God Said ‘Choose Life’—She Said ‘Choose a Condo’

Well, I had high hopes for the latest “potential first mate” on this journey of life. She was young, intelligent, kind, and funny… but when she heard I was planning to be on Ohana for an extended amount of time—scuba diving, meeting fascinating cultures, and living a life where my backyard is the horizon—she looked at me like I suggested we paddle to Mars.

Turns out, she prefers a city view to an ocean breeze. Fair enough. But it did get me thinking about today’s Catholic Mass readings. You know, the ones where the Israelites are reminded that God doesn’t lead them in circles—He leads them toward a promised land… though, sometimes, the journey takes a bit longer than expected (cue 40 years in the desert).

In her own words:

“I seem to understand that your way of life is different from mine. Yes, I like the sea and I like to go sailing. But that is only when I go on vacation for two weeks. I prefer a stable life on land. I went sailing with my ex-boyfriend once or twice a year. Each time for half a month. Then he would dock his boat in front of his house in Annapolis. In the summer, we would stay there for a month. Then we would spend more time in his house in DC. He has three houses in DC. His son lives in one of them. I live in one of them. I went to school every day as usual.
It's hard for me to imagine that I can make a boat my home. I came here from Beijing. There's always a feeling of being on the move. I like to settle down. But I really think you're a nice person.👍 Maybe we can be friends!”

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life…”

And choosing life, for me, means embracing the open sea, the salty air, and maybe—just maybe—finding someone who’s as excited about sailing into the unknown as I am. Someone who doesn’t just like the idea of sailing, but loves the thought of waking up to a different horizon each morning and sharing that adventure with someone who makes the journey feel like home. Someone who hears “circumnavigate” and thinks “romance and wonder,” not “are you insane?”

Ohana’s Upgrade Chronicles

Speaking of choosing life, Ohana is almost ready to stretch her sea legs again. The new housing for the batteries and electronics is finally built (hallelujah!), and this week is all about installing and connecting everything together. If all goes well—fingers crossed—I’ll be casting off and heading back to Annapolis soon for the rest of the upgrades (solar arch construction).

I’m hoping this is the last week of watching technicians tinker and the first week of feeling that hum of readiness beneath my feet. You know that feeling when you’re on the brink of something big? That’s where I am—right between faith and fiberglass.

Casting Nets in Deeper Waters

So, while I may have had to toss this latest fish back into the sea, I’m still casting my net in deeper waters. I know there’s someone out there who’s ready for a life where every sunset looks different, and the next port brings new stories. Someone who understands that sailing isn’t just about the places—it’s about the person beside you, making even the calmest waters feel exciting.

After all, Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to cast their nets where it was easy—He told them to go deeper. And I’m still following that advice. I’ve got “Ohana Lisa” as a possibility, and we’ll see where things go with her. I’ll also be sponsoring a few SOS (Singles on Sailboats) events. Who knows? Maybe my future co-captain is just one starboard tack away.

Here’s to choosing life… and maybe finding a co-captain who’s ready to make the world our playground. Until then, Ohana and I will be getting ready for the next great adventure.

Smooth sailing,
Your (hopefully) soon-to-be globe-trotting widower.