We are currently sailing approximately 100 miles off the coast of West Africa somewhere near Mauritania. After a few days of really beautiful sailing and calm seas we have hit the "rough patch". We are now in North Atlantic waters and as our course turns north we are heading directly into the oncoming currents. So yesterday was the day to see what the ship and crew were made of. As we crashed into the waves I just kept thinking AWESOME! It is just amazing to feel the waves hit the ship and even better if you are standing on the bow (the front tip point of the ship). Don't worry it is closed during really rough seas and at night.
We have also been able to spot some amazing glimpses of nature: I have seen dolphins, a shark and an octopus. It is great! But there are also some very real dangers that we have had to acknowledge including pirates. On Sunday night myself and a few friends did the first two 2hour shifts of pirates watch, from 10pm to 2am. A little before 10pm I went to the bridge to check in, get the radio and the world's largest flashlight (seriously I have to hold it wit two hands). Then we headed to the stern (back end) to watch for pirates.
I'm not talking about Johnny Depp and some Pirates of the Caribbean, but real pirates who would try to come on board, take our belongings, the ship or worse. Since our ship is equipped with plenty of equipment and radars to detect other vessels we scanned the waters for any approaching, usually smaller, vessels that did not have it's lights on. Thankfully it was a quiet night and we were able to enjoy star gazing, we even saw a few shooting stars. This was a relief since earlier that same evening there was an approaching ship without lights on. The officers used "evasive tactics" and altered our course further out to sea.
That night I was also allowed to plot the position of the ship on the map and in the log book. So our position on Sunday, December 2, 2008 at 22:00 was 15.28 degrees latitude and 17.88 degrees longitude ("spoken like a true sailor" as our Security Officer Jan stated). At our current speed (almost 11 knots) we should arrive in Gran Canaria on Thursday around 2pm.
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2 comments:
Hello Shayla!
My name is Melanie Faith. Your Mom and my Mom (Vicki) work together at UPS.A couple of days ago she came home with your November newsletter...
It is really exciting to hear about the postive changes that you are making in the world, and the exciting adventures you are having far away from home. It must be a great sacrifice to be so far away from your loved ones...
When I think of what you are accomplishing, I think of this quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi.
One person at a time, you are changing lives! I am inspired by your story!
I just wanted to wish you a joyous holiday season, and let you know that you are in the prayers of many. Hoping you are safe ...
May you blessed with happiness and health for 2008.
~Melanie Faith
Shayla, I am in Oklahoma for Christmas with the boys. It is the day after, and the boys were very excited to play in the falling snow. I envy your adventures and your mission, but I don't envy the discomforts. I hope that when I make my first mission trip my mind stays focused on my reason for being there. I don't like to sweat either! I'll be keeping up with you. Many blessings! Cindy Wall, Dec.26, 2007 p.s. I did make a trip to China this September. Nothing to compare with your trip!
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