the year of the boat

the year of the boat
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

I recently read a book that I really enjoyed. Unlike my usual fare of epic sailing adventures, this book was about a local writer who took on the challenge of building a small wooden sailboat. The author is Lawrence Cheek, who lives in Seattle and writes travel books and magazine articles. With the skill of a wordsmith, the author describes his frustrations and joys of the boatbuilding project. It is not a book of building technique, but a diary of self-doubt and determination. He often digresses into philosophical musings about life which emanate from his boatbuilding. An added connection for me is his interaction with 'my boating world': the Puget Sound, Wooden Boat Festival, Sam Devlin boatyard near Olympia - settings with which I am very familiar. I have often contemplated building a wooden boat, and though I can't say that this book has inspired me to get started right away, it has given me a clearer picture of the challenges and rewards of taking on such a project.

Foothills Trail - 'take two'

September view of Rainier from Orting
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This past June, Esther and I took along a couple of boys we were babysitting to the Foothills Trail near Orting. We didn't make it very far as it was quite hot and the boys were young. We loved the trail, and were anxious to explore it again someday. Well, we took the opportunity today to ride the entire 30 mile round trip trail from Puyallup to South Prairie and back. The weather was perfect: sunny, but a little cool. We thoroughly enjoyed the trail. It starts in farm country, goes through Orting and then follows the Carbon River and the foothills to South Prairie. This is definitely our favorite trail so far. Esther did great on her clunky old cheapo Murray. We've decided that she has earned the right to a new bike. Next spring we will have to go bike shopping for her. In other eventful news of the day, Markus departed Southworth for another year at SPU.

Leaders Hike

our classroom leaders at the lighthouse
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Once again our annual classroom leaders hike took the bad weather alternative to Dungeness Spit. On Saturday, Don and I took a dozen of our classroom leaders on a hike. Several parents also joined us for the ten mile round trip hike to the lighthouse and back. All of the kids made it; and in pretty good time! I think the lousy weather kept the kids from poking along on the beach too much. After the hike, we hit the excellent swimming pool in Sequim. We have a great bunch of fifth graders who help manage the 60 students in our classroom. The hike is something a little special we like to do for them. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach at our church. I spoke on the conscience: 'God's ally in the human soul.' By Sunday night, it felt like I had a seven day work week!

a sea of students

a sea of students
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This school year has gotten off to a great start. The school climate is filled with positive anticipation on account of our new principal. We have a large class (59), but we are enjoying it. We don't seem to have a usual cadre of behavior problems. Having returning students who help with classroom management is a real advantage. Our students did relatively well on their WASL scores last spring, so we are feeling pretty confident. (Beware! "Pride cometh before the fall") The district is implementing new writing and reading curriculums this year, so these two old veterans have to do things a little different. That's good, because it keeps us sharp and falling into a rut.
On a completely different subject, we received a message from our sister church in Haiti. They are suffering much because of the hurricanes: homes and crops destroyed. The road is cut off to incoming supplies. Our church is working with RMI to get rice, beans and oil to the church. Hopefully, the road will be repaired soon, though these things don't happen quickly in Haiti.

wind + water + sun = great September sailing!

sail and sky
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This week was a great first week of school. Our students are seem wonderful and our staff is fired up for a great year. I will blog about my class this week some time. This morning I poured a little cement for my neighbor and then spent the afternoon sailing. I couldn't pass this opportunity up as my 2008 sailing days are numbered with fall approaching. It was a satisfying sail! The wind freshened and the clouds dissipated as the afternoon wore on. At first, I was just going to sail around Blake Island, but after beating my way up to the north end, Rich Passage looked very inviting. I sailed to Watauga Beach and took some pictures of the house I worked at this summer. There was a strong breeze by then and I had a quick broad reach back to Southworth.

Lynden again

Sunday brunch at Chuckanut Manor with the Eides
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We went back up to Lynden Labor day weekend, helping Bjorn and Jenny move as well as a little vacationing with the Eides. Esther's parent's home is now occupied by Bjorn and Jenny. It's quite a bit larger than their previous rental, so they probably feel like they are rattling around. We also relaxed Sunday and part of Monday at the cabin at Cain Lake. Instead of the traditional oyster barbecue, we ate at the Chuckanut Manor, where the Eides got their oysters. School begins tomorrow for Esther, Calvin and I. Our school is pretty excited to begin a new year with our new principal.

visiting Lynden

Bulthuis picnic at Birch Bay
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We spent this past weekend in Lynden doing some prep work on the Van Dyk Rd so Bjorn and Jenny can move into Esther's parents former house. It involved getting rid of the last of the furniture and repairing a vinyl floor. At the same time, we got to see my sister, Ellen who went to China this summer to teach English. She had a great time and wants to go back. The Bulthuis family (my mom, siblings and spouses as well as nephew Aaron and family) had a picnic at Birch Bay. It was a nice evening at the state park and we enjoyed views of the bay and Canadian mountains and an evening campfire. We also got to spend some time with Esther's family. Bjorn and Jenny came back from Mexico and Esther and I went back to school today. Another summer is over!

biking seattle

gas works park
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

We always say that we should take our bikes on the ferry and ride all the way into Seattle. Well, today we did it. Esther and I took a morning ferry over to Fauntleroy, then biked along the Beach Drive to Alki Beach where we enjoyed fish and chips (well oysters and chips in the case of Esther). Refueled, we went on around Elliot Bay to the Seattle waterfront. Taking a detour around Hempfest (which was set up at SAM sculpture park), we went around the east side of Queen Anne to SPU and Fremont. We decided to push it a little further and go on to gas works park before turning around. On the way back we went around the east side of Queen Anne and through some back streets downtown to get back to the waterfront and retrace our route back around Alki to the ferry, stopping again at Alki for supper. The nice thing about this route is that it is pretty much flat the whole way. I don't have an odometer, but I'm guessing that we rode between 30 and 40 miles. We both have sore rears. Well done, Esther!

Big Wedding for the Little Man

Frank and Sheri Carlson
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

Our friends Frank Carlson and Sheri Hitch were married this afternoon despite a downpour of rain. Frank has been a bachelor all these years, patiently waiting for the Lord to give him a partner. Sheri is a gracious loving woman who is basking in Frank's affection. The outside wedding was attended by about three hundred guests. The weather was precarious, and just as the ceremony started, it began to rain (hard). The joy of the moment overshadowed the discomfort. Frank could not resist the opportunity for the spectacular as a team of vikings delivered Sheri's ring in a treasure chest. A picnic complete with roast pig finished the festivities. Fortunately, it stopped raining.

Haiti Trip - day 13

In the morning, we did some last minute shopping. Key West shopping has changed since we were here six years ago. Last time it was filled with tourist trinket shops, all with seemingly the same inventory. Now there are more galleries and upscale specialty shops. We headed out of the Conch Republic late morning bound for Key Largo and the snorkel tour at John Pennekamp State Park. We both enjoyed the snorkel tour very much. It was a somewhat rough day on the waters, so they took us to a reef about five miles off shore. We snorkeled for an hour or so just inside the reef. The coral and variety of fish were amazing. It felt like we were swimming in a giant aquarium filled with beautiful fish. We cleaned up at the campground showers as we decided to forgo a motel for the night and spend another glorious night in the Miami airport. Our flight left at 7am, so it didn't make much sense to get a room for a couple of hours, just to get up at 3am, bring the rental car back and get to the airport. We chose a spot about ten feet away from our last 'carpet suite' and caught a little shut eye between interruptions. The flight home was direct and we were in Seattle by 10am.

Haiti Trip - day 12

Despite the heat, we decided to rent bicycles to get around Key West. Mopeds and electric cars are also very popular rental items. In the morning, we took a long ride all the way around the key. We got a little overheated, but refreshed ourselves at Camille's restaurant, a funky local favorite. Then it was off to rent a sailboat for an hour. I wanted to rent their Hobie 16, but they were a little lazy, since it wasn't rigged yet; so they talked us into the Hobie 14. It was fun to be on the warm water. Hobie sailing is definitely a wet experience, so it is obviously not a Puget Sound favorite. Esther enjoyed laying on the trampoline and getting splashed with warm water. In the evening it was back down to Mallory Square to enjoy the sunset. Tomorrow, we head back to Miami.

Haiti Trip - day 11

After a long night of sleep in air conditioning, we started down the Keys. We stopped in Key Largo at Pennekamp State Park and reserved a snorkel tour for our return trip. We were amazed at the traffic in the upper Keys, mostly coming out. There were lots of pickups pulling fishing boats; must be some kind of season opening this week. We arrived in Key West mid-afternoon and checked into the Chelsea House, an old historic house turned hotel-very cozy and right in the middle of things. Town is packed with tourists, despite it being off season. There are many Europeans as well as those from the Midwest and Northeast. Everyone heads for Mallory Square at sunset, which was pretty much a dud tonight. The town parties until 4am, but we turned in at 10pm.

Haiti Trip - day 10

Ah, the joys of travel in Haiti! We checked in early at the Les Cayes airport and waited a couple of hours. It was hard to say goodbye to the RMI missionaries and staff. They make so much effort to make our stay a pleasant one. We are able to have these trips only because these people believe in the importance of this ministry and sacrifice their comforts to make it happen. Check them out at http://www.rminet.org/ Once we got to Port au Prince the fun began: Keeping track of bags while being hounded by porters, standing in endless lines, going through security three times, handing your passport over five times. The three hour ordeal ended successfully, with all people and baggage aboard. We are now safely in Florida, spending the night in Homestead; and tomorrow Esther and I embark on our adventure in the Keys.

Haiti Trip - day 9

The retreat center at Zanglais is a mini-resort on the Caribbean. We had the morning to relax, go for a swim and soak in the scene. In the afternoon, we drove back to the mission station and did some shopping with traders and enjoyed shrimp at Billy and Debbie's home overlooking the valley. It was fun getting to know their daughters: Savannah and Mckena, who so much remind me of my MK days. It was also Esther's birthday and they made a special cake for the occasion. We turned in early at the guest house as we need another early start tomorrow.

Haiti Trip - day 8

It was an early departure from Les Irois. We were awakened especially early by Billy's pots and pans alarm. It didn't take us long to get loaded up. About thirty people were there to send us off, including the choir. Forming a circle of prayer, it soon became an emotional experience. I rode with Billy for the first half of the trip to Jeremie, gleaning info about the coastal culture of the towns we drove through. We stopped in Don Marie at the sister church to help a pastor move to a new church. Our flight from Jeremie to Les Cayas went well, flying over the mountains and saving a 60 mile, seven hour road trip. By the way, I think I forgot to describe the roads-conditions range from cement pavement in some towns to gully rutted trails only passable in 4 wheel drive. These Toyota trucks take a beating - about the only thing you do see in the road. The Les Cayes airport is nice by Haitian standards. After a short stop at the mission station, we went out to the retreat center and a swim in the surf. Supper was fried chicken and mashed potatoes. After supper we had the week's debrief session in the gazebo. I shared how special it is for me to be here with Esther. The experience is so Africa like, it feels like I am sharing my childhood with her.

Haiti Trip - day 7

Breakfast was spaghetti and bananas-not too many takers this morning The morning's seminar was on communication The material was quite detailed which made us skeptical about whether the Haitians could process it. The breakout session was in pairs as couples and seemed to go well. An interruption in our morning turned out to be the highlight of the day. Our sponsor child brought his family to see us. They had walked an hour from their home to see us, all in their Sunday best. David brought his mother and father,as well as his younger brother and sister. We learned that his father did live with the family, that they were active members of one of the satellite churches. We also learned that his brother and sister attend the school as well, but are not sponsored. The whole family was very appreciative for our sponsorship and gifts. It has been over eight years of our relationship, and it's pretty overwhelming to think that we have mutually been praying for each other all these years. Needless to say it was an emotional time. They gave us pineapples and mangos as gifts. When we got back to the seminar, they were renewing the wedding vows. Esther mistakenly called me Mike, which the team has got a hold of and will not let her forget. In the afternoon, the ladies had their 'tea' Cindee shared her testimony, and our ladies served the Haitian ladies, which was a switch. We took another walk in town with Jules, looking for the furniture shop of Mark and Joni's sponsor child. The send off meeting was in the evening. At first it seemed that no one would show up, but after blaring music for a while, the church slowly began to fill up.. The singing was especially expressive and Billy got them worked up with his Nah, Nah, Nah song.

Haiti Trip - day 6

Breakfast was cream of wheat and bread. This morning was the first day of the marriage seminar. The couples straggled in late, some walking two hours. The attendees were local pastors and their wives. John presented the biblical roles of spouses and the unique needs of wives and husbands. We were very skeptical about whether the Haitian culture would connect with the material. We were delighted that they seemed to be understanding, but saddened by their questions, which always seem to focus on the stress that finances brought into their relationships. We broke into separate discussion groups of men and women. They were open to sharing and we had some good discussions. Lunch consisted of lobster and conch, great as usual. In the afternoon we had the treat of the Hope for Children presentation and our gifts to them. They were all dressed in their uniforms and presented songs and skits to us. A highlight was the opportunity to spend some time with David, our sponsor child. We presented him some special gifts for he and his mother. In the late afternoon, I convinced one of the RMI staff to take a small walk. We enjoy walking through the town and stopping on the beach. The meeting tonight was with the church leadership, sharing the progress of ministry in eachother's church. Supper was fried vegetables. After supper was a team meeting.

Haiti Trip - day 5

Today (Sunday) was the big day of worship. The morning service is always the highlight of the trip. It is a thrilling experience to observe and join in their worship. There has been such a rich history of a relationship with this church and Harper (20 years). The relationships carry on. over the many visits. I was pleased to recognize many of the people. The service took a couple of hours, but it went fast as we absorbed it all. Introductions all the way around, worship songs, special music and a sermon. Pastor John preached on the sacredness of the marriage bed, which he did with great boldness. Given the focus of this trip being the marriage seminar, it was an appropriate topic, and one that touched a nerve with immorality being a problem in Haiti. Lunch was goat, rice and a macaroni salad. The goat was great. One of my favorite things is to walk through town and to the beach, which we did in the afternoon. The youth presented a program for us, and then it was off to the open air service. The blancs (white) are a great curiosity and everywhere we go will draw a crowd. I preached a sermon about the human conscience and we showed a film about a conversion from voodoo. Supper was pumpkin soup which is a special treat that the Haitians normally only enjoy on New Years.

Haiti Trip - day 4

After a few hours of sleep, we awoke to a little cooler temperature and breakfast calls. Breakfast was boiled eggs, bread, and spam spaghetti. Our first activity of the day was to hike two miles in the mountains nearby to a satellite church. The hike had beautiful views of the valley and sea. This church had had its bamboo structured church building destroyed in a storm. They are renting a small house to worship in. The pastor is very cheerful and a blessing to see. Our team has fallen in love with this little church in the mountains that has so little. After returning to Les Irois, we had a great lunch with fish,avocado, rice and beans.Excellent! Our afternoon activity was a trip to another satellite church. The parsonage is falling apart and our church presented them with some funds to build a new one. They were very appreciative. When we got back to Les Irois, we walked a little around town and down to the beach. One of the girls braided dreadlocks in Esther's hair. She says that it is much cooler. Supper consisted of various fried vegetables bread and rice. After supper, we had a planning meeting. By the way, it is quite hot because of the humidity. The nights are the most difficult because the rooms have no airflow.

Haiti Trip - day 3

I am lying in a sleepless swelter on our first night in Haiti. The sound of raucous music from late night partiers is not putting me to sleep, so I thought I would journal. The flight to Port au Prince went well. The shock of Haiti comes quickly as the plane lands over the sprawling slums of the city. The tarmac is furnace of hot wind that welcomes you to the Caribbean summer. After some delay in waiting for luggage, it was off through the mob of belligerent porters, to a bus to transport us to the other side of the airstrip for a flight to Jeremie. The chaos of the check-in system came to a crescendo when the airlines refused to put on Esther and my personal luggage. Fortunately, we had half planned on the possibility and will be OK for a day or two-if our bags come later. The flight to Jeremie was in a small fifteen seat prop job that smelled of fuel. It was a short flight, and we were happy to be on the airstrip in Jeremie. The drive to Les Irois took about four hours. Driving the roads of Haiti is definitely an experience. Since motor traffic is sporadic, the road is the main walking path for the people. You have to share the road with motorcycles, bicycles, donkeys, cattle, goats, pigs and thousands of people. You do get to see Haitian life in process, everything from bathing to partying is all done along the road. It was dark by the time we got to Les Irois and the church was ready to welcome us. It was good to see some familiar faces from the last trip. It is wonderful to be here. The frustration of the language barrier is evident in everyones faces, but we are determined to make the best of things. The accommodations are superb by Haitian standards as each couple has their own room in the parsonage. Tomorrow promises to be an adventurous day of touring some of the district churches.