Kathryn’s Voyage Blog

Publish Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Location: Marblehead, Massachusetts
Coordinates: 42° 30.139′ N  70° 50.537′ W

….sounds like it could be a Dr. Suess book, doesn’t it? However, there was not a crazy cast of characters (well not exactly) :-), but there was all the warmth, charm and celebration of the human spirit you’d find in one of his books.  Ayla was invited to share her Save Our Seas presentation with the students of the Lowell Assembly of God Christian Academy (LAGCA). Their Associate Pastor Steve happens to be an avid Nordhavn fan, and has been following along with us on our voyage since the beginning. It was a thrill for all of us to finally meet after having been “email pals” for over a year.

The young people of LAGCA were an enthusiastic audience for Ayla’s presentation, actively participating in the talk and peppering her with questions.  With Think OCEAN cards and Seafood Watch pocket guides in hand they seem determined to do their part in helping to take care of our oceans.  They had also done their homework on our voyage, and had lots of questions about living on a boat and what places and wildlife Ayla had seen.  They all agreed to stay in touch via the website, and to create a fun educational dialogue about what they are studying in school, and what Ayla is seeing on the trip.

In doing their homework for our visit, they figured out Ayla’s 13th birthday was next week.  At the end of her presentation, the students and faculty surprised her with an incredible cake which  had an illustration of our boat on it along with a whole nautical theme.  The kids made her a giant handmade birthday card and all signed it with colorful and cheerful notes. There was a surprise bag filled with goodies as well; from a new journal and school notebook, to a Teen Bible and her own LAGCA sweatshirt.

Each of these gestures where wonderful and special in and of themselves, but it was the spirit in which it was all done that was so uplifting to the heart.  The sparkle in the eyes of the kids coupled with their broad smiles filled the room with joy, and left an indelible mark on our hearts.  The thoughtfulness, generosity and love shared with new friends was both humbling and inspiring.  Our sincere hope is to share that kind of spirit with others as we travel.  And so we say…

We carry with us all your smiles.
As we travel o’er the miles.
Tuesday in Tewksbury is the day
For which we say Hip Hip Hooray!!

OK, it’s clear I’m no Dr. Suess,  but we do leave this area with much the same feeling I had after reading his books. We are full of smiles, wonderment and deep appreciation.  Thanks LAGCA for your powerful uplifting spirit  wrapped in warmth.