And its only the beginning

Sometimes, when the day is beyond hot and the air is thick and heavy, and I think that there is literally no way any more sweat could come off my body.....when I've been cut by one of the saw blades and gotten carpet glue in my hair....when emotions run high and egos get in the way....

I wonder WHY AM I HERE?!?!

And then, in a fleeting moment, something magical happens. Maybe it's a dolphin leaping out of the water in our tiny canal, or one of the colorful sunsets, the way Ben talks about his passions and dreams, or yet another community member from Florida stopping by the lend hand or just give support....and suddenly my faith is instantly restored and I remember what I felt the first time I met Ben and learned about the Floating Doctors.

We use the image of "not having a big enough backpack to fill the need of the world" around here. What it means is, all of us are searching to make a difference in the global communities and there will always be a need that we cannot fill. But that never means we won't stop trying. Human suffering knows no boundaries, no race, ethnicity, sex, age....it's something we can all empathize with and can all understand.

I cannot wait until the day when I am able to touch another person, and do everything I can to make a small impact in their life. Being able to contribute to this project is an opportunity that is unlike any other, and I feel grateful everyday to be a part of such an amazing team.

The boat has made so much progress in the last couple of weeks. I'm learning so much about contruction... I could literally build furniture or a small house when I return. We finished all of the crew cabins and have almost finished all major construction on the boat. The majority of work that needs to be done are things that we currently lack the funds to make happen. But we should be getting some grants this week which will allow us to get the supplies we need to finish building, the personal we need to overturn the engines and fix the hydrolic system, and get the paint we need to paint the outside of the boat. When finished, "The Southern Wind" will be astounding.

There is much more to say, but little sleep to be had, so until then......fair winds and peace and love.