Wrights On A Mission

Riding the Waves of God’s Faithfulness

Before you knew it, the wind had become the soundtrack of the night. From inside our tent I could hear the fabric dancing as powerful gusts swept in from the waters of Kachemak Bay. The warmth of the day’s sunshine still lingered inside the tent, making it cozy enough to drift peacefully to sleep. But sometime before dawn, the cold Alaskan air settled over the campground like a blanket. I burrowed deeper into my sleeping bag, thankful for its warmth, reminded of God’s promise:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” — Psalm 91:1

At 7:30 a.m., the alarm gently called us into another day of adventure. After a hot shower, a fresh cup of coffee, and a breakfast sandwich from the campground general store, I climbed onto the back of Melvin’s bike as we rode toward the Homer Spit.

There is something special about the Spit in the early morning. The ocean breeze always greets you first. Around 10:00 a.m., the crowds were still asleep, leaving the boardwalk peaceful and quiet. Seagulls soared effortlessly overhead while gentle waves rolled onto the rocky shoreline. We stopped at Coal Town Coffee for a mocha and simply sat together, soaking in the beauty God had painted before us.

Moments like these slow your soul.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” — Psalm 19:1

As the shops began opening, we wandered down the boardwalk where God, once again, reminded us that every stop along this journey is about more than scenery—it’s about people.

We met Jeff, who was walking his beautiful Labradoodle named Latte. Before long we were talking like old friends. Jeff shared stories about living in Fairbanks for nearly twenty years before moving to Arizona to care for his wife’s mother. Although he loved serving his family, you could hear the longing in his voice for Alaska. Some places simply leave an imprint on your heart.

The conversation shifted to bow hunting, one of Jeff’s passions, before naturally turning—as motorcycle conversations often do—to Land Cruisers. Melvin lit up talking about his beloved 80 and 100 Series Cruisers while Jeff shared stories about his right-hand-drive turbo diesel 80 Series imported from Japan. His wife and children were out halibut fishing while he happily stayed ashore with Latte. Then came a funny surprise—we realized the Land Cruiser we’d admired back at our KOA belonged to Jeff. God has a wonderful way of making the world feel much smaller than it really is.

After wishing Jeff well, we continued our stroll until we reached the Coldwater Alaska office where we had booked today’s wildlife cruise. Connor, the young man who had helped us reserve the trip, was off for the day, so we settled into a pair of Adirondack chairs outside the office, basking in the sunshine while waiting to board.

At noon we stepped aboard the boat, greeted by Jasper from England and our captain, Zack.

Leaving the calm harbor behind, we eased through the rock jetties. Almost immediately, the peaceful water transformed. As the bow turned into the wind, gentle ripples became rolling three-foot waves. The boat climbed each swell before crashing into the next with a deep thud that echoed across the bay.

The rhythm was mesmerizing.

Up…
then down.

Again…
and again.

Each wave reminded me that while the sea may rise, God remains greater.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” — Isaiah 43:2

There was only one other family aboard, and instead of fear, their young children erupted with laughter every time the boat bounced over another wave. Saltwater splashed over the rails, soaking everyone nearby. Their delighted squeals filled the air, transforming what could have felt intimidating into pure joy.

Watching those children reminded me how Jesus calls us to trust our Heavenly Father with childlike faith. While adults often worry about the size of the waves, children simply enjoy the ride.

Our first stop was beautiful Tutka Bay.

Almost immediately we spotted sea otters floating peacefully on their backs. Mothers cradled tiny pups on their bellies while others dove gracefully beneath the surface before popping back up with playful curiosity. Cameras clicked in every direction as we admired one of God’s most adorable creations.

From there we cruised toward Yukon Island to see the famous Elephant Rock, an incredible natural formation that looked exactly like an elephant standing watch over the bay. I was surprised to learn that people still live year-round on Yukon Island despite its remote location.

Next we entered peaceful Sadie Cove at the edge of Kachemak Bay State Park. Nestled among towering evergreens were cabins belonging to families who had been grandfathered in before the land became protected. High above us, bald eagles perched in massive nests overlooking the water.

Zack explained that mountain goats can often be seen clinging to the cliffs during the spring. He also smiled as he told us locals call this stretch “Sadie’s Eighties” because funneling winds can roar through the cove at nearly eighty miles per hour.

Then Jasper announced we were heading for another destination.

The captain pushed the throttles forward.

The engine roared.

Once again, the boat met the open water.

We climbed.

We dropped.

The hull pounded rhythmically against the waves while sprays of icy saltwater washed over the rails. Yet through every rise and fall, Captain Zack navigated with remarkable confidence. Watching him steer through the swells reminded me how often our Heavenly Father guides us through storms we could never navigate on our own.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Soon we arrived at Gull Island near Halibut Cove.

What a sanctuary of life God has created.

Sea otters floated lazily in the kelp forests while puffins darted across the water with surprising speed. Thousands of gulls filled the cliffs alongside Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Murres. The sounds of wings, waves, and wildlife blended together into a magnificent symphony of creation.

“How many are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.” — Psalm 104:24

As we began the journey back, the wind had strengthened even more. The return trip was our roughest of the day. Larger waves rolled toward us as the captain skillfully guided the boat through each crest. Water splashed over the rails, covering us in cool salt spray, but not once did we feel unsafe.

There was a deep peace in knowing we were simply witnesses to the power of the God who both created the sea and commands it.

“Even the winds and the waves obey Him.” — Mark 4:41

Back inside the harbor, the water suddenly became smooth as glass. What a picture of God’s peace after life’s storms.

We thanked Jasper and Captain Zack for an unforgettable adventure. Exploring Alaska by water offered an entirely new perspective of God’s incredible handiwork. Every mountain, every eagle, every sea otter, every crashing wave pointed us back to the Creator who spoke it all into existence.

We laughed as we realized we’ve now explored Alaska by motorcycle, truck, bus, train, trolley… and now boat.

Maybe next time we’ll add airplane to the list!

Afterward we enjoyed lunch at Harbor Grill. The fish and chips and seafood chowder were good, but if we’re being honest, yesterday’s meal at Captain Pattie’s had set the bar incredibly high.

Back at camp I spent the afternoon editing another video while Melvin enjoyed a well-earned nap.

As evening settled over the campground, we walked over to visit our neighbors who had become dear friends over the past few days. They invited us to share a bowl of homemade chili, but what truly nourished us wasn’t the meal—it was the fellowship.

Around the picnic table we talked about Jesus, His amazing grace, the forgiveness found at the cross, and God’s never-ending love. We shared favorite Scriptures, discussed episodes of The Chosen, and encouraged one another in our faith.

It amazes me how quickly believers become family.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Phone numbers were exchanged along with warm hugs. Tomorrow they would head toward Hope while we pointed our bikes toward Seward. Ironically, they’d be staying at the same KOA there the following day, so our goodbyes weren’t really goodbye at all—just “until tomorrow.”

Before turning in for the night, we made one final pilgrimage to the camp store for what had become our nightly tradition: Umpqua Dairy ice cream from Oregon. Funny that some of the best ice cream we’d ever tasted would be found in Homer, Alaska!

This time we finally had the chance to visit a little longer with Scott, the camp store attendant we’d come to know through our nightly ice cream runs.

Melvin smiled and asked him, “What do you think Jesus would ride?”

That simple question opened the door to something far more meaningful.

Scott shared about a serious motorcycle accident he’d survived and how, by God’s grace, he had fully recovered. We laughed as he suggested maybe we should change our ministry name from Wrights on a Mission to Mission Wright.

It certainly had a nice ring to it.

But more importantly, it was another reminder that God orchestrates divine appointments in the most ordinary places—over ice cream counters, campground conversations, coffee shops, boardwalks, and boat docks.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10

As we walked back beneath the soft Alaskan evening sky, our hearts were full.

Not simply because we had seen breathtaking scenery.

Not because we’d ridden another boat or tasted great ice cream.

But because everywhere we turned, God had revealed Himself—in the majesty of His creation, in the power of the sea, in the laughter of children, and in every conversation He lovingly arranged along our path.

Tomorrow, we leave Homer behind as we point our bikes north on the Sterling Highway toward Seward. We don’t know exactly what awaits us around the next bend, but after thirty-six days on this journey, one truth has become undeniable:

Wherever the road leads, God is already there.