From the Helm – Tuesday, December 29, 2009

4 AM – We arrived in Porto Trombetas an hour ago.  Braginha is nowhere in sight (of course he’s a bit hard to see in the dark…).  We’ve taken on ice for our chests, documentation for our entry and will wait till dawn to see what the deal is with our wayward pastor.

It was a smooth trip up the Trombetas River – good sleep for those of us not yet “on duty”.  I am rested.

- I received an email late last night that Stacy will not be joining us on the 11^th for our second trip.  This makes two that have found it not possible to make the trek.  I know the circumstances of their cancelations will be worked out in God’s wisdom and timing.  These things happen.  I’ll be left to deal with the financial ramifications when I return home.  These trips were at the absolute breakeven point, as they stood, with no cancellations.  This too, God has considered – my impute is neither needed nor advisable at this stage in the game. 

We have come thus far because God so led us.  We will stay and do until He leads otherwise.  As we live the days ahead, He will provide clarity.  It’s all I ask of Him. It’s all I desire and need…

6:20 AM – Braginha is nowhere to be found. We’ve set sail up the Trombetas.  We know our destination is north.  Hard to go wrong if we head that way.  Braginha will appear along the way when he appears.

It’s beautiful this morning.  Clear skies.  Clear mind.  Good to be alive...

11 AM – A few minutes ago, a lady on the bank of the river flagged us down.  We most always stop when this happens.  A she rowed her boat towards us, here came Braginha around the bend behind us.  Good to see him even if he did oversleep and miss us in Trombetas…  We took him aboard and helped the lady out with some gasoline at the same time.  We are now underway.  At least there’s someone now aboard who at least claims to know how to get to where we’re supposed to be.  The current information we now have is that the river is still very low and treacherous for the Beatriz.  We will go ahead and venture as far as is prudent.  The Wai-Wais are headed in our direction as we speak.  We should meet somewhere, some time in the night…

1 PM -  Just awhile ago, I sent an email to the participants on our next trip.  It has become clear to me that we should postpone that venture.  I’ve sought council and asked for God’s peace – this He has given me.  No regrets.  There was little to ponder.  I will visit with each of those not travelling when I’m able to return home.

- We are cruising at a breezlessly slow pace.  The Trombetas is unseasonable low -  Sandbars and beaches more abundant than water in the channel.  I’ve never had the privilege of seeing it like this before. Breathtakingly beautiful…

ETA for Cashoeira Porteira is estimated to be around dark, this evening. 

7 PM – Just had dinner.  We’re tired…

Arrived in Cachoeira Porteira at 3 this afternoon.  Then took an hour hike and canoe ride to Tawana to visit our friends there.  The rapids are so violent and exposed, we will probably have to portage at least three of the 5 on the way up tomorrow.  The canoes from Inaja have still not arrived leaving me to believe they’ve either had problems along the way or they weren’t able to come down this morning.  If they get here by 10 in the morning, we will still make Inaja by nightfall.  Just have to wait till tomorrow comes.

A couple of our team aren’t quite 100% today.  We have until tomorrow to mend or consider splitting the team between Inaja and Tawana.  Either way, it will be just the way it should be.  All are exited for the events tomorrow may bring…

- The river is beautiful.  Rocks exposed high above the water line.  I’ve never seen such a magnificent sight.  Maybe I lead a sheltered life and just don’t get out much for this is all amazing for me to behold.  Amazing, indeed…