What we are learning on this adventure

August 10th, 2008 by Pat Robertson

Thoughts from Pat

This trip gives us all something that we rarely have in life time, Time to think and time to reflect, time to listen and time to discuss. So much of life is spent running that we never take time because there is too much to do, we have to be some where we have to get something done, I can’t stop now. More on this in a different blog.

We also are having the opportunity to face our own fears. A voyage like this in a very small boat in a very large ocean with lots of electrical and mechanical issues gives cause for much thought. When you spend days out at sea with no sight of land, fears arise in our hearts some spoken many silent. We are facing icebergs that are gianormous some as large as city blocks! We have been next to some icebergs hundreds of feet high and where only 10% is above water the actual size is beyond our imagination. We have ventured into thick ice where if in the wrong place it could crush this tiny boat, we have been in places where there was ice thick and seemingly impassable for as far as binoculars could see to the horizon! Even the most experienced among us have doubts. As there was one system failure after the other everyone at some moment doubted the wisdom of continuing on. We were forced to face our fears.

Four people living in a very small space also brings out lots of dynamics. We are all different and think differently. Really facing our fears where we have few alternatives is very rare, in most of our lives we have lots of options and we are insulated from the worst of our fears. If you are reading this internet blog, you like me are already unique to most people in the world. In my world I rarely am forced to face my fears like I have been on this voyage. I belong to a men’s community where weekly we gather to share, give insight and occasionally poke each other in the places where our fears reside, where others can see our “stuff” in a way in which we are either we can’t see or are unwilling to see and we are in denial. Even there in an atmosphere of trust and transparency we rarely encounter the kind of moments we face here. Here aboard the Geraldine we don’t have the luxury of sticking our heads in the sand, decisions have to be made that have potential life or death implications. What is the right choice? Do we pursue the dream or do we seek safety and security? At what risk do we proceed? What else can go wrong? These and many more questions face us constantly. The safety of the crew is of utmost importance so it is always of paramount priority in all decisions. We pray always for the wisdom to take the wise action, but also to fulfill the mission. Balancing those two requires all of us to face our fears. God has been faithful to his promise which is the banner of the www.mvgeraldine.com blog. “He will be with us and watch over us everywhere we go.” Can we really believe that? He has shown us many signs to encourage us. We have seen His faithfulness. He has shown us rainbows in the air, pillars of fire on the horizon, friends along the way who have been divine appointments. We are trusting Him and His faithfulness and we are trusting Him to continue to shelter us in His hand as we turn North, or as Walt said “South to Alaska.”

7 Responses to “What we are learning on this adventure”

  1. Paula Leong Says:

    Thanks for sharing what is going on at a deeper level as you adventurers take on the great Arctic in a boat that seems very small when out in the vast seas or up against mountainous icebergs. As I have followed this blog, I have often thought that there’s probably alot more going on than just trying to get this boat back to California. I know that probably all of us journeying with you via the internet would be struggling similarly. While we usually do our best to run from these hard times, I have discovered in my own difficult times from which I couldn’t escape that God really is there for me, He really does care, and answer prayer and walk with me which is awesome and wonderful and at the end of the day all that really matters. So blessings on you all as God guides you through both the icy seas and the fears and other inner truths that surface as you journey on!
    Truly the trip of a lifetime!
    Love, Paula

  2. Chuck Single Says:

    Pat:

    So nice of you to share your thoughts, fears, and decisions. I’m sure some of the discussions are invigorating and controversial, as you all speak as Christians, and pray to God for guidance.

    One of the thoughts, for me, is that the boat is the biggest that Walt has ever owned, but is small relative to a “walk around the block” or the city block icebergs. It takes accomodations and care for even close friends, with much in common, to live so closely for a few months. I’m sure you would tire of my jokes, concern about our rediculous calendar, and a wandering “scientific mind”. So, be glad I am not there with you.

    I follow your trip (voyage) with great interest, and think of you all as I go to sleep, praying for your health and well being.

    South to Alaska !! and I had concluded it was West to Alaska !!

    havae faith !!

  3. Ed Wright Says:

    Ditto to Paula Leong’s comments. Pat’s “blog” has provided a much deeper insight into your lives and journey. It is hard to imagine what it would be like without God to guide you through the wilderness.

    You all are in our prayers.
    Ed

  4. Marcie Bowerman Says:

    Thank you to the crew, and especially Pat’s exposé on “a day in the life.” Pat’s writing confirms much of what I had naively projected/suspected, and I join all of those readers who so appreciate the experiential reality of this true frontier memoir. It is by far more intense than any mission trip I can imagine and is more like life and death decisions in wartime, including the rationing! I thank you for taking the time and effort to let us blog readers know more of the head, heart and soul workings in your tight quarters. You all will be permanently changed, don’t you think, and the depth of your showdown with fear is a Godsend, in my opinion.

    Is the Resolute you’re referring to the town on Cornwallis Island where you would still have to travel quite a distance west? My friends and I will continue to be praying for each of you! (MarcieB.)

  5. Graham Buckley Says:

    I’ll be praying for favorable conditions for you guys. God bless.

    Graham

  6. Joe Hernandez Says:

    Pat my brother, continuing to pray for you and the rest of the crew….hasta luego y vaya con Dios, joe

  7. Michael Pounds Says:

    What a life-changing adventure!! Hope you all are recording your thoughts in a diary for your book.

    Shirley and I look daily for your Updates.

    Our prayers and thoughts are with you several times a day.

    Miss you, Pat and Walt.

    Pds

Leave a Reply


I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go — Genesis 28:15