With a 10 day long journey from our Christmas port the middle east, on the way to the Arab Peninsula, this year’s new year holiday had some fascinating scenery. Just after Christmas we set sail south where the ship sailed through a man made canal. Either side of the ship there was land and we could watch as the scenery passed us by. With the book store closed and no events on board, the workload of cooking, cleaning and running the ship was distributed evenly amongst the crew for a lighter workload over the Christmas break – and with no opportunity to go off the ship for 10 days we used the time to draw together and connect with each other. On new years eve we had a reflection service where we remembered where we had been in 2010 and revealed where we would be going in 2011. We celebrated new years eve gathered together for a countdown and an irish and american dance hall after midnight. We have spent time learning about the countries we will visit soon, time drawing closer to our Father and time having fun together playing games and watching movies. I feel like I had a great holiday and I’m super excited about the 8 months that I have left. Please remember me this year as I travel.