I knew today would be different.you could feel it in the air.my day started at 4:30.doing morning prayers to draw out the Buddha girl that resides within.there were a few bumps along the way and the evil twin reared her stubborn head.bringing immense emotions.this day was going to be like no other ever experienced by anyone but the group on the Amistad.The crew diligently attacked field day (which is a major cleaning of the whole
schooner) while the others took over the crew's daily duties at the helm, boat checks, planning the events of  special day.we had a basket from Sierra Leone that we planned to fill with items that would have been familiar to the ancestors and some small pieces from our lives that would serve as a offering and symbol of this mission.I have this wonderful African fabric that I had used to make curtains for my bunk and I cut strips to use to cover the basket.it was a labor of love as I sewed the fabric around the basket.I thought of my teacher Mrs. Powell and that darn gathered skirt that I made in Home Ec..and now I was using that talent to honor the ancestors of the Middle Passage.the basket turned out looking pretty neat.Ben had some plants  that were given to us by this wonderful woman in Cidade Velha.sugar cane, mango, and natural broom plant, I added African brown rice, plantains, a dried rice plant.everyone was encouraged to put something that came from the heart.there was a small African spear, ashes of a faithful companion, a bead and cowry shell necklace from Senegal, protection beads from Cape Verde, notes and messages from the crew, pictures of my daughter and I and my grandsons, craved African mask, shells from Bunce Island, the favorite book that speaks of the love of a grandfather for his grandson, a wooden comb, a small wooden craving of Mother land Africa, a handkerchief in memory of a father, a bag of coins from all the countries we are visiting, we represent, and were involved in the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Senegal, England, Canada, US, Portugal, Brazil, and a 2 dollar bill from Bermuda.everything placed in the basket was filled with love and respect.we all gathered to plan the program that was to take place at 6:00pm.we would have a libation a ceremony that honors those would have gone before and thanking those who are here for their contributions and those to come.Johnny was to do the libation.Vincent would lead us in a moment of silence .then there would be the ringing of the Amistad Bell by all of the crew in honor of the Ancestors of the Middle Passage and the Amistad Captives.everyone would then pass the basket and Ben and I would take the basket and set her a-sail in remembrance of the Ancestors.there was time for people to shower, take a nap and just gather their thoughts.I began to start dinner so we could eat after the ceremony.and it is amazing how time can crept up on one.everyone dressed in wonderful colorful African attire. Johnny gave a moving thoughtful libation, each of us dipped our fingers into the water.we followed him as he sprinkled water and we sang a wonderful African song calling us all togther....Vincent gave a moving speech that led to a few moments of silence.and then the ringing of the bell and singing by Sia which echo through the boat.the Ancestors were about. the energy was electric .as we returned to the stern of the boat each person passed the basket filling it with their own personal energy.the basket was then given Ben and I. We held it for a few moments.and we then slowly lowered it into the water waiting for the perfect moment to catch the wave that would carry it on into history.as we released the basket to the water a flood of emotions poured out and the tears of release flowed.something very powerful happening at this spot on this schooner to all of us .and I don't believe I will every be able to fully verbalize what it was.but we were all in tears ...as if a weight had been released and there we were hugging and thanking each other.there is a bond that happened that was for this crew once in a life time history making..we share something that will never be broken or taken away from us.we made history.this little community united as one.the Buddhist call it itai doshin.many in body one in mind.our cups truly runneth over.I am not the same woman that woke up this morning something grew inside of my life.I will never be defeated in anything .this I know at the depth of my life and I believe the others will come to this awareness in their own way.

 There has never been a day like this.world pay attention it is time to heal a lot of wounds and it began today right here in a place where many human beings gave their lives.We the Crew of the Freedom Schooner Amistad have taken the first step.

 My humble thanks to Mr. Warren Marr II for without his vision this moment of honor may never have happened.I will do every thing in my power to light another's way.... the way a light was provided for me..

The celebration concluded with mixed seafood Pad Thai, oriental veggies, roasted seasoned peanuts, shredded cabbage, ice-cold watermelon, and ice tea.

Many mahalos to all of my family and friends.I am so happy .and to everyone who visits our website and have sent response's Mahalo for your continued support.

Ashay, Ashay
Ancestor in training
Chef dani
 

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