Today we arrived in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, back in the United States after a four month journey "circumnavigating the globe". What an extraordinary experience. At this point, many passengers have come to the conclusion that we simply don't have the words to explain our experience. Or perhaps words don't exist to be able to begin to capture the past 108 days. The relationships, friendships, community, and experiences both on and off the ship simply cannot be recreated. So I will do my best to cherish my time spent on this journey for myself. I can't think of a better way to see the world.

This morning Haley Booher, one of the life long learners invited a few of her friends to come join her blow the horn one last time as we entered the Ft Lauderdale harbor. She had won this honor at the voyage auction and as she described, it was significant for her... to let the world know that she's back =). And so we got to watch the ship pull into the harbor from the bridge (kind of like the cockpit of a ship). We met at 6:30 in the morning, caught a breathtaking sunset and then watched as we pulled in and saw hundreds of eager parents, waiving, holding signs, screaming, and crying. Haley sounded that horn and our return home became a reality.

I loved watching both the parents and the students as we pulled up to the dock. Many passengers had parents surprise them at the port. It was priceless seeing the faces of these students upon discovering their parents, family, and loved ones awaiting their arrival. I don't know, there's something about seeing family reconnect...perhaps we all know how deep love for family runs.

Leaving the ship was pretty emotional. I stood by the exit and said bye to hundreds of teary eyed students. Watching my co-worker Kevin, his wife Amy, and their 17 month girl Elly say goodbye was perhaps the saddest moment. People you hadn't imagined crying...crying. It was hard to say goodbye to friends, families, and co-workers...and before we knew it we were all in cabs quickly moving away from this ship and community that we grew to love. For me, I sailed knowing it would have to come to and end and I left with many new friends and memories.

I caught a cab to the airport with one of my residents, Jordan. The airport was scattered with SAS passengers making their way back to their respective homes. Some lugging a lot more luggage then others =). Amber and Lauren were two of my residents directly across from my cabin who were on my flight back to Baltimore. Both of their Moms had decided to surprise them so they too were flying back. We caught a glimpse of the MV Explorer in the harbor as our plane was taking off. We waved it goodbye one last time.