"The birth of my first child nearly 17 years ago drastically changed my life. Before children, the true depth to which we can love someone is simply unfathomable. That changes the second we take our first child in our arms. In addition to this deep, unconditional, incomparable love, every parent also knows how much having children flips life as we know it upside-down. Priorities shift 180 degrees, every decision now takes the new addition into account, and we become acutely aware how dependent and vulnerable children are.
This knowledge of this vulnerability has eaten at me. For years I had known of human trafficking, but had remained comfortable in my ignorance - disgusted at its existence, but scared to know more. Watching my own children grow the past few years, and realizing what easy targets kids are has begun to tug at my heart and soul. The devastating loss of a child is a parent's worst nightmare. The thought of losing one to sex trafficking is the most heartbreaking thing I can imagine.
As my family has grown, so has a deep sense of responsibility, not only to my own kids, but to children all over the world. The prevalence and magnitude of human trafficking is mind blowing. We are letting our children down. We need to do more.
In 2020, I decided to step up and join the fight. The truck pull began as an opportunity to use my love of personal challenges to do something bigger than myself - to try to make a difference. I had no idea how quickly the event would grow. It was incredible to see how in 1 short year, 30 people jumped at the chance to make a difference by joining a crazy event.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you to everyone who has participated in the truck pull, everyone who has volunteered for the event, and to everyone who has donated the cause.
- Arlo Gagestein
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." - Mark 10:14
