JRP at Sea

For most of the month of January, we are living on the Pacific Ocean. Seven days to Hawaii, and then ten days to Japan, as well as a lost day when we cross the International Date Line. Life at sea is what I missed the most, and is what I am most excited and grateful to experience again. There are few opportunities, if ever, to live on the ocean. With the Spring 2019 voyage, I will have now spent over a year of my life living on the ocean, staring out at the horizon, mesmerized by the ever-changing water and sky, admiring a sunrise or sunset that seems on display only for us, out here alone in the ocean, feeling a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty in the world. Most voyagers realize life at sea with the shipboard community was their favorite part of the voyage. I fully agree. As excited as I am to arrive in Japan, I am in no hurry here at home, with life at sea.   

With only one day in Honolulu, Hawaii, a refueling stop on our way to Japan, we had limited time in port. Thankfully, Alice’s childhood friend Hilary, who lives in Honolulu, had the day planned for us, even generously welcoming us with leis and a Hawaiian bag of snacks and other items for the ship. Her excitement to show us the island fully enhanced the day, with several experiences we wouldn’t have had without the insight of a local, like a small bakery where they make Filipino breads, and a quiet but beautiful beach where her brother was playing volleyball. Being a sailor herself, Hilary knew we would want to walk around after being on the ship, so we hiked Diamond Head for a beautiful view of the ocean, downtown, and the mountain ranges. Being a sailor, she also has a boat, where we had some wine and lau lau. The day was a much needed break from a long stretch across the Pacific Ocean, and we made the most of the day, arriving back at the ship a little too close to ship time,...

What a beautiful way to begin the Spring 2019 Semester at Sea voyage, with family. After several memorable days in San Diego together, my Mom and Dad, and Alice's Mom and Dad, took a tour of the MV World Odyssey, where they were able to see our home for the next four months, a home that will take our shipboard community to Mexico, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Mauritius, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Netherlands. My family gives me the love, support, prayers, encouragement, generosity, patience, faith, and blessings to go into the world and love and live through their beautiful  example.