Amazing Grace

Sept. 30 - The word "grace" is defined as "undeserved blessing," and we have experienced God's grace every day of this journey. We've seen it in countless ways, large and small. Here are some examples from today:

Back in August, Greg and Darlene scheduled a trip to New York, planning to meet up with us and visit friends in Rochester and some of Darlene's friends and relatives on Long Island (where she grew up). Unfortunately, we missed them because they left here two weeks ago when we were still in Nova Scotia. Wayne called his brother Greg yesterday afternoon and told him we were finally in Long Island and where we planned to put up for the night. Greg told him that Darlene's friend, Laura, runs Brewer Marina in Glen Cove, ten miles past our planned destination, and that she would be able to put us up there for the night. Cool! A little while later Wayne got a phone call from Laura, and we were all set. She even gave us a discount! This was God's grace at work.

Mike met us when we docked at Brewer Marina at 6:00, which was closing time. He got us squared away and I put a couple loads of laundry in. I actually meant to do laundry in Mystic, but forgot, and was concerned about how soon we would have another chance. This too was God's grace at work.

While I was taking care of the laundry, Wayne chatted with a guy on the dock who shared some local knowledge with him regarding our route - where to go and not go, etc. - God's grace at work.

This morning we went up to the office to meet Laura and she offered us the use of her car. We had tried to buy groceries in Mystic, but there was only a small store which didn't have much of what we needed. As with doing laundry, I wasn't sure when we’d have another chance to buy groceries, and once again - God's grace at work.

I marvel at how God has blessed us with weather far better than we could have hoped for, and not a day passes that we are not aware of him protecting us. It is quite remarkable how I often feel as if we’re in a protective bubble where nothing can touch us. We know that many of you are praying for us - that God would keep us safe and give us favorable weather - and that means the world to us. YOU are God's grace in action, another undeserved blessing for which we praise him and give him (and you!) thanks.

Wayne and I have experienced God in many ways over the course of our lives, and now as our Cruise Director. Thank you God, for your grace - on this trip and always.