Sailing on the beautiful ship Oceans of Hope has finally begun! After four days of travelling to get here through three different countries, the long anticipated trip is underway! After arriving in Samoa I met the previous Crew 5 that arrived from Tahiti. It was interesting as they clarified some of our questions of curiosity. Our Crew 6 enjoyed meeting with them. Our Crew is a very diversified group as we are from four different countries with ages ranging from 22 years old to 65 years old. We all have different but similar MS symptoms. Different levels of strength and weakness. We all work together well and share stories of our history and traditions. I'm already seeing how strength comes in different forms.

Feeling the strength of our steel vessel and the gentleness of the swells of the Pacific. Working well together in harmony seems symbolic. Some of our crew members have physical disabilities which inspire the others who don't. I feel the strength and determination from those amongst us who struggle to maneuver on deck and getting around. No one wants pity and everyone wants to help each other. However living a life with MS we have all learned what it takes to get us through. At times we can feel strong or we can feel weak, so in turn our diversity inspires each other, all the time. There are no differences because strength comes from within, never exposed specifically from appearance and ability. Being apart of the Oceans of Hope sailing project is an amazing experience because besides raising awareness it allows participants to live and learn from others with similar symptoms.

I would like to thank my family at home for the love and care that they provide. My friends who support me! The Scouts in my Troop who put up with me. My MS walkathon Team who walked without me. And to remind everyone who is reading this to dream and follow your dreams! As I have proven dreams do come true! Remember to Hakuna Matata, live the Pura Vita and the Scout Law!

Report from Bosun Bertram:
On a southerly course towards our first destination of the archipelago of Tonga. Oceans of Hope is mustling away against the three to four meter swells, and our crew is taking the challenge with heads held high. We had a rough day of rolling waves and sea sickness, but we fought through it and since we have enjoyed the sunny days and cool(-ish) breeze of the less baking latitudes. Our estimated time of arrival in Nuku'Alofa on the main island of Tongatapu
is tomorrow morning local time, where we will have to set our onboard calendar forward one day to adjust for our recent crossing of the dateline. A major milestone of our circumnavigation: We are no longer adding to the distance to our home port of Copenhagen, Denmark, we are now moving closer to it.

Local time on board is 01:30 and our current position is 20'32,171S , 174'22.074W