We are immobile in Mobile, but only in the sense that Irene is sitting on the dock and we are sitting on her. She just gets better and better! New fuel filters, new stainless steel clamps on the fuel line, new generator filters, new valve switch in the AC/Heat unit, and two new defroster fans (hey, OB, they work now). We thought we would leave today for Orange Beach, Alabama, but last night’s eclipse brought a big tide and big winds~~~ 30 knots out of the northeast and a small craft advisory for Mobile Bay to Pensacola, Florida. Tomorrow looks more favorable. In the meantime. We are here.

This unexpected week in Mobile has brought so many moments and encounters that reflect what is Divine, manifested in this place, these people and us. We met Dewalle, the most confident mechanic on this green earth. He proclaimed to know “’bout everything there is to know about boats” and over the course of our 9 hours together, he proved that true. And when it was time for the sea trial, I assumed he would want me to “drive”, but nope. He told me, “I can drive the shit out of a boat and we’re going drive her like we stole her”. And no shit, he did. Love this man who wears his skill like a cape, has his granddaughter’s name tattooed on his arm next to a Celtic Cross, mentors his awesome assistant Will with direct communication, sticks around ’til sunset to make sure everything is double checked, and shares his faith straight from the center of his being.

And there is Miss Diana. She is a Divine hero too. She is the master mind behind the service department at Middleton Marine. From our first introduction over the phone, with me on the boat somewhere along the river, and her from her perch at the marina; she was honest, empathic, communicative and efficient. She speaks softly, but gets things done! Her magic made space for us on an overly full transient dock where there were no reservations available. The green eyed cat she loved into being sits at her side and is a witness to the kindness of this amazing light being. Miss Diana is Princess Diana to me.

There’s a little bar and grill at the Mobile Yacht Club which is at the end of the marina’s driveway. That’s where you’ll find Krissy. This beautiful being is in total alignment with herself. Ask her anything. From her roots in Mississippi to the the love she has for her mama and her grandma. The way she takes one day off each year to go to church with them on Mother’s Day. The way working a four-day week makes her soul more peaceful and her life more creative. She doesn’t want for more. How she loves her cat and her dog. The way she can name all the strong women in her family and the way she shapes their “old fashioned” names across her southern tongue. How she reminded us that being content is a super power and loving what you do is the blessing on top. Her words vibrate with true humility and alignment with grace.

Yesterday, we had the courtesy car to take to the market and run errands. David needed a haircut and we were guided to a barber shop that received 5 stars on Yelp. We drive up and the big painted sign in the window announces, “God is Still in the Blessing Business- Dotch’s Barber & Style”. David was in the chair for nearly an hour. Got a beard trim too. In the first half hour he learned all about Dotch Jr’s inspirations and aspirations. During the second half hour he paid Dotch Jr. the biggest compliment a barber can get, apparently, by falling asleep in the chair. I was waiting in the car and when David walked out he pranced in front of the vehicle like a rooster with a giant smile on his face. It was so funny I could not stop laughing. Imagine that video here because you will likely never witness David prancing like a rooster. But who knows? He never thought he’d get his best haircut ever from a big black man who gave his testimony while he practiced his art and craft. Another lesson in encountering the Divine in all things, in all ways, everywhere, and in everyone.

The truth transforms us and I can’t imagine our lives without these meetings, these moments of meaning making. All of these people know how they serve. They stand in this place and in the their space and their beings resonate with meaning and the entire landscape is transformed. The metaphorical songs they are singing lifted us up an octave by their very beings. We are so thankful for their presence and we happily repeat, “We are here. We are here. We are here.” Mobile, thank you for another initiation along this wondrous journey. Thank you for allowing us to witness the Divine.

Word. “We are word.”

✌🏽