Category: The Great Loop Adventure

  • Day #301 – Life Aboard a Boat – Part 2

    These skills will prove helpful:

    • Counselor (when the boat hits something in the water and it’s not your fault)
    • Party Planner (for the numerous potlucks, docktails, locktails (gathering together at or near the lock/canal waterways), spontaneous get together which Loopers are well known.)
    • Improvisor with little advance notice
    • Travel Agent (booking the next evening’s destination with a harbor master if you plan to dock at a marina)
    • A praying person (most helpful!) + having a network of praying people supporting you while you are out there.

    If you can handle the above (see Life on a Boat, Part 1), you are definitely in for the thrill of a lifetime. You will encounter many firsts on this trip with brand new sights, sounds, smells and people along the way. Walking through Arlington Cemetery and witnessing the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Washington DC with the White House, US Capitol building and Library of Congress, Times Square, being on The Today’s Show in downtown New York City … amazing, each one in their own way! What will be your next adventure?

    Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover, Mark Twain.

    xxxxx

     

     

  • Day #300 – Life Aboard a Boat, Part 1

    This is a momentous occasion—300 days on the trail, the waterway trail that is! I find this hard to believe unless I look at my journal or calendar and see verification for myself. 300 days, 4848 miles, 16 states + Canada, and too many waterways to mention. What a whirlwind experience (wild ride) we have had throughout the entire 300 days! Still seems impossible to believe that we are ¾ done with the trip. In some ways, it feels as though we have just begun, and in other ways, it feels like we’ve lived aboard Sanctuary for much longer.        

    I am working on a job description for First Mate. Requirements needed for this position is quite extensive so it may be awhile before the list is complete. Here are a few points to consider:

    • Strong physical endurance most helpful. Ability to withstand sweltering heat and humidity, pelting rain, storms and cool temperatures. May occur within the same day. A strong internal constitution when encounter foreign water and foods. Ability to walk a lot, coordination in riding a bicycle, climbing in and out of a dinghy, and stepping many steps, tying knots, lassoing cleats/posts/rings in anticipation of docking
    • Excellent balance and no fear of the water or motion sickness prone—a definite plus!
    • Ability to tolerate long periods without family or friends you left behind. The flip side: you will meet many wonderful people along the way who share your trip with you off and on during  the 6000+ miles.
    • Days of isolation in tight quarters; other days you’ll be overwhelmed by people everywhere with no where to retreat.
    • Every day is different for approximately the next 365 days. No two days are the same even if you remain in the same anchorage, marina, or mooring ball.

    Let’s pause for a moment.

    • Is God showing you a new door to open in your life today? Maybe an adventure in the making.
    • What do you suppose He is preparing you to encounter or withstand in the near future? Be brave and ask Him.

    In Part 2, we will consider useful skills to carry along for the trip ahead.

    xxxxx

     

  • Turbulent forecast ahead?

    Dark, ominous sky overhead         
    Warns of rain and inclement weather.
    Tempest clouds
    Speak of turbulent forecast.
    Yet, we are docked safe and secure
    Naught to worry or fear.

    Even though outside the
    Weather is frightful, I know
    He has this whole world in His hands.
    Deep within my soul
    I can truly say,
    It is well with my soul.      

     

     

     

     

    The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit, John 3:8.

    *****

     

  • Breathing in His Grace

    Swan Creek anchorage by Rock Hall, Maryland

    All is calm.
    All is still.                                             Fish jump occasionally.
    Blue Heron glides overhead.
    Subtle creek ripples
    Gently past our vessel
    Sanctuary – tucked away snugly
    Within a protected cove.

    Take a few deep breaths
    Breathe in His grace and 
    Breathe out His praise  *
    Breeze cooling as sun sets
    Slowly behind pine tree line.
    Another day draws to a close
    Opportunity to thank the One
    Who made all things possible.

    Picture taken at Swan Creek at anchor, Rock Hall Maryland

    • Matt Redman – Your Grace Finds Me! 

  • Sacrifice for You and for Me

    Thoughts while sitting on the Amphitheater steps of the Unknown Soldier Tomb:

    Oh, the tears, the blood shed
    Represented here in this place.      
    Row after Row after Row
    White tombstones
    Representing sons, fathers, uncles.
    Real live people.
    Real live losses.

    Days gone by.
    Ancestors, family, friends.
    What sacrifices!
    All to secure my freedom and yours.
    Words cannot describe
    The debt we owe
    To the many who’ve gone on before.

    I am humbled, speechless
    Driven to my knees.
    My only response
    Is Thank You.
    And then the tears flow.

  • Water Therapy

    beach at Wrightsville Beach Atlantic
    Atlantic Ocean – Wrightsville Beach

    Ocean waves thunder & roll
    Crashing unrepentant against the shore
    Greenish-blue water with froth on top
    Wind blasts sand on my skin
    Children chase seagulls
    Birds hover overhead
    Carried along with the breeze
    People play … enjoying life
    Others rest after a hectic week
    Some immersed in their favorite read
    Carefree feeling
    Place to unwind
    Absorb sun’s rays
    To just be!

    I stoop low
    Spying a smooth peculiar shell
    Purple hued edges
    Catch my eye
    I gather grains of polished sand
    As they trickle past my fingertips

    Praying
    May the wind smooth and polish
    My rough and jagged edges
    May I be beautiful and useful
    In Your sight
    For Your glory!

  • He sees all

    God sees a lonely, breaking heart
    So, He sends rays of sunshine to warm a soul
    An unexpected smile from a stranger
    Manatee swims beneath the boat 

    God sees a lonely, breaking heart
    So, He delivers frolicking dolphins
    Comfort words from a friend
    Bursts of flowers from a cactus

    God sees my lonely, breaking heart
    So, He orchestrates morning chatter from birds
    Awareness … my husband truly cares
    A pelican confidently swoops

    I am not alone
    This too shall pass
    Reminders to enjoy
    this present moment

    *****

  • I’m Back !!!

    Greetings & Salutations!

    Been so long busy preparing and traveling on our year-long Great Loop journey that I am sorry I’ve neglected this blog. In the interim, I hope you’ll find, read, comment on our blog link at www.TravelsOfSanctuary.com. Our blog will give you a clue as to what my husband Steve and I have been doing for the last six months.

    Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary
    Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary

    This is day #179 of a potential 365-day trip. Doing the math, I calculate that 182 days will be one-half way through. I can honestly say I am not the same person when Steve and I began on September 3, 2016 back at Lakeshore Yacht Harbour, Muskegon, Michigan.

    I’ve been honest with everyone—we are living aboard my dream boat on Steve’s dream trip. We’ve weathered ups and downs. In case you wonder if every day feels like living in Paradise; the answer is no. Many are wonderful and we see beautiful sights such as sunsets, manatees, and Key deer.  I can move my body geographically to a warm location, but with the body also comes my mind and soul. All my previous deficiencies and hang ups come along with me. My fears, doubts, worry (I know that I am not supposed to worry), probably even multiplied—they did not automatically magically disappear (wouldn’t that have been sweet?)

    Circumstances of life and known people stayed behind for a time. New circumstances, geography, people took their place while on this year long journey. I’m thankful for stay-over visitors we have from time to time.  My main source of communication, interaction needs to be found in my husband of 40 years. Other Looper boaters and my surroundings change constantly and sometimes daily. Lately, the mantra I repeat is:

    I cannot do this, Lord! I cannot do this without You!

    Depending on the day, I may be referring to:

    • Being stranded on the boat for a few days and nights without leaving while rocking and rolling in a storm trying to remain brave and not get seasick
    • Washing another dirty dish by hand
    • High temperatures and humidity feeling ready to pass out
    • Not seeing my children/grandchildren/friends for months at time
    • Lack of exercise aboard due to not much square footage and no car to take me away. We rely predominately on our own two feet or bicycles

    I constantly remind myself that He is my all in all. The great I AM. Learning to lean into Him as I combat impatience, loneliness, frustration, anger, and physical limitations. God gives me the choice and will to praise His name and be thankful for my many blessings of which there are many if I look around me. God is still in control.

    How do you handle loneliness? Frustration and anger? Have you been in a situation where you are at the end of your resources and had to call out to God in desperation? Maybe you are there right now. I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment or question. We can both grow together spiritually.

    Blessings to you & your family, Teresa

    I leave you with a few choice words from Colossians 3:15, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

    *****

  • Ready for Adventure?

    Today is day #28 of the Great Loop adventure. And, yes it truly has been an adventure. We’ve seen landscapes, waterways, and sunrises not seen before. Met new Looper people we would never have crossed passed with in our regular, daily life.  Learned to go without embracing the basics of life.                                              img_20160927_140010943_hdr-1

    Let’s stop right here and look up the definition for the word adventure. Here’s what I found for the word adventure:

    • Escapade
    • Quest
    • Journey
    • Exploration
    • Undertaking
    • Exciting activity

    Okay, I am kind of weird. I admit that, but keep tracking with me. I then went on to look up the word exciting. Here’s where the road may diverge for you as it did for me. Here’s a few definitions for the word exciting:

    • Thrilling
    • Exhilarating
    • Stirring
    • Stimulating
    • Electrifying
    • Inciting

    That’s enough. I have felt all of those emotions and I haven’t even been on this trip for a month yet. What does that say about the trip? What does that say about me? I am not sure, but I’ll let you fill in the blanks. I’m just putting it out there for anyone else anticipating or planning such an adventure. It doesn’t even have to be the exact type of adventure we are involved with. When I think about the word electrifying, it does not bring up a positive connotation. Certainly not dull or boring, I’ll give you that much. More like scared to the point of wishing I were anywhere else but standing in my own shoes. Admittedly, I have felt that. Like when we said good-bye (don’t like that word, so I say: see you later) to my daughter and my friends. Those see you later words are so hard to say even though I know it’s only for a year, or in some cases, months until I see their smiling faces and hear their precious voices in person.

    I go through this exercise to share with you my emotions hoping you, too, can relate. Even a simple day’s emotions can range from peace to utter chaos within a short period of time. From tears of sorrow and disappointment to tears of joy. Sometimes without any warning.

    Then God gives me a verse to ponder. To hold onto and call my own: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence . This is a poignant reminder that He is approachable. He’s not a wizard that sits with a magic wand in never-never land occasionally swooping down to check on his created ones. The book of Hebrews describes this throne with the word grace (unmerited favor, mercy, or kindness). I like the thought of my Creator being available and that He is described with mercy and kindness. The verse goes on further to add that I can approach boldly and in confidence. I need not worry or fret; He’s got my whole life under control and in His competent hands—the Great High Priest.

    What do I take away from this?

    1. Approaching God and His throne is not reserved for nobility
    2. No holding back; no reservations
    3. He’s there for me anytime day or night
    4. God may not take me out of the storm/trial, but He’ll ride through with me

    God already knows all, so why do I hesitate to share my innermost feelings with Him?
    Is there a deep fear you’ve been holding to? One you hesitate to share with anyone?

    Reminds me of a tune I sang as a young girl called, Tell it to Jesus alone (words by Edmund S. Lorenz)

    Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    Are you grieving over joys departed?
    Tell it to Jesus alone

    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    He is a friend that’s well known
    You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
    Tell it to Jesus alone

    Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
    Tell it to Jesus alone