With no inboard power, we travelled as our ancestors did over a century ago with just wind and canvas propelling the journey. Although we left the luxuries of modern-day conveniences behind, in many ways, it felt like the trip of a lifetime.

We spent several carefree days at sea sitting under warm, blue skies inhaling the intoxicating breeze of salt and pine. Chef Dana prepared meals in the galley on the original wood-fired stove, while we sat captivated by the wildlife surrounding us – dolphins swimming in the steel blue waters, an eagle flying against the backdrop of giant cypress trees, and seagulls gliding like kites as they scouted for food. One evening, with fresh-caught lobsters in tow, we collected dry driftwood and seaweed on an abandoned beach for a traditional lobster bake. With full bellies, we sat around a fire, watching the moon rise over the islands of Penobscot Bay.

Back on the ship we sat on the broad wooden deck under a canopy of stars where mountains met the sea, quiet in thought. My mind wondered to the stories and secrets that Grace Bailey must hold. She had sailed to the West Indies in the Fruit Trade and carried granite that was used to build Grand Central Station in New York City. She had sailed through dark, unchartered waters and experienced violent storms with gale-force winds that battered and damaged her until she was rendered inoperable. In 1990, she underwent a major renovation, but admiring her restored beauty, one would never know all her former trauma.

Sailing forward on calm water snuggled next to my daughters and in the arms of my husband, I couldn’t help but admire our restored family. We had taken quite a turbulent journey, 17 years in fact, to arrive at this point. And like the Grace Bailey, no one could know our former trauma.

God never gave up on us, stubborn and willful as we were to veer off the intended course. His love and mercy were the wind in our sails that guided us back home.

Jeremiah 31:25 | I’ll refresh tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls. (MSG)

Wanna pray?

God, you are the master architect of the universe, the creator of all things, the giver of life and second chances. We tend to tell ourselves that we are not worthy. Instead of looking inward to find our worth, our strength, our truth, help us look upward to you. As we do this, refresh our weary minds and restore our lives to the beauty and purpose you intended for every single one of us.