This has all been like a dream to me, but I know it happened because I have pictures or someone did an amazing job of photo-shopping me into some incredible places…yesterday morning I cooked breakfast for the crew for what might be the last time…haul bags out which Capt. John wanted to know if I had a deckhand in one because it was so heavy…say farewells to the crew that was awake and took off to the train station on my way to Newark International for a flight that would eventually get me to Lynchburg, Virginia where I would go by car to Bedford, Virginia, home of the Global Youth Village which host young people from around the world for three weeks of amazing classes, seminars, diversity, great food (vegetarian), which I will have a hand in as cook/manager, and just plain great time…. Thinking back on all that was accomplished by Amistad in the last 12 months is mind-blowing…I have personally done more in a year than most people do in a lifetime…touching lives, having meaningful and sometimes tearful conversation…I am still trying to wrap my mind around all I have had the honor to do…I have worked alongside some amazing and dedicated people especially Captain Eliza Garfield, who put her heart and soul into this mission, who made great decisions which took into consideration, the crew’s well-being, safety and morale…thanky, thanky…and for most of all being my friend and someone who always does us proud…to Miss Joy Collins, who stepped up as 3rd Mate and had to deal which many issues and did it with her grace and patience, and some hugs….to Bengineer…who kept everything running including us with raisins and his wonderful sense of humor, to all of the crews on all the legs thank you for coming into my life….to all of the students, Imogene, Mike, Haley, Logan, Nina, Toby, and all the rest; you folks rock…the world is a much better place because you are in it…

To Mystic Seaport, the birthplace of the Amistad…thank you for always taking such good care of us…Don, Max, Karin, Tora, Kathy, Martha, all of the Exhibits Department who aid me in installing exhibits for Black History month 2 years running…and those I forgot to name, thank you for welcoming us …

And most importantly, to all the young people, schools, families, young-at-heart who crossed the decks of the Amistad and learned a bit of her history and will take that away and share with someone else and keep that conversation going, so that we can make a change in this country….thank you for letting me be a part of all of this…thanks for taking me to the opera on the Green Louise…..

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