just when we started to feel UK is seeing us, clouds and rain are coming in, the favorable wind and current turned 180 degrees around, and are no longer friendly. What was given to us has been taken away, what was not yet tested will be tested.
“Bring it on” as I usually would say out loud. But I did in my gut this time. Once we lost a foot pedal, we no longer have an option to row 2x. I tried to make one but nothing is strong enough to hold my “powerful, high wattage performing legs!”
After 2 shifts of 3 hours of relentless rowing and holding the position, we decided to deploy para anchor. We were happy that we did not get rid of it in celebration from 3 days ago (it was a standing joke now: when shall we lighten ourselves by getting rid of para anchor?”)
“Why couldn’t I/we fight like the others do?!” I asked myself, in frustration! Earlier on (12 times para anchoring), I’d answer, “we did not train hard enough”. Those self-blame, self-pity are real! Now I think it is GOD’s will to test us in faith! It happens not just at sea, but also everyday in life. When things go well, celebrate but further prepare for the time things do not go so well. When things do not go well, believe that it all shall pass and then do the best I can. Never stop believing in human spirits. Soon, we will move towards east again!
