24th December 2007 - Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone.The weather turned on us last night, and we were being hit beam on by some big waves! So at midnight we locked the rudder on a 60 degree bearing, and settled to "sleep" for the night - hoping that we would at least move in the right direction while we slept!We did manage 6 miles, but waking up to Christmas eve today found both of us feeling pretty low on morale. We are both desperatley missing our families and loved one, especially our nieces and nephews - as kids really do make Christmas.Given the weather and the environment here, it is so very hard to relate to anything Christmassy. We have an overwhelming feeling of isolation,made worse by the knowing fact that everyone get together for Christmas to enjoy the company of their loved ones.But we'll force ourselves to get on with it. THis was a challange we set ourselves for a reason, we knew it would be difficult, and we will continue.Little things, like an amazing rainbow that appeared yesterday, will motivate us and keep our spirits, and we hope that once we reach further south we'll have more wildlife to enjoy, as reported by some of the other boats.I've mentioned numerous times that messages of support keep us going,while some messages have more impact than others, in particular those from the children and families that we care for at work. When we start to fel self pity about our lack of luxuries here, and the difficulties we face, we are rightly reminded that they are nothing compared to the obstacles and hurdles faced by a child (and their family) with a metabolic disease. The courage and determination to face each day, withall the difficulties and challanges that come with the disease is a thousand time more than what we could hope to achieve here. So to Mia,Henry, Louis and Maddie (and their families) thanks you for your amazing messages of support - you are our inspiration.So all that's left to say is a very merry Christmas to one and all. We hope that Father Christmas finds you - we'll point him in the right direction if we see him over head! Lots of love, hugs, and best wishesElin & Herdip