OK!

I don't even know where to start.

I just sat here for five minutes looking at a blank screen because there is so much to say I can't pick a place to begin.

The ship is absolutely beautiful. The pictures I had seen of the interior didn't prepare me for how stunning it actually is. I basically feel like I'm living on a campus mixed with a five star hotel, that rocks a lot. About the rocking: there's a lot more movement than I expected. I'm doing my best not to stumble around too much and run into people, and I might be getting the hang of it. Big cowboy gunslinger steps seem to work well. The movement was actually really comforting last night. I felt like I was being rocked to sleep. Our cabin is cozy, and just big enough for everything we brought.

Leaving Nassau was a pretty powerful experience. "The Voice" came on the intercom and announced that we'd be leaving soon. Everyone stood on the outside decks and watched as the land slowly shrunk away, until we lost sight of it completely. I feel small compared to the vast amount of water that stretches in all directions during the day, and the pitch blackness at night. Last night, I spent some time lying on the deck with some old and new friends. There was a warm breeze and the stars were startlingly bright.

It's my second day on the ship. Today has been mostly filled with orientation-type presentations, but we did get to set that all aside to watch the inauguration. It was unforgettable: cheers and enthusiasm and joy. Obama's speech was uplifting and I can't wait to hear that John Williams arrangement again.

There's so much to take in that it's honestly overwhelming. I'll try to organize my thoughts a little more and post again soon. For now, I want to end by saying that my spirits are soaring, and I know that this is the beginning of something inspiring and changing.