Day 11

"A just and verdant world', those are words used in the mission statement of the MacArthur Foundation. I remember hearing these words when a program they support would come on the public radio station while I was driving down the freeways in Seattle. "A just and verdant world'. these words always sounded so lofting and idealistic and yet they in veritably would bring a smile to my face. What a wonderful thing to aspire toward and to proclaim out loud on public radio.
Here on the Amazon I can see a verdant world out my stateroom cabin. The jungle shoreline is right off the M.V. Explorer; So close and yet just out of reach. it will be another day before we finally dock in Manaus and have the opportunity to disembark into this land.
the Amazon river and its rain forest. Much is now known of its importance for the wellbeing of the planet. We have been traveling up into its basin for two days already and when we land in Manaus we will only be halfway up the distance of this mighty river. Even while on the Amazon, it is hard to appreciate its scope and size. We are shown planet earth imagines of it and it is explained to us in our Global Studies class that once long ago the river drained into the pacific ocean and that the Amazon river basin is the size of the entire US. Verdant, yes. And unfathonably large.
We are also taught a lot about Social Justice. The Semester at Sea mission for this voyage is to "think globally, act locally". Not a new idea. But here the task of understanding this idea is intentionally presented. We have had professors get up during the evening and share with us their personal endeavors. They are not just telling the college students about involvement and making a difference, they are leading by example. Their message is that each and everyone of us does make a difference. To find what you are passionate about and to participate. they encourage the students to go out and meet the locals when they get off the ship. There are many service learning opportunities available at each port. These are led by the professors as well, along with other outings focusing on religious or architectural sites. this is a very comprehensive program. I am impressed with the depth of intention to support all of us aboard to shift toward awareness. Awareness of the good, bad and ugly and to feel equipped and empowered to make a difference. They promise us that we will all be transformed and worn us that our loved ones back home may not recognize us or understand the shift within us.
On this, day 11, I can only speculate and wonder at the changes ahead for Peter, Beatrix and myself.
Melissa



-Melissa

Location:up the Amazon