Valerie and I enjoy almost everything about the ocean, especially scuba diving, snorkeling, body surfing and beach bumming. There is something about the ocean that always reminds us of God and gives us a wonderful sense of His presence and peace. And no matter how distracted we arrive, or how tired our pace makes us, time at the ocean always refreshes us.

However, we don’t share an enjoyment of all things the ocean offers. Valerie loves the movement of a boat on the water and has never encountered conditions that she thought were too rough. But I can get seasick just thinking about a boat on the ocean – I have to close my eyes sometimes during movies and remind myself that I’m not moving. So, a villa on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands was perfect for our first New Wind adventure.

Our adventure began during our lay-over in Puerto Rico. It’s pretty amazing how much you can see in a short time if you are determined and with the right people – and John and Susan are the right people. We circumnavigated the island, walked through most of Old San Juan, and photographed just about everything, including John behind bars – voluntarily – in Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

We then continued via planes, ferries and automobiles to Virgin Gorda. The plane from San Juan to St. Thomas was so small that Valerie sat next to the pilot and the rest of us sat in the six seats behind them. The ferries from St. Thomas to St. John and then St. John to Virgin Gorda challenged my seaworthiness, but fortunately for me the water was calm and there was outdoor seating where I could keep my eyes on the horizon and not lose my breakfast.

Virgin Gorda and our villa were beautiful. The villa’s accommodations were perfect: the common areas provided ample space and variety for meals, fellowship and other group activities; and the private bedrooms and baths provided complete privacy. And from almost anywhere in or around the villa you could enjoy views of lush tropical flora and the Caribbean.

A short walk of five to ten minutes took us to our practically private beach – we saw maybe three other people on it during the week. Its white sands and turquoise waters were a perfect postcard image – my photographic abilities did not do it justice. We spent hours on the beach and in the water exploring and snorkeling, and saw turtles, squid, conch shells, too many fish to name, a beautiful variety of corals, and more.

But despite our love of the water, we enjoyed most the time we spent with John and Susan Pickett, and Jamie and Michelle Peterson. God built us to love Him and one another, and He made it very easy to do both during our short time together on Virgin Gorda. We know God is always with us, but He seems much easier for Valerie and me to find when we’re enjoying His Caribbean. ~ Shawn McKenzie

Shawn and Valerie McKenzie live in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Though they’ve explored the Caribbean on several occasions, this was their first New Wind retreat to the British Virgin Islands.

Jamie and Michelle Peterson, serve the Lord in Frisco, Texas at Christ Community Church.

Our recent trip to the BVI with New Wind was a breath of fresh air for both body and soul.  Rest and restoration were the main agenda items and we got plenty of both.  It was so good to sail across open, blue waters, under sunny skies, unplugged from the normal responsibilities of life and ministry and be reminded of God’s gracious and abundant love for us.

The laid back schedule was perfect for much needed decompression.  We got all the sleep we wanted, then awoke to enjoy reading with a cup of coffee in hand on the deck of the boat as the sun ushered in another day of beauty.  Each day closed with encouraging and stimulating conversation under the stars.

The constant change of scenery daily provided new things to explore and appreciate.  The snorkeling was amazing.  We chased schools of giant stingrays, challenged the reign of proud barracudas, and marveled at the array of colorful and quirky fish.

The food and drink were beyond satisfying.  We feasted in luxury. We traveled to one of the top 5 meals of our lives like Navy SEALs in our rubber raft, performing a clandestine mission under the cover of darkness.  We swept in like pirates upon an extensive seafood buffet at the Bitter End, taking no lobster prisoner.  This was a trip we will never forget.   -David and Jennifer Rapp

David and Jennifer live in Temple, TX with their three children, where he is the pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

In 2011 New Wind sailed through the British Virgin Islands again for a gorgeous getaway. We hosted three retreats last year in the Caribbean. The first group stayed on land in a fabulous island villa on Virgin Gorda. The sweeping views looked out to Sir Francis Drake Channel. The second group boarded the 50 foot yacht Triton in Road Town and sailed happily away for a week. The last group boarded the boat by dingy in the dark of night in Trellis Bay near the airport on Beef Island. Each week had it’s own uniqueness mixed with a multitude of joy, relaxation, and adventure.

Below deck there are four staterooms. This means every couple gets a room with mini closet, storage, bed and a bathroom (or head in seaman terms). All linens are provided – you don’t even have to pack your beach towel! There’s a nice sized salon with a dining table that seats 10. There’s a galley with two refrigerators, sink, stove top and oven – not too shabby.

Above deck, in the cockpit, there is seating for everyone with a drop leaf table perfect for enjoying 5 o’clock happy hour.

For a full description, photos and floor plan head here.

Patrick Freeman a retired geologist and our fisherman along with his wife, Andrea, a realtor in Truth of Consequences NM, got away without a picture. How did that happen? Patrick caught a Tuna and Groper. Andrea received the best helmsman award.

The second week was our Church planter seminar on rest and renewal.

Bob and Robin Norton have been working hard in Flagstaff AZ for the past coupleof years. Church of the Resurrection is coming along nicely. Robin kept us snorkeling and smiling. Bob, our go to guy, actually relaxed!

Kim and Tito Padilla are working in East E l Paso TX doing community development and planting Las Tierras Community Church. Kim kept the conversation lively and Tito rediscovered his island and sea roots.

You, who helped these servants go on this adventure can only imagine the joy and value of being appreciated.

Then we will go where no state cares,
‘bout finding the Tuna international.
The drift, the hook will bring the wares,
The joys of catch release a free for all.

Barracuda like shiny, Groper the worm,
the Skipper sips rum, the crew well wined.
Keeping the line wet is always the best form
In trawling the tale of the big one not dined.