And so it ends...

On my way back to LA on the AA plane, as I looked out the window I thought, whoa this is it. I’m really going home. For a few months I observed the clouds above me closer than ever before, sharper and fluffier from the 7^th deck on the MV Explorer. Yesterday while on land I stood observing the clouds, which felt so distant yet so present in my memory. How quickly time flies. The distance that once separated my loved ones and I now ceases. These past 4 months have truly flown and although at times I longed to be home, I don’t think I was ready. But tonight, as I sit on my bed with my mom at my side, I think it was time.  Today, I still am not sure if I am ready for what’s to come, but I am hoping and genuinely praying that life from here on out continues to be a life of discovery and enchantment. Although there is still much uncertainty hovering over me in terms of what I will be doing following the New Year, I’m excited. I can only hope that things will turn out well.

My time on the SAS voyage was truly a blessing. I saw, witnessed and experienced great moments. I’ve become more knowledgeable perhaps wiser, but definitely more assertive about what I believe in and think.  Before going on this trip, I was very aware about what I believed in and all that I had learned at SB helped me better connect things and conceptualize ideas when visiting the different countries. On this ship, I also realized the different realities among us that separate us. Our different upbringings and histories ultimately shape our thoughts and actions. You see, I saw and lived among hegemony…I know what I’m up against. Unity in thought is what is lacking and that is the greatest obstacle to the construction of a better and more humane humanity. I am not alone though :). Before coming on this trip I understood that happiness comes in intervals and gratitude is what sustains us. Today I understand that the gratitude that sustains us is also an agent for creativity; an impetus to what one can aspire to and accomplish. I have yet to establish myself and I am nowhere near to having everything calculated and set in my life, but I’m okay with that prospect for now. Today I have some time to reflect on what I’ve done, think about what I will want to do and prepare for the future. I will give way to instinct—We all have instinct; sometimes we choose to neglect it.

I will be on land indefinitely now for some time. Although on ground and relatively stable compared to just a few days ago, I recognize that instability is a factor of life. Change is dynamic and the world is changing, so am I but at my roots—they are engraved as withered trunks, I remain the same.  I’m enthusiastic about what’s to come. For now, this is my last blog. It’s been an amazing “vuelta al mundo.” I am grateful for having lived such an experience with beautiful people. With God’s protection and guidance, I was fortunate enough to see the world free of any true scare and sickness. It was smooth sailing. I saw the world and recognized the humanity that unites people and the good that can come when people get together to start thinking of the impossible. I’ve missed many people. I’ve let go of feelings as well as embraced others. I’m excited for what’s to come. Only time will tell and I can only trust in God. My life is in His hands, it always has been.

Change is up to those who care enough to disrupt the status quo and to those who understand that creativity is key in constructing a better world. The solution shall be “Una aspirina del tamaño del sol.”

<3 Jenny

P.S. Thank you everyone who kept me in their prayers and wished me well in my travels. God Bless.