From the Helm

Thursday – January 31, 2008

Today is the eve of the trip; the 2008 season has begun.

The Beatriz is essentially new. She has been structurally and mechanically overhauled. I trust she will perform well. Whatever the end result, she looks and sounds great right now!

Today is the final day of preparation. All supplies and materials are onboard. Meds and perishables arrive today. There has been so much going on with the engines, kitchen, decks and so forth that today will be the first day that I will be able to sleep aboard – looking forward to it.

Stacy Allen arrived on the 27th and has been at a hotel waiting to board as well. Pastor Pedro arrived last night. The interpreters arrive from Santarem this evening. Things seen to be on schedule.

I’m looking forward to setting sail tomorrow. The plan is to depart our home port of Manaus by 1:00 PM on Friday, after the groups’ arrival at 10:00 AM – we shall see.

My spirit is calm. My expectations are in check. It will all be what it is, as God unfolds the days. The results of our following His path, as He shows it, will determine the results of our time with the Mundurucu. I just ask and follow these days – seems to work better that way.

Boyd Walker