Bob Lovelace's Boat To Gaza: Journal 12

July 4, 2011

There comes a time when the suffering in the world resonates through our spirits in such a way that we have no other choice but to respond. The promises of governments seem little more than obstuctions in the path of goodness and they must be overcome through action. People to people, freind to friend, family to family the action begins with convictions of peace and renewal of humanity. Each human so convicted gives of themself with what they have and calls it love. There is no measure for such gifts; there are no other words.

It is in our daily lives that love must rule. The love of our wives and husbands, our children and all children, our neighbours and friends, the earth that sustains us. The only desire in actions against oppression then is to return safely to our homes having moved a small distance toward a better world. Only when we understand this can we understand why the spirit calls us to action.

Today the Tahrir made a break for intenational waters. After exhausting all efforts to satisfy Greek authorities we felt collectively that the time had come. We made 9 miles out and we were within 3 miles when the Greek Army managed to board the ship and seize the bridge. We were able to kill the engines but they grappled the bow and pulled us back into port. We are still on ship, spirits are high but we expect that the stalemate will end in the morning. The towns people of Agio Nikolaos have come out in support. The Tahrir was damaged when we were rammed and we will need to assess the damages. I will send some pictures to Susan. They may say more than I can right now.

Take care, take notice, take action.

Bob Lovelace