At times I feel like a stranger in a strange land. A woman from Earth
who is learning how to live and work on Mars. Dreams are simple.
Making them come true is a different story. Watching my Crew live out
each day on Mars is something that cannot be accurately put into words.
I see them struggle to learn a new task in order not to compromise our
well being in this harsh environment. I see the light in their eyes
and the overwhelming shine of accomplishment when they finish their
task and know that they contributed to the stability of our way of
life.

Our mettle is tested in extraordinary ways. We train for the times
when we will have to face the unknown and the day when we face our own
self in a moment of truth so small and insignificant that it makes all
the difference in the world, this world...so alien and yet so
wonderful. Both mankind's failures and triumph's have let us reach
this planet. We are here to stay.

The children have adapted quite well. They feel comfortable in the
Mars Hab. Maybe too comfortable. I see my oldest daughter making sure
that her Crew is doing what they are suppose to do for one day her
training will serve her well when she commands her own Crew. If she
decides to follow in her Mother's footsteps. My youngest daughter is
very efficient and knows everything there is to know about the
spacesuits and ensures that everyone is secure and ready to go on their
EVA. She will make sure everyone is suited up before she suits up.
She is full of herself and knows her stuff and is quick to fix
anything. My son, my son. Where do I begin? He is a ten year old who
loves playing his games but loves to go on an EVA. Sharp as a whip
when it deals with math and science he is always up to a challenge. A
fighter pilot, that's his dream. To fly hard and fast. He'll prevail
and overcome anything. I can see it now.

These children, whether they realize it or not, are learning what it is
like to live on Mars. No other child on Earth has done what they are
currently doing. Does it faze them now? Not really. But in the
coming years they will realize the small gift that I have given them.
The opportunity to harvest the possibilities of exploration. I created
this mission for them.

This mission is for those who dreamed and still dream of exploration.
It is for those who say they will never see humans explore again in
their lifetime. It is for my grandfathers, Angelo and Achilles, who
left their homes in Italy for a "New World"...a "Better way of life"
for their families. They left Italy for economic reasons. They left
due to geologic hazards (Mt. Vesuvius erupted and Grandpa Achilles ran
barefoot and with no shirt on through the ash that saturated the air)
and they left for health reasons (the men and women working in the
malaria fields everyday). And now here I am. Wanting the same for my
children. Literally searching for a "New World". There will be risks.
For my children I am willing to take them all. Are you?