Another day, another watch, another hour sailing the open ocean. That's hardly the case aboard this ship. To me there is really never a dull moment. We are always keeping busy: if you aren't on watch, you're going to class or trying to catch up on some sleep, reading, or maybe even trying to squeeze in a blog here or there. All these moments are not ones I just let slip by, not knowing the next time I will ever have an experience like this again or ever. I enjoy admiring the sunrise, sunset, the moon and the many stars, as that's all we have to look at besides the white caps or swells of the ocean.

Today, not only having an incredible sunset to look at as we ate dinner on deck, we had a beautiful ceremony as we reached the middle of the Atlantic. Starting a little after 6 o'clock we all came together on deck, half-dressed by our fashion consultant Johnny Be Good in a traditional African outfit. We began by having a libation near the helm, which is a traditional celebration of life, remembrance or honor, of our ancestors or those who have passed on. We then proceeded to the bell, each having a chance to ring it, 53 times for the Amistad captives and then one last time for all the other voices that weren't heard and lives that were lost.

Before starting the ceremony, we all had a chance to add something that we felt was special or meaningful to the basket that we then would lower to the sea. Not having anything I thought really had a strong meaning, I wrote a letter to the ancestors and the many that were lost, as we make this journey for them. When the basket was lowered, it was so powerful that the tears just started to come down my face. This ceremony touched everyone, and maybe not everyone in the same way but today was very special to all of us.

While the basket was lowered Sammy sang "Amazing Grace", which was beautiful. As I try to explain this amazing experience that was created out here by our crew today, I'm not sure if I will do it justice, it might be just one of those things you need to experience. They day ended with a beautiful meal prepared by Dani with amazing sunset to complement it. While making this journey, it's one unforgettable moment after another.  

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