March 25 post

Palm Sunday with The Arch

Tonight I went to the Palm Sunday Service in the “Union” on rocking deck six. All the seats were full, and since everyone thought The Arch had it under control, obviously no one from the ship had planned with him. Arch was holding onto one of the pillars and the curtains behind him swayed back and forth with a regular rhythem.

When it came time to serve communion to 500 or so people, Arch broke the bread and said, “I need help!” So mostly young females flocked to the front to pass the chunks of bread around.

Then, it came to the wine. “Could we have some glasses?” Arch said to the back of the union where some of the ship's crew stood. “How many?” one yelled back. “I don't know, six, seven, eight....”

Soon the Dean came walking fast with six or seven glasses in his hand and put them on the table where The Arch was presiding. Then, more followed with the assistant dean.....Arch started to pour the wine. “Could I have more wine?” To which the crew replied, “How many bottles?”

All were served with the ship bobbing up and down, and “left overs” brought down to the front. When Arch realized that way too much wine had been poured and blessed, he said, “I need help!” Again, four or five young females came forth and drank it all up.

 

It's been great to be in the same space with him since February 20.  Arch has more than his share of prizes--Nobel Peace Prize among the many--and he is one of the most joyful people I had ever met.

He and I get off in Cape Town, but he will go to his home immediately, while I will see the sights, then board a plane on March 31 (Megan's birthday!)