DEDICATED TO WANKAN TANKA WHICH IN LAKOTA LANGUAGE MEANS "GREAT MYSTERY"
Written by Betina
As I rose to my feet, I was greeted by howling winds with enormous opposition. I stumbled for a moment but was able to catch my balance. There I stood, on the flight deck of the USS Harry Truman approaching the mouth of the Mediterranean.
I joined the United States Navy for many reasons– Not joined, rather ran away. I ran away from my environment– my home– Myself. In those 7 years of running I found many things; courage, pride, and sense of self. I learned who I was– what I was made of. This was a commitment I did not take lightly. It was a commitment that returned the favor tenfold.
As the fog began to clear I saw land for the first time in twenty-three days. It lifted like a curtain to a stage play revealing the setting in which glorious mountains aligned both sides. They were black, jagged, and rocky. They were beautiful. So close I felt I could touch them.
We entered the strait of Gibraltar. On my right was Morocco and to the left, Spain. Below, in the sea were dolphins dancing with the ship choreographing every move in tune with the sea. Above, the sky opened up to a deep blue as if to say hello.
I didn't know if my eyes were watering from chilling winds or from the sight of such beauty. Africa and Europe together, for my eyes to see. At that moment, I closed my eyes and embraced the serene feeling of completion.