Safe Haven To Morgan, our luminous dragonfly, and Elliot, our crazy frog We missed you during the last days of the expedition. But you were in our hearts and souls. Get well soon. We love you, Your expedition family
This is where our odyssey in foreign lands ends. Yet, any odyssey, be it geographic, spiritual, or emotional, plants seeds, and generates something new, more grand and more beautiful. As Mario said so eloquently: “We’re not loosing friends, we’re simply returning to our lives richer of new experiences and very significant encounters.”
On the bus, in a cold morning of a spring reluctant to show up, I take in the polar landscape all around us. With snow banks across the empty road, white mountains opening up on the fjord around a bend, the music selection of the participants somewhat compensates for the sadness of having to break up our group. Through the laughter of our young friends, I listen for the literary inspiration that will honour their exemplary courage, their spontaneity, their solidarity and their optimism in the face of adversity.
The emotion is so strong that I am running out of words. I recall our last group discussion so full of meaningful and hopeful words, of tears and of gratitude, of respect and of friendship. Tonight, I retreat behind the words of each of the members of our safe haven, members of our family tightly united by the ordeals and the triumphs. I have lived an emotional and inspiring experience, one that will make me a better person, thanks to the privileged contact with these masters of life who shared with me who they really are. From the very bottom of my heart, thanks to all participants and team members for this unforgettable week, full of unexpected challenges. It was an honour, indeed!
I will now quote the wise words of our expedition family members. Here’s hoping they will inspire you to realise your dreams.