My Journey to the New World

My Journey to the New World

April 6, 1609

Dear Journal,

Sitting on the dock and waiting to board the ship, I thought about what I was feeling. Not knowing if I was feeling scared or nervous I shivered. I really don't know what will happen on the boat. Will sickness and disease spread throughout the ship? What will happen throughout the journey? Leaving is necessary due the way in which I want to follow my religion. The government will not let me do it the want I want to. I brought 5 large trunks of food, valuables, and clothing. I have triplets; Lauren, Emiline, and Charlotte. It's going to be hard to take care of all of them, feed them enough food, and let them be happy. At nine years of age, girls need room to move around and be free.

I don't know how I will communicate with people that don't think, act, or speak the same way I do, but here are some ideas. If they don't speak the same language I do, I would probably act it out the best I can. If they don't think the same way I do, I will explain my idea. If they don't act the same way I do I will tell them about the way I act and maybe they will listen to me. With me I have 3 purses of silver and 1 purse of gold. Even though I have never been on a boat, I think I will be able to survive the two long months of being on the boat with up to 180 people and the crew. I'm going to board the boat now. Wish me luck. I'll write to you when I get on the boat.

Love,

Samantha Lee

April 23, 1609

Dear Journal,

I am feeling homesick but I am not going to show it in front of my children because I am their role model. Plus, I am starting to get sea sick and don't know what to do. What if leaving my country isn't such a good idea after all? I could have just hid in a place where the government wouldn't find me. Now I have nothing. Well, I guess I can't change my mind anymore. My family is feeling really bored and really sick. All we see is people and sea, never any land. I'm trying to get my children out of their boredom by reminding them of what to expect and all the great reasons we are moving to the new world.

My stomach keeps on growling and grumbling but I can't do anything. My limits are five pieces of food a day. I can feel myself getting thinner and thinner. My bones are starting to show through. My body is turning weak and fragile. I am hoping that the boat will stop rocking so wildly but I know that it's not possible. My fear is that the boat gets blown off course by the wind so I won't see land for about a year. I need to work up some strength. Fast. I'll tell you all about my journey later journal. Right now, I need to go take care of my children.

Lots of love,

Samantha Lee

17 May, 1609

Dear Journal,

Finally, land! I ran out as soon as the boat's deck opened up. I felt like kissing the land. My children were also really happy and as soon as they touched land, they started chasing each other like they have never before, screaming and shouting in a happy way. I thought about what had happened on the boat and thought that it was worth it. I had just arrived in the new world.

I was so happy to be off the ship that I had forgotten about the trunks beside me. I threw my hands up and knocked one of my trunks down. I hurried to pick them up and went to find my children. No more soggy food. No more seasickness. No more depression. I was so happy Icouldn't believe it. I had made it. I survived.

Cheers!

Samantha Lee

May 30, 1609
Dear Journal,
I really made the right choice moving here. The food and sanitation in the colony is much better than England's food and sanitation. My family is happy and so am I. Lauren is really excited and she said that she wanted to live here forever. I have faced the challenge of having to sleep under trees after being in grand homes for so much of my life. I don't really mind very much because at least my lifestyle is better here. I have also started a business and hope it will be successful.

I hope that things will stay this way. My children are always chasing each other. Every hour of every day. My husband works in the same company as I do. The people who live near me are very kind and friendly. We trade all different kinds of foods. My life here is wonderful.

Cheers!
Samantha Lee

June 15, 1609

Dear Journal,

We had some small problems with the Indians. Then one day, I heard the crackling of leaves. There was a man standing right in front of me. He told me his name was Powhatan. I went to him and begged him to give us some food. Solemnly, he agreed. There are not many problems here. One day I met Joseph, a gentleman. He was really nice and had two children. His children started playing with my children as we went off to talk about our life in the new world.

My husband John is very thrilled about the new world. He is always saying that we made the right decision to move here. I think he already said it 20 times. It's getting quite annoying. One little problem is that I'm worried about winter. In winter we won't have shelter since we sleep under trees, but that won't be a very big problem because we could just build a shelter or something like that. Even though I am definitely not getting my precious gloves dirty and sweaty.

Lots of Love,

Samantha Lee

June 30 1609

Dear Journal,

I have come to the end of this book. This will be my last entry. I don't know how many times I said this but I love my life here. My business is very successful and I enjoy my job. I only work two days in a week, but that's enough. When I do not work, I play with my children, lie down under the trees, or trade for some clothing and food.

The best part of the New World is that there are no taxes. Even though the taxes were not very high in England, I like to keep my money for useful things. The conditions in the colony have changed a little in the last several months. Because at first we weren't used to living in the new world, but now, after several months we know our daily routines and what is happening around here. I love the New World. Scratch that... I LOVE the New World.

Bye!

Samantha Lee

Written by Sabrina Lu

Edited and Revised by Halle Lewis