that I'll share with you, internet. I trust you'll agree that Portland has a distinctive, well, Portlandly way about it. Please observe...

Sike...I just wanted to embed a banner on you, world wide web of communication, to promote the Owl City album I just referenced in the previous post. I was not joking...and I'm not a fanboy. Download this damn thing now, and thank me after you have trouble wiping the stupid grin off your face.

Ta Da!

It's been awhile. It's not you, it's me. Seriously. See, my schedule just hasn't been all that accomodating of self promoting posts designed to elicit comments.

Gosh, that was kind of harsh. Sorry.

I know you've been wondering what happened, but in keeping with the current status of my life, I believe bullet points to be the best form of communicating current trends in my life. Enjoy...

• What I'm currently doing at work: prepping for folks from Mamelodi, South Africa to arrive on Cincy soil and demand Deveroes on a semi-daily basis. Celebrating the commitment of gobs of money towards the creation of a best in class aftercare program in Mumbai that will mean real life change for girls I know and love (and starting work on the implementation of said program). Beginning work on a Thanksgiving Food Drive that will provide over 7,000 boxes of food for the cities of Cincinnati, New Orleans, and Mamelodi, South Africa. Overseeing a community group starting up in a few weeks to engage foks in Justice work. Writing a message for a funeral tomorrow morning that I'm performing. There's more, but this list makes me tired.
• What I'm listening to RIGHT NOW: the new albumn by Owl City, called "Ocean Eyes." Seriously, its fine like red wine. Just listen to the song Fireflies...I'll give you a dollar if you can keep from smiling (and/or spontaneously dancing) during it.
• Why I love my wife: She's smoking hot, the best mom I could ever imagine, and so supportive during a particularly crazy time for me (ignoring the fact that its a particularly crazy time for her right now). In addition, she tickles me sometimes, and even though I act like it makes me mad, I secretly love it.
• Why I love my daughter: She's the cutest thing I've ever seen, and two nights ago she asked to poop on the potty. Then she did. AND SHES  BEEN POOPING AND PEEING IN THE POTTY EVER SINCE THEN (with the occasional miss).
• Why I love my life: Jesus, Rachel, Cana, friends. No joke, there's not a man on this planet who has more blessings than me right now.
• Why I'm going to a counselor right now: Because I know that keeping some of the stuff I've seen and experienced over the last few months inside of me is not healthy, and I'm interested in staying in this battle for the long haul.
• Why we might move: because we don't have enough going on right now. And we might have friends move in with us, which means we're really running out of space here. This whole people moving in, caring for folks thing is probably going to be going on the rest of our lives, so we're taking that into consideration.
• Why I'm doing a light remodel on the kitchen right now: because we don't have enough going on right now.
• What does a "light remodel" entail? New paint, install new (to us) range and hood, new wall covering over the tile around the bottom 2/3rds of the kitchen, new lighting, new cabinet fronts, and a new countertop, sink and faucet.
• Why I haven't been to bed before 12:30am in the past couple weeks, and why I haven't had a morning without a 7am meeting: See above.

There you go internet. I told it hasn't always been pretty, but it is what it is. I've missed our one sided chats, but maybe we'll reconnect again soon. You're always willing to listen, and you serve as a great reminder of all the stuff that makes my life, well, my life. I appreciate that about you (though I don't appreciate the easy access to Facebook you afford so many people). Good night...

So we’ve just finished our first full day out and about on the streets of Mumbai. Its 11:35 pm, and the baby and the wife are fast asleep. I’ve had people (namely my manager) ask if it’s too much, this writing about each day part that happens at the end of these (long) days. And some days I’m inclined to say yes. But ultimately, this is precious time for me. The time passes so quickly over here, and so much happens, that the practice of writing it down forces me to consider all that each day holds, and what the Lord’s whispering to me in the midst of it all.

This morning it was Psalm 118, and unless you have it memorized, I’d suggest a quick glance. Its beautiful, and it hit all of us square in the face today as we were praying for these girls, this work, and this place. Psalm 118 led us into battle, as we spent time at both of the government homes (major and minor).

I wrote about the government homes in prior posts from past trips, but at best these are places that are questionably a step up from the brothels (if that tells you anything). Still, its important to cultivate the relationships we have with the superintendents of these homes, and to be reminded of the importance of strong aftercare options once girls leave these places.

The most beautiful part of the day for me was watching my daughter be passed from woman to woman in the major home, smiling and blowing kisses to each person she was handed to. Just to set the stage (since no pics are allowed)-the room was a giant bare concrete bunker, with a metal roof and open windows. Approximately fifty beds were stacked side to side around the outside, but because of overcrowding many women were simply sleeping on the floor in the middle of the room. It looked (and smelled) like what I’d imagine a concentration camp to be. Yet these women were laughing and smiling at this little girl, who was laughing and smiling right back. And I realized many of these women were mothers as well (as evidenced by the numerous little kids running around the room). And I considered Aly, and the question she posed to me at the beginning of this odyssey-“What do you and I have in common?” Watching these women with my daughter, it was like watching any of my friends care for and dote on Cana. So Aly’s simple observation, that both she and I have a mother, remained true in the heat and humidity of a Mumbai aftercare home.

I also got first hand accounts from several folks at the raid last night, who shared how poorly the raid was going, until suddenly things started to change and fall into place. When I shared that upon receiving that text message we promptly engaged 600+ folks in prayer, the response was simply “Ahh, that’s what happened.” Simple as that. I’ve included Jon’s summary of the raid below, with a few additional details.

Hi everyone:

Last night the IJM-Mumbai investigations team worked with local police to rescue a girl named Latipha and arrested two perpetrators—pimps Shikha and her husband Hasibul—during a sting operation at a small eatery in Andheri. Shikha and Hasibul were trying to sell Latipha’s virginity for Rs. 30,000($600), and then after she was “spoiled,” sell her to a dance bar. Praise God, Shikha struck a deal for Latipha’s virginity with IJM operatives!

After the rescue, Latipha told our social worker L--- that she was 13 years old. She later opened up to L--- and told her she was thankful that her life was not spoiled; she wants to receive education and training; and she wants to do what she can to make sure that Shikha and Hasibul are punished.

We conducted the operation with local Andheri police, who we’ve never worked with before. Despite some procedural problems that occurred, they were very cooperative with our team in drafting the First Information Report (FIR). The FIR accurately reflects what occurred, and we were able to get them to list more severe Indian Penal Code charges.

Today, Latipha was presented before the PITA Magistrate, who directed age verification be conducted at Nair hospital, the government hospital with the best facilities for conducting accurate age verification. She also ordered that Latipha stay at Rescue Foundation pending age verification results. While Rescue Foundation is a decent home, they do not communicate well with us and do not give us consistent access to our girls. We will try to have Latipha transferred to Deonar Government home for minors when we get age verification results so we can have better access to Latipha.

Good job, Mumbai team. Latipha is safe. God has used you to bring her to a better place.

Everyone: please pray for Latipha—that she will continue to be open to rehabilitation, and that she will give a good statement.

Thanks, Jon

Sleep well friends…

This is a summary of the first leg of our journey. Todd and his wife Catie went to Cambodia with us, and this is the account of his experience. One warning about this work (and Todd's writing)...Todd was comfortably going along with life, making money and watching television. Then he and his wife went to Mumbai back in February and met Jesus (through a girl in an aftercare home). And their lives have been turned upside down (in a good way). Now they're re-evaluating everything they once thought was standard operating procedure for a young, successful American couple, and they couldn't be happier. We had the honor of baptizing them recently, and they've become dear friends. So read at your own risk...because Jesus has a way of changing your life when you meet him face to face.

Hello Friends.

So when I went to Mumbai, the single most therapeutic thing that I did upon my return was to write a little facebook note to let all my friends and family hear about my experience. I’ve just returned from Cambodia, and Todd needs some therapy.

On the evening of the second night in Phnom Penh, I found myself sitting at a bar known for its presence of ‘older’, ‘used up’ prostitutes (which apparently means over 20 yrs old). I was with two great friends, a man who runs an amazing organization that reintegrates rescued girls, and an ex-Australian cop who gives new meaning to the word B-A-D-A-S-S. (apparently “Badass 101” is part of the high school curriculum in that country cause every Aussie I’ve met in this line of work qualifies as one). Within 30 seconds of sitting down at a table there were 5 women surrounding us and I quickly realized that wearing shorts was not a wise decision (could have used a little heads up on that one…..but I digress). The most difficult part of this evening was playing the part of a typical, sleazy, perverted, disgusting, western “sex” tourist. We were told that the conversations would be uncomfortable, and they were. We were told we’d feel sleazy, and we did. We would not follow through on any of these conversations (obviously), but those surrounding us would, and they do every single night. This place opened up the door to the evil that we would see in the next few hours.

The next stop was a ‘restaurant’ that had food (actually had fantastic fried rice), but when you walked in the door it was hard not to notice the 50 girls between the ages of 14-20 all standing behind the bar. When I saw this I felt as though someone had just punched me in the stomach. As we sat down (again playing this role) I started to look at the girl's faces. They were some of the most beautiful girls I had ever seen. If they attended a high school prom in the states, these girls would get the attention of every single teenage guy that was there……..stunning beauty filled the room. However, at this place a 60 yr old, obese westerner with every STD known to man could walk in, pick out a 15yr old girl, pay a few dollars and then rape her……… We stayed for a little while (although I wanted to leave after 2 minutes). I played pool with one girl who was just the most normal, kind person you could imagine. But I cannot begin to comprehend what her life is like. During this time, my friend Andrew had a powerful conversation with a couple of the girls once they knew he was not there for sex. The girl spoke of one day having a boyfriend……her exact words were, “Love is much better than money.” And you know what? That young lady who has that mind set, but has to sell her body for a few bucks several times a day……is closer to God and has more wisdom than a majority of this fallen world.

The third stop will haunt me for the rest of my life, and if you were to ask me in 20 years the moment that I committed my life to this work……….it was the minute I walked in to the fishbowl. As we walked up a flight of stairs, nothing could prepare me for what I would see around the corner………….60-75 girls sitting behind a 50 ft wide glass panel all with numbers attached to their clothing. And if that was not degrading enough, the ‘waitress’ told us that the Cambodian girls were in red (silk nightie type shirts), the Vietnamese girls wore white, and then there were 4-5 Chinese girls sitting off to the side with normal clothes on. Apparently they were not worth enough for the owner to color code. So I was to pick the number of the girl I wanted, take her upstairs, rape her, then I would leave, and she would come back to the fishbowl to repeat that same process between 10-15 times that night. We saw several girls ‘cycled’ through different customers in the short time we were there. I could write a book on that experience, so I’ll spare you that. However, within that time period I will tell you that I nearly vomited in the bathroom, prayed out loud in the middle of this fishbowl with an amazing friend (David) for the freedom of these girls, and experienced firsthand what it was like to be on the front lines of Good vs. evil.

By the final stop of the night, I don’t really think I could have been broken down any more, but of course, Satan had other plans. So we walk in to this huge, nasty ass bar filled with several western men. Of course within 2 minutes I had several girls talking to me. I suppose the fact that I was 32 (as opposed to 62) and I was not 300 lbs made me ‘desirable’…..for whatever that is worth. I told this girl (that would not leave me alone) that I was not there for sex, so she should just move on. (I’m sure she probably hears that all the time right?). I ended up talking to her for however long we were there (no clue how long that was as my brain was mush by then). Her name is Lang. She says she is 25 years old (didn’t look a day over 17). She is from Vietnam. Her father is sick and her family has no money so she came to Phnom Penh after being promised a ‘wonderful’ job. I suppose she forgot to ask if that wonderful job was to sell her body multiple times a night for a few dollars. She dreams of having a loving husband who won’t hit her, and she asked me to take her with me so she could meet our group of “rescuers”. After this conversation Lang asked me to hold her……..so I did. It seemed like an hour, but it was probably only a few minutes. As I gave her one last big hug she looked at me and said, ‘thank you for being so kind’. As we left, I asked her if she could, would she leave this place? She said yes, so she gave me a phone # and I passed it on to Mr. Badass (the ex-Australian cop in our group who has also committed his life to saving these girls). I plan on following up with him to see if anything came out of the phone call, but I’m not sure I want to hear the answer. I didn’t necessarily have some “god like” moment with Lang, and she may have totally been playing the role of getting Mr. Westerner to feel sorry for her (although I feel she was being genuine)………but it put a face on the victim and it’s singed into my memory forever. That was the end of a night that will dictate the rest of my days here on earth.

I truly believe Satan was attacking us at every stop that evening, but unfortunately for him, his attacks only caused 3 strong, Christ following young men to move all their chips to the center of the table (and we’re bringing the members of our community with us). Sorry Mr. Satan, bad move on your part.

The rest of the trip was filled with hope, joy, laughter, and love. We met several amazing organizations with amazing people. None of them more amazing than our hosts at TG. These folks take rescued girls and give them hope and opportunity for the future. They learn meaningful vocations like yoga, graphic design, and social work that will prepare these girls to take their lives back. If I was a betting man I’d say that their model of aftercare will be THE model used in this Justice movement. I can’t wait to work with them in Mumbai and Cambodia and to see the amazing work they will do (and to answer my mom’s question….yes, we’ll most certainly be heading back to Cambodia.)

This trip significantly strengthened bonds with great friends (RP, AP and The Bulldog), it allowed me to create stronger friendships with those I didn’t know extremely well, and it created several brand new friendship. It forshadowed the work I’ll be involved in and those I’ll be working along side of for the rest of my life, it’s made what I thought was a pretty strong marriage even that much stronger…….and I spent a week with an amazing little 15 month old girl that we’ll love like our own forever (she seriously cried less than I did on the whole trip!)

The last two days were spent with the girls. We were at an orphanage for one day planting trees and painting all kinds of stuff. We went bowling, we ate pizza, we listened to music, and it was so refreshing (after seeing the evil of the situation in Phnom Penh) to see these girls who truly have a chance to be……well, normal teenage girls. Saying goodbye was tough (I don’t think that part will ever get easier), but I know we’ll stay in touch with the girls. I also know I’m going to be a part of a movement that is going to see thousands of girls just like these rescued and given their rightful chance at freedom.

In closing this ridiculously long “note”, I had about 60 total hours on a plane and in airports to listen to some music. A verse that keeps getting put on my heart is a verse from Magnificent by U2 (great song by the way):

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar
Justified, till we die you and I will magnify

Bono is a deep thinkin’ cat, so I don’t know what the hell he actually means, but for me:

Loving these girls and doing this work is gonna leave some pretty significant marks on us, but the only thing that will heal these girl's scars is the love of Jesus they receive from us (and others). We are justified in this work as the Lord demands that we seek justice for the oppressed, and while we are on this earth the love of a strong community can be magnified and directed towards helping these girls and those on the front lines of the issue.

Sigh…….it’s F’n late so I’m gonna go to sleep now, but thanks for listening/reading.

Love you all!

Todd