Reflections 4
By Maya Plass
So here I find myself “home.” I am 6000 miles from Midway and yet my home now encompasses this very small island so far away. Before I left to travel to Midway I was a little nervous, hugely excited, and uncertain of what to expect. I knew what was in store for me was going to be life changing. Ron (a previous PAA participant) effused the magic of Midway in every correspondence I had with him prior to the trip. Now, I am on the receiving end of the experience. I now understand some of where he’s been and where it has taken him. He said to me, “your heart, eyes, and spirit will never be the same,” they are not.
The trip was, as I expected, life changing and incredible – but I never realised how deeply the experience would touch me. I had never seen tropical, marine wildlife before – I’d never seen a turtle, coral reefs, spinner dolphins, or water so blue it seared into your soul. However, the thing that inspired me and surprised me were the incredible people I was to share my experience with. The moment I walked into the NOAA office and feet were bare, chants were sung and tears flowed I knew that not only was I blessed to be there, but I was even more blessed to share it with some phenomenal people. I have learned so much from them.
The words of Herb Lee, “Open yourself to the experience” ring through my ears and I hear them every waking day. As a result of this I am more open to conversations, “goosebumps,” and opportunities. I wondered if when I came home to the UK I might find it hard to adjust and hold on to my feelings. Sometimes in all honesty I do - when life’s demands press, but mostly they never change. Now, when I walk my eyes are wide open, I talk with my heart, and my spirit is soaring. The beauty of midway is outstanding, but returning home I saw it all here too. My perspective has changed, my life has changed, I have changed, but little around me has changed. It’s just a little more beautiful.
So what creates the magic of Midway? You need to take a dozen or so people with a common goal and passion, mix it with time to learn, experience, think, be, and laugh and shake it up with a little pier jumping and snorkelling; engulf it in Hawaiian culture and tradition, develop a few dreams and aspirations for better marine awareness, and collectively offer the support and encouragement to make those dreams a reality through faith and trust. As a result - you have pure magic.
My determination to use this magical fire to create change is burning strong, I want to keep that fire stoked. Whenever, I hear from my ohana (PA’A family) or look at my photos, or chant “Eho Mai” it burns a little brighter. At times I am a little daunted and have moments of doubt and I am reminded by dear friends to breathe slowly and enjoy the journey...not to rush it. My life is richer and the world is...fluffier and the possibilities for positive change shine brightly. I hope that we will all meet again soon to share, laugh and dream a little more.
I thought I’d feel far away from Midway back here in the UK but I’m not - everytime I do something to work towards my dream..... I feel a little closer. I am so lucky to have had this opportunity and to have met some wonderful people...mahalo nui to everyone on my journey.
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