It was the very height of the holiday season. The queen mother announced that she would be traveling home to see her ailing sister, an aunt that I knew nothing about. When she said this aloud, I knew that second that I would be on that plane sitting next to her. There were things that I wanted to know. There were answers that my heart sought. My very existence was an extension of this one island nation. Without understanding how I was going on the trip, I expressed an interest on when she would buy the ticket for herself; I wanted to be informed.

Once at home, I began packing. There was no explanation as to how I was going to pull it off, but I knew that I had to go. Plane tickets are expensive, and I did not have the money to pay my bills let alone travel. Within three days time, a hefty sum of money manifested through surprise refunds and jobs that required my expertise. Upon informing her that I was going with her, she began to laugh. Apparently, the king father said that it was a pity that I could not go with her due to my job. This decision shocked both of them. I contacted the friends that needed to know that I would be in the air. It is a practice of mine to make my peace with people prior to traveling in the event God should call upon me to depart this realm. After informing my boss of the predicament, my mother and I made our way out of the country.

My heart does not belong in the city of an island. It belongs on the quiet beach with the beautiful waters. I spent a lot of time in the mountains visiting with country folk. They have a common practice of burying the dead on the same property. Miguel the pig was introduced with me along with a host of goats, chickens, and underfed dogs. I had the opportunity to pray at the most beautiful river and spent time in some beautiful historic spots.

While en route to visit my ailing aunt, my stomach became difficult to deal with. The ride through the mountains to her residence was unberable for me. I later realized that it was impossible for me to deal with the situation on a physical level. Thank god for Ting as it calmed my upset stomach. The family scene was grim. There was one leg. There were tears. I watched as the previous generation of women in my family embraced for the first time in years.
It was a touching moment. Things that I thought were unique about me are actually genetic.

The visions that were projected through me during this time were often quite vivid and colorful. The spirits in the mountains speak of the original motherland and the torture that has been experienced as a people at the hands of murderers and thieves. As poor as the people are financially, they are equally rich in spirit and life. Culture is abundant and free and there are many smiles everywhere you go. My god what a truly magnificent place.

Did I get the answers you ask? Yes, I did. I plan to return this year under happy circumstances. The beach will be my residence, and my sisters will be at my side. Until I return, the island nation that contributed to my origin holds a special place in my heart. Land of my ancestors, place of my beloved mother, the key to my path. Many more questions still linger. Other countries hold the answers to those but, one trip at a time.