Dennis – the Captain, ie. mechanic, plumber, diesel specialist, navigator, and general fixer of all things (and it’s a boat so there’s always something broken!) He has more than a decade of counseling experience as a Navy Chaplain ministering to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and their families in times of crisis and need. He also developed and led personal growth, resiliency, marriage, youth and family retreats and workshops when assigned to CREDO (Chaplains Religious Enrichment and Development Operation) Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. Dennis has been certified in PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills), PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program), Prepare/Enrich, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Family Wellness, as well as having extensive training and experience in Operational Stress, leadership and management, team building, conflict resolution, and coaching. He earned his Master’s of Divinity in Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has completed the academic requirements for his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Teaching (currently working on his project in the area of spiritual burnout and renewal) from Knox Theological Seminary.
Brandy – the “Admiral” 😉 Not really, but if she has a gut feeling about something, all bets are off. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s in Aeronautical Science. Brandy also has her single-engine commercial pilot’s license and instrument rating. The sky is her happy place, but she’s learned to love sailing over the years. Most importantly though, she loves being a homeschooling mom of 5 amazing kids. While she hasn’t worked for a paycheck in many years, she’s volunteered for many organizations and churches with experience in directing Vacation Bible School, AWANA, American Heritage Girls, women’s and children’s Bible studies, as well as conference and special event speaker, and spokesperson for United Through Reading. Brandy has been working towards Compassion Fatigue therapist certification with Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, and most recently finished the Pathways certification with TCK Training in Third Culture Kid Care and Debriefing.
Hope – our mermaid, cosplayer, artist, and chef. This girl maintained over two dozen wigs on the boat and forty-something costumes, all confined to her 20 square feet. She’s constantly drawing or dressed in some sort of costume AND she makes delicious food, especially sweets. We’re sad that she’s moved to college full time in Texas and relish our time together when we get it.
Caleb – the XO (Executive Officer for all of you non-Navy types). He’s learning hands-on with Dennis. He’s taller than everyone now (I think Dennis included but you won’t get him to stand back to back with Caleb) and can do many of the things required on the boat. He’s been able to dock the boat on his own since he was 12! He’s recently taken up vlogging (when we have wifi to post something).
Sarah – our marine biologist. She keeps track of all the marine animals we see, including type, number, behavior, and all the details of the moment we spotted them. Not too long ago she decided she could no longer eat fish and she thinks sharks are cute!
Micah – the engineer. He has a strong desire to understand how all things work. It’s not uncommon to find him in some strange position with his head upside down determining how something works. He’s catching up with Caleb in height even and when he gets a chance to be on land he can run a fast mile!
Seth – the electrician. He keeps track of all of our power usage, battery bank percentage and can explain exactly what watts, volts, and amps are, as well as how they work together. He’s also taken an interest in plants, herbs and their medicinal qualities. He began his own business last year making lip balms, salves, lotions, and more.