Expect the Unexpected

In Acts we read many times about Paul trying to get to some place…and being prohibited by various circumstances.  Unfavorable winds, ship wrecks, popular opinion, jail, etc. 

The last two we have yet to experience on this trip, but the first two…well, we have a little better idea of what they mean in real life. 

But I should go back and tell the story properly.

The trip over was fine.  Everyone met up in the airport around 2pm and we took a bus about 2 hours north of Athens to get to the boat.  We crossed over the little inlet on a barge of sorts to the HM Morning Star and got all moved in.  There are 11 of us in the course, plus our instructor, plus three crew members.  It's about a 55 foot boat.  It's cozy…and I always feel like I'm in someone's way.  It's also about the same size boat Paul would have been on - except with more people and more cargo….   Yeah, we have it good.  It's really quite comfortable, and the crew has been very good to us.

Anyway, last night we talked a little about course plans, ate dinner, and headed to bed.  We were all pretty exhausted.  This morning we got up and were underway by about 7:32.  The wind was against us, so we started motoring out of the bay.  Estimated waves at 4' high?  The bow sprit was often plunged under water.  I guess it was more stormy than usual...but only one of us got very sea sick. 

Unfortunately, the waves proved to be to much for the bow sprit and it cracked in two places.  Nothing life threatening, but we did have to motor back into the bay.  

About how far we made it before we had to turn back...

We took the bow sprit off tonight before dinner and the skipper and one of the crew took it to Athens where we are hoping their friend will have it put into usable shape in the next day or two - so we will be able to continue our voyage. 

Working on getting the bowsprit off

For those of us chomping at the bit to go places and do things, it's a little disappointing.  But it's also a good reminder that we are not in control.  It's a reminder that here on the sea, we are very much at the mercy of the wind and waves.  Fortunately, we have a God who controls those things. 

In spite of circumstances (or because of them) it's been a good day and a good trip thus far.  I've seen some beautiful scenery (though I hope the sun is out more tomorrow), met some great people, learned some about the sea and the Bible, and practiced a few sailor knots.  Looking forward to tomorrow!