My name is Annabelle and I am 12 years old. I live with my mom, Maria.

Mom and I are on our way to the ship that will be taking us to America. We had finally saved enough money to make the trip happen.

My dad had always dreamed of going, but he had passed away last summer. Mom still wanted to make his dream happen.

We had worked long, hard days just to make it all happen. Mom and I barely had time to eat or sleep.

My brother, David, has been in America for a few months now. Mom had sent him first to make sure everything would be ready for when mom and I arrived.

I was sad about leaving my friends and the rest of the family, but I understood that the move to America would be better for us. By the time we had reached the boat it was time to get on.

There was hardly any room on the boat for everyone. It was going to be a long 13 day ride.

During the 13 days several people had gotten sick from the movement of the boat. Those were some of the longest days of my life.