After six years, tonight is my last in Portland. I’ve developed a bit of a love-hate relationship with this city.

It’s by far the filthiest place I’ve lived, bringing to mind time spent in parts of India. There are piles of trash under every overpass, along every highway, and in every neighborhood. Worse, there are people living in the piles of trash, with homeless advocates rejecting indoor options as “warehousing”.

Tents and old motor homes extend for bocks, interrupted by a business or two, and then many more blocks of misery. The situation grows increasingly dire. Millions and millions of dollars spent haven’t led to scalable solutions. City and community leaders focus on how the homeless feel rather than how to end their escalating trauma. It’s heart-rending.

And yet, and yet…

Within the past 74 months my heart has also been filled in completely unexpected ways. After a nearly 30 year hiatus, I reconnected with God, which was a prayer, but not an expectation. So much gratitude and affection for Westminster Presbyterian Church for their abundant love and encouragement.

I’ve found meaningful and creative ways to serve and a mentor in A’Jay Scipio at #NEFP.

I’ve immersed myself in a wild, fulfilling, intense journey of discovery with a blend of Pilates at #BodyMechanics and energy work with Tracy Broyles.

It’s been quite a chapter. Chapter 61.5 begins tomorrow, tens miles away in Beaverton. 😎

FB 3/24/22