I'm Ready for What I'm About to See!

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”
~Ambrose Redmoon


Well it has definitely been a long time coming! After almost three years of planning we are finally pulling away from the Nassau Harbor on the MV Explorer! I have been trying to think of ways to express my gratitude towards all of my family, friends, loved ones, and professors. To be quite honest that would be impossible. I am forever grateful to every single one of you, more than I could ever express. This truly would not have been possible without all of your help and support. From my parents who were right by my side the whole time and helped me shop and get more prepared than I ever thought I could be, to my grandparents and other  family who helped me financially and gave me the best advise I could hope for. My professors who wouldn't let me give up (thanks Jeff!), and my friends and loved ones who supported me through this whole long process (Adrian, KC, Bri, Tessa, Lauren and so many others). Even going all the way back to high school, my IB teachers opened me up to a world beyond traditional textbooks and narrow curriculum, and pushed me to be adventurous and forever curious. You guys were always there to let me vent and, more often than not, brag (hehe I appreciate it Josh =p ). It definitely seemed like a long shot for quite a while, but here I am, we did it! And for that I send out the biggest thank you I could possibly muster.
    So where do I begin? Nassau was beautiful! Everyone was very nice, but you can’t help but think that it’s just the tourist façade in action. Still, everyone seemed very fun-loving and the attitude was intoxicating. I was able to spend a couple days there exploring with my mom, getting sunburned (of course), and trying to mentally prepare myself to leave solid ground for a few months. We even went to walk around the Atlantis resort, which is just as over-the-top as it looks in the commercials! Once I checked onto the boat it started to really hit me. As a work-study student, I was able to check in a day before everyone else. I know the layout of the boat relatively well…HAH! yeah right you all know me, I get lost every ten minutes. I’m not complaining, though, it is not necessarily a bad place to wander around. The boat is amazing and the faculty is unbelievable. One full day on the Explorer and I already feel very much at home, I even managed to enjoy my teeny tiny “shower cabinet”. My cabin is small, but cozy, and my roommate is great! We already have a lot in common! Every single person I have met so far is fascinating, and I can already tell that we will be close for the rest of our lives.
    Departure was more exciting than I thought it would be, and believe me, I had high expectations. Every time Captain Jeremy honked that horn I couldn't help but giggle and jump around like a 5 year old. I’ll admit it, there were quite a few tears of joy coming from me. After so much planning and stress and sacrifice, it was hard to believe that we were finally on our way. Then the part came where I had to try and walk  (alright I wasn't that coordinated to begin with, but it got worse). Every one is constantly walking in zig-zags, and I’ve felt drunk for the past 24 hours. It's a very weird sensation. So far no sea-sickness, just a lot of disorientation. Its really like a big, long roller coaster, so basically what I’m saying is….I LOVE IT! My cabin is right in the front of the boat so its like sleeping in a hammock that is constantly swinging. I can also hear every time a wave hits the boat. It’s very soothing for me, which just further proves that I belong near the ocean! I had a long day of standing outside of the harbor checking almost 600 students in, but I also got the advantage of personally meeting everyone as they came in. Obviously I don’t remember all their names, but I at least have some recollection of them! =) As I am writing this I am on day two of being on the boat. We have had a long, long day of orientation going over all the logistics of our lives for the next few months. The lifeboat drill was… well it was very boring, but good to know of course. The Captain is very nice and very funny, as are all of the other crew members. Its great to be able to see them around the ship and have conversations about places they have been. Standing on deck and watching the water and feeling the mist is unreal! I keep telling myself that this is actually happening, that this is finally real.
    Day three was when classes started. All of the teachers are very laid back, and all of my classrooms have big windows overlooking the ocean. I spent almost three hours outside on deck laying in the sun and watching seagulls dive after flying fish. Its strange (but great) coming back from class and having your bed made and fresh towels, and someone clearing your plates for you after every meal. The crew is so nice! Our steward, Julias, will come and talk with us sometimes, and the crew in the cafeteria often sing to us and give us great advice for the ports (keeping us laughing the whole time). We stopped in Puerto Rico for a few hours to refuel so of course everyone turned on their phones to call people. It was great to talk to some friends and family, but to be quite honest I am relieved that my phone is off again. It’s very liberating not constantly having technology to turn to. I signed up for a program called “One World Futbol”. Our mission is to get into groups, each with one of the special indestructible soccer balls they provide and go find a child who is playing with a toy that they had to make themselves, give them the ball, and maybe even play a game with them. If they are willing we will trade that ball with the one they made (often made out of plastic bags or banana peels), write a story, and post it to the One World Futbol page. The idea is that no matter how poor or where they live, every child has a right to play. I am very very excited about doing this and I can’t wait to get started! I am so happy to be here and I feel extremely lucky. These opportunities are out of this world (no pun intended) and I am ready for what I’m about to see! Thank you all for following my blog and supporting me so much, it means so much to me! We stop in Dominica tomorrow, so there will be another one soon!

Love always!
Hanna


Click on the slideshow below to see my pictures! Hope you enjoy!

Nassau and the first few days!