20 Mile Catalina Channel Swim

If not for the grace of God and Laura’s House, I would not be alive today.  Just a few years ago, I was going through a very difficult divorce and my life was threatened several times. My exhusband was a very volatile person.  He does not abide by restraining orders and has told the police (when I called them) that as soon as they left my house, he’d be back.  At just the right time, a good friend suggested I look into Laura’s House.  I was reluctant at first, but knew I must go if I wanted to save my life and the lives of my children.  From day one, the counselor’s I met with were sympathetic and understanding.   I met many women there that shared stories similiar to mine.  Suddenly I wasn’t feeling so alone!  Some were physically abused, verbally abused and or sexually abused. Everyone was emotionally broken and their lives shattered.  Yet on those days when we all came together in a safe place we found shelter and hope in each other.  It was the one place that we all felt heard.  We felt like our lives mattered there, even if they didn’t matter to our husbands or anyone else.  None of us had the money or resources to fight our court battles, but Laura’s House provided lawyers and counselors we could talk to.  They also protected our safety and housed families.  Now, I am away from my abuser and feel confident on my own.  I have my own home and my kids are safe.  So it is my turn to give back to the charity that gave so much to me.  I’m challenging myself with the longest swim of my life; the 20  mile crossing of the Catalina Channel!  Now this is no ordinary ocean swim.  I will begin my swim at Catalina island at midnight to avoid large cargo ships in the channel.  This means the majority of my swim will be in total darkness!  I will be by myself without a wetsuit.  Just me, my swimsuit, cap and goggles.  My friends along with my kids will be aboard a boat escorting me to shore.  I’m hoping with this swim to raise awareness of how prevalent domestic violence is.  I hope to raise money to the one charity that houses countless abused women and children daily! Most of all, I hope that anyone struggling right now knows that you can call Laura’s House anytime any day.  Just know you are not alone and it’s not your fault! We are all sons and daughters of God and deserve dignity and respect!  God loves you!
Joshua 1:9
This is my command-be strong and courageous! For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.