Our boat, Stella Maris, was christened two weeks ago today. Literally 9 months after arriving here in Grenada, we were finally able to launch our boat! Very much like the gestation of a baby. Ironically, this is the very same day that my birth-daughter Alyssa, delivered her first baby, Leah Rose Feldpausch!! She came out of the water and Stella Maris went in=)
Boat Lift carrying the 24 tons of Stella Maris
On our way to the water!!
Alyssa holding her sweet Leah Rose Feldpausch, 8#13oz
Welcome to the world!!
So we arrived in Grenada September 25th, 2019 and we launched our boat into the water for the first time June 24th and she weighed in at 24 tons. Alyssa carried Leah Rose for 9 months and she was born on June 24th, weighing in at 8#13oz.
Thomas’s 3rd birthday was June 23rd so we moved most of our belongings from our apartment onto the boat to be able to celebrate his birthday there. The family slept our first night together “on the hard”(on land). This was so exciting for him because he would ask Kyle daily, “Is the boat safe for me yet Daddy?”. On his birthday Kyle could finally say “yes!”.
The next day at 3pm the boat lift came for us! It was incredible to see the gigantic lift approaching our boat while we were standing on the deck. As it was approaching we were listening to our VBS cd from last summer. The song lyrics couldn’t have been more perfect…”Wherever you lead me, I’m gonna follow. I’m trusting you God. You are good… Life will get crazy, wild and amazing, I’m trusting you God. You are good!”… It described perfectly all that we’ve felt on this journey!
Charlie’s 11th birthday was June 25th and his quote was the best! “This is a good birthday present Mom!”. He got to wake up on his birthday to breakfast in bed in his very own cabin.
Our priest, Fr. Marcin, was there with us ready to christen the boat as soon as it went in however it took longer then expected so he returned, so appropriately, on Monday June 29th, the solemnity of St. Peter and Paul to bless our boat.
Fr. Marcin blessing Stella Maris and our family for our journey ahead!
We were able to go sailing for the first time this past Saturday and it was incredible! We took the boat to Dragon Bay which is one of the best snorkeling spots here in Grenada.
Happy 11th Birthday Charlie!
It is so nice to be in the water, but there is a lot more to be done on the boat and a lot to learn to be able to sail such a big boat safely as a family so we’ll be staying here in Grenada for the remainder of hurricane season getting more training and more work finished on the boat. We plan to start sailing north in December 2020 for likely one year. We’ve been surprised with all that God has had in store for us so far so we will “remain flexible” as Kyle likes to say and open to God’s call for us.
I’m so proud of Kyle and all the hard work he has put into this boat!! It was a lot more work then we ever imagined. I’m so excited to see where we go from here!
Congratulations on being in the water and on being a Grandmother! God’s timing is beautiful. Our family is so very grateful for your family! May God bless you and continue to use you for His glory.
Thank you Jennifer! I bet you’re thrilled they’re coming home! We look forward to seeing them in Florida too!!
So this is your boat? A Sailboat not a Catamaran? Can’t wait to hear all your exciting stories. Are you taking your boat back to Grand Haven? Have fun and God bless you all and your boat!
Linda Rhoda
Yes. A sail catamaran=) Not likely bringing it back to the Great Lakes. It’s not a great boat for that area. Miss you and love you!
Praying for safe travels and God to use you in any way on your journey! Love and miss you guys! 💕🙏🏼
Thank you Jen! Love and miss you too!!
May God bless you and your family as you sail into next year. Pressers for your safety.
Thank you Linda!
Congratulations! Love being able to see the progress!
Blessing to the whole family and safe travels!!
We love you Koestner Crew!❤ Such amazing things along your journey! You truly are a blessing to so many, and you will have so many stories to share when you come back! What a Faith journey you are on as God holds you in the palm of his hand.🙏❤ Love always, The Coyne Crew
Hello Danielle and Kyle,
Wow! I love that you are making your dreams come true! What an exciting adventure! Thank you for sharing it! The kids must be so excited! And your timing is perfect, angst his high back in the US over Covid and other things! Great time to be away from it all! Best of luck!!!