Bound for Home!

Hello Friends and Family,

We are docked at beautiful Cozumel, Mexico. Wow, got to be the bluest, clearest water I've ever seen!!

A FIRST for Trudy...Snorkeling. That's right, Trudy donned flippers, mask, and snorkel for an underwater delight. White gulf sands and crystal clear water allow for magnificent sights. We snorkeled three different Cozumel reefs and with the able instruction of Eduardo, Trudy did a fantastic job of breathing through the snorkel and keeping the salt water out of her nose and mouth (almost all, that is). Robert did okay, too, by the way...and his bright blue Superman shirt was an absolute hit with the locals. He was especially impressed when one vendor said in his wonderful Cozumelian accent: "Senor Superman! Welcome home!" as he invited us into his shop to entice us to buy some of his interesting merchandise.

In just a few short hours, our ship, "Norwegian Spirit," will head away from Cozumel and steam toward New Orleans, Louisiana. At about 20-22 knots, it will be around 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning when we finally set foot back on the ground of our beloved Louisiana. We have had the experience of a lifetime but as you can imagine, we are ready to get back. We look forward to seeing our kiddo's and grand-kiddo's on Sunday for morning services at Fellowship Church. Then, we will "gallop" on back to our great church family, where we are having a "Ranch" style evening service at the home and cattle spread of one of our member family's, the Slayter's. The service will feature a live gospel Blue Grass band, tractor pulled hayrides, games, bonfire, food, fun, and a real cowboy-style sermon (Hey, growing up in Arizona ought to qualify me for a "cowboy" preacher!!) Anyway, it will be great to be off the water and "back in the saddle again."

Thanks for your prayers. A year ago, going on a cruise was something we talked about doing when Trudy was well enough. Ain't God good?!! Thank you dear Lord for so much answered prayer. With the help of the Lord, Trudy (and Robert) have been able to tolerate the the waves, handle the physical challenges, and simply enjoy a very special vacation. Your prayers and so many other expressions of compassionate help are appreciated beyond our words. We continue to pray for increased strength, and for the Leukemia to stay away.

Blessings,
Trudy and Robert