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DAY 1
The first day was amazing. I slept on
the plane pretty much the whole way. We
had a five-hour lay over before boarding
our domestic flight to the Crossing.
I slept in a booth in the cafeteria
during that time. Everyone else ate and
talked. I am really excited to go on
this trip but at the same time I am
really going to miss being home. Not
necessarily being home but feeling
comfortable. It’s always hard to step
out and grow as a person. It is
definitely a choice. It seems as though
I’ve been doing that a lot lately.
We finally have gotten on our plane and
are on our way to our first destination,
a small island where the Indies Trader
is. As we begin to land my breath is
taken away by the beauty of the island.
The reef expands around the land with
the most beautifully blue water. It
looks like every National Geographic
photo that you’ve seen of the Islands
and thought didn’t really exist. I am
so blessed.
The lord has given me the opportunities
not to only see this place but realise
it. Palm trees jutting out of the ground
with little huts all over the place.
We land on this little strip of an
airport in paradise. I walk out of the
plane and can’t believe I am actually
here. Lisa points out the Indies Trader
right in front of us, I look and see the
classic boat and she says, “Quiksilver
doesn’t mess around”. I smile and
appreciate who has given this precious
gift to me. I answer “Its true they
don’t”.
We hung around the boat today basically
just checking things out. Lunch was
amazing. Freshly made bread with fresh
pesto and anything else you want to put
on your sandwich. The cook is amazing.
He makes everything fresh and serves it
up in perfect portions. The variety of
meals is from sandwiches to chow mein.
Everything is from scratch. |
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We went to this little surf break off
the reef on the other side of the
Island. It was small and shallow.
Especially for me with my long legs. We
all hopped on the little boat and went
surfing. The current was strong so we
had to paddle the whole time to stay in
position. It was a fun little right,
about two feet. The reef was so shallow
in some areas you had to be really
careful. I kicked the reef and cut up my
foot a little and dinged my board. We
surfed for about two hours.
I sat on top of the boat as the sun set
listening to my Christian music praising
the lord for his amazing gifts.
Meanwhile Lisa, Veronica, Sophia, Horny,
Don, Claudia and Sue were drinking and
talking.
The sunset was so amazing. Then the moon
rose. But it rose like the sun. It was
really weird because it was so big and
bright that at first I actually thought
it was the sun. We ate another delicious
meal and then I went to sleep.
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I haven’t been writing in my journal
everyday. Yes I am a lazy individual.
How hard is it to sit down everyday and
record the memories? But for some
amazing reason it seems as though I’d
never had enough time. It seemed
strenuous trying to pause the rhythm I
had developed, and write. With the
structure of the trip this act was much
too disciplined for me. I will, however,
summarize my experiences, which I will
remember for the rest of my life.
The Crossing
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Remembering each day causes my heart to
praise, praise the lord for his
blessing. My cup overflows with
gratitude. Who am I to deserve this
experience – this moment of which I
learned so much.
Waking up I look outside my window and
see a little island with palm trees
jutting up towards the sky. The sun
reflects off the beautiful blue water
into my eyes. The warm temperature
reminds me of where I am. Thank you.
I go downstairs to the kitchen to see
everyone eating breakfast. Fresh bread,
muesli, milk, coffee, honey, peanut
butter, and fruit salad to greet me
along with Veronica, Lisa, Sophia,
Danielle, Horny, Don, Zane, Carolyn and
Jody. Oops, Captain John also. What are
we going to do today after breakfast,
surf an amazing course. How wonderful.
We hop on the tin boat and surf our
brains out. I do a little reef check
with my leg and come back in time, for
lunch. Hi Chris, Hi Jimmy yes a reef
check today.
The sun goes down after another fabulous
session. Showered and exhausted I clean
out my wounds. Horny is fishing again,
as Lisa and Veronica look on, laughing
and enjoying themselves. Danielle is
cleaning up and Jody is sleeping.
The stars begin to appear, the dinner is
almost ready. A moon is rising like the
sun and the warm breeze comforts me as I
think of home. Dinner. We gather around
the table upstairs and enjoy another
amazing meal. Laughing and talking we
listen to Lauren Hill.
How blessed are we all. Reminiscing
about how great the waves were today we
all trickle to bed. A good nights sleep
and another day tomorrow.
Our Crew
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The Captain : Surf, Surf, Surf an
intelligent man who knows what he wants
– to surf.
Horny : a kind heart. Sensitive and
searching. Longing to be filled. A
giving soul. He held us together with
his bad jokes and childlike enthusiasm
– a blessing.
Veronica : oh, a beautiful heart. Loving
and kind, caring, laughter and joy,
considerate of all – a pleasure.
Lisa : honesty - a mother to all – an
open heart worth millions, cynical and
sarcastic, comedian always glowing.
Danielle : loving caring, protecting,
thankful, sweet and genuine – thank
you.
Sophia : stoked, innocent and pure. Kind
and humble, amazing, a diamond.
Caroline : Confident, secure young,
sweet, innocence – a burst of girlish
giggles – elegance.
Jodi – Friendly open, kind, laughter,
and a joy, a breath of fresh air.
Don : Quiet, secure, very kind, polite,
a gentleman.
Zane : hilariously irregular, a burst of
music, an amazing cook.
Sum : A true comedian, a puppy dog, a
huge smile.
Chris : Discipline, honour, respect a
leader of morality, leader.
Jimmy : Kind heart, caring always
helping serving.
Goodbye.
It is amazing to gaze upon the creation
before me. How intricate and beautiful
it is. Thank you lord for giving us the
ability to enjoy your work. The waves,
the ocean, the fish, the land, the
people. Memories and growth. Looking the
truth that I see is you. This trip with
its laughter and joy, fear and doubt,
fun and accomplishment, unity and love
– will never leave my mind. Thank you
for the opportunity. Thank you for
Quiksilver.
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