Our families - though oceans apart - brought us together

Ben and Naomi July 2010 MV Logos Hope Atlantic

Our story began almost six months ago when a certain Benjamin Sahlstrom came aboard the Logos Hope with the Short Term Exposure Program (STEP) and rocked my world more than any rough sea ever had! Due to ship rules, we were not allowed to officially be in a [dating] relationship until the last two weeks he was onboard. However, we became good friends and found out a lot about each other in the time in between. And almost always, our conversations ended up centered around our families. Because you see, we're both the oldest of large families - Ben's the oldest of 10, I of nine - both from Christian families, American families, home schooled, the way we were raised, values, beliefs... you name it, we've probably discussed it -- and it's very similar! The only difference? We grew up on opposite sides of the world.

So about Ben. HE'S A PRETTY AMAZING GUY!!!! But I guess you'd like more details than that! ;) Ben is from Minnesota, a photographer/plumber - on his way to two great careers! His many practical skills come in handy working for the Sahlstrom family Heating/Air business. He rides motorcycle and is up on all the latest gadgets and technology. He's a hard worker with a great attitude and good at relating to people. He's humble and most of the time a behind-the-scenes man, except when it comes to being the ringleader for a get together with a bunch of friends! He's really thoughtful and also a good gentleman. What I noticed first was his amazing smile (and almost constant optimism)! And then when he said he had a red pick-up truck, Cupid's arrow struck my heart... I've always just had something for a RED pick-up truck!

His first job onboard the ship was working in the International Cafe, serving ice-cream and popcorn, coffee and cakes to the thousands of visitors who come onboard to buy books. The cafe is an area where crew members can meet with the visitors and hopefully direct conversations to spiritual things. Then they found out he was a plumber! Of course, the engine room figured they needed him worse than the I-Cafe, so he moved departments to help the maintenance team as a plumber. It was such a help, they found a way for him to stay on longer; for 4 more months as a Project Worker (short term person with practical skills).

Our song is "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys, because it is all the places we were when we met and fell in love. :)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine..." Eph. 3:20

You can read Ben's side of the story at http://www.bensahlstrom.com/2010/06/sp.html

Many thanks to the Sahlstrom and Nelson families, who - though oceans apart from us and each other - were the thing that brought us together.

To be continued...