Day 1: Monday

The day began with the knowledge that by the end of the day, Judith and I would be on a few days break. After taking our children to school, giving my brother last-minute instructions and completed packing, Judith and I drove to Port Miami to begin our four-day cruise aboard the Norwegian Sky. Sponsored by our parish, Holy Sacrament, in appreciation of my work and ministry, and organized by the Clergy Spouses Association of the Diocese, the cruise served as a means of relaxation after a hectic Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Day.

We arrived at the port at about 2:30 p.m. and got settled into our Stateroom (cabin) #0029 on Deck 10. It was a nice room with a balcony which was marvelous. We are able to sit in the balcony, enjoy the sea breeze and watch as the “world goes by.” Subsequently, we met with our friends, Father James and Eli Harlan of Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Palm Beach, Florida, on Deck 11 to relax and chat until it was time (6:30 p.m.) for the Eucharist with the other clergy and spouses on board. The service took place in the Maui Room on Deck 6, with Bishop Frade presiding.

Afterwards, we returned to our cabin and took a nap. I was totally exhausted. We had a late dinner on Deck 11, and following that it was time to turn in for the night.