On Sunday, September 27, we all woke up very excited because our families, children and friends were set to arrive today. And since we are taking off in only three days, we are also in the final sprint to finish all our paperwork. The excitement in the air was palpable!
To prepare them for their arrival, we started with a video of my training bloopers, which generated quite a few chuckles.
Afterwards, from behind the glass, I had the opportunity to see all my guests (about 50 people in all, including my family). Everyone's skin was a bit pale, showing their fatigue after the long trip, but they were all sporting big smiles anyway! I was really happy to see them, and their support of my adventure warmed my heart.
The heartbreaking side of this experience is to watch my children who want to give me a kiss, be in my arms, but not being able to due to the glass pane between us. But I was happy to at least see and talk to them and the atmosphere was quite cheerful.
However, I got to see my 3 oldest outside, with my love and Julie Payette, but with a good 10 feet of distance between us. Unfortunately, they would not allow me to see the other two because they are too young, therefore more likely to transmit a virus. Later, Julie returned to the hotel with the children and Claudia and I enjoyed a tête-à-tête in the cosmonauts' private room. We had a drink, we talked ... it was a beautiful moment.
Both crews then returned to our quarantine quarters to polish off our bottles of wine, our hearts full of emotion. Blast-off is just around the corner!
As I told you earlier, I have had quite a bit of time since I came to Baikonur to go through my stuff; including reading the comments and questions you've posted on my blog since June 4th!
During my months of training at Star City, I tried to do as much as possible in a day. I knew that there were a lot of you following my adventures on the blog but unfortunately didn't have time to read everything and especially to reply to everyone. These comments come from friends, family members, people I've met over the summer, and people I don't know and probably won't ever meet, but you all have one thing in common; in your own way, you all tell me what you think, you encourage me, ask me questions and, above all, confirm that I have made the right decision in believing that with an idea, you can touch people and raise their awareness.
That is what struck me most when reading your remarks. You have followed my stories for many long weeks now; with these stories—sometimes funny, sometimes serious—I wanted you to "train" alongside me, and you have been a part of my adventure with your encouragement, your questions and your creative, inspired enthusiasm. You have written poems, songs, funny little notes and fitting remarks, and I thank you most sincerely for your generosity. Support is more than just a financial affair: often it is the little things that count.
I'm pleased to see that lots of closet poets have found their voice and artists have found inspiration. I have received messages from mums who tell me that the subjects of space and water have given them the opportunity to discuss things such as sharing, poverty and sickness with their children. I am glad that the subject of my project's relevance has inspired "mini-debates" among people. I agree that questions should be raised about the cost of this project, the intentions behind it and the results that it will bring. So many questions that I have indeed asked myself.
You have taken the time to read what I've had to say, to write to me and to send words of encouragement. For me, it is important that I now, in turn, read what you have to say and give you a reply. It would be impossible for me to reply to you all individually, but as I believe in the community spirit, I'm going send a message to all of you together!
When I founded ONE DROP, it was (or rather, it still is) desperately urgent to do something to protect water. Our objectives target action on the ground, educational projects (such as AQUA, which several cities have expressed an interest in) and raising awareness.
I could have done all that in traditional philanthropic ways or even step by step as we did with Cirque du Soleil, but we don't have 25 years to save the cause of water! And besides, I wanted a different sort of foundation, something that sets us apart and incorporates art. ONE DROP is already acting in practical terms, but in the project of going into space, I saw an innovative opportunity, reflecting the image of Cirque du Soleil and my own image, too. Of course there is an element of risk, but that's in my nature—and taking risks is an integral part of my company's culture as well.
Right from the start, I knew that such a project wouldn't get unanimous support, but I was willing to take the chance. And anyhow, I wanted to go into space! The stars seemed to be perfectly aligned so that I could take my gang at Cirque and ONE DROP along with me. What's more, the international coverage we are getting at the moment seems to support the fact that it's the right thing to do; I wouldn't have been able to reach so many people so quickly by doing things the traditional way.
Beyond the audacity of the project, I know that this mission is upsetting some of you from an ecological point of view. I am already committed to respecting the environment in my everyday life, so of course I was worried about offsetting my carbon footprint for my flight into space.
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil in the same year was just perfect timing! I make no bones about it: of course this project gives the company high visibility as an events organizer. This free, worldwide event is in step with the humanitarian journey already embarked on by Cirque du Soleil.
In fact, 1% of the company's income goes towards helping young people: Cirque du Monde, our status as donor to La TOHU and our assistance in the St-Michel neighbourhood—not to mention our support for young artists. As far as I'm concerned, this $35 M is another investment, one that has led to interesting partnership requests for ONE DROP.
Will the end result be what we hoped for? In the short term, there are encouraging signs. In the medium and long term, we'll have to wait and see! However, I believe that the spin-off effects will make things easier for other projects out there that support the cause of water.
Of course, it is thanks to my own financial situation that I have been able to experience such an adventure. And yes, I am also making a personal dream come true through this mission. I'm having an enriching experience with a fascinating community. And from your feedback, I am so happy to see that the drops are gathering together to create a magnificent wave!
Not so long ago, I was counting the months, weeks, days, now it's just a matter of hours.... and I am ready!
I don't know how I'm going to be able to continue my blog up there, but I'll do my best. In any case, rest assured that you will get to hear all about my life in space!
Your support has given me plenty of propulsion energy, so Soyuz TMA-16 should have no trouble at all lifting off! I send my very best wishes to you all. I hope you always continue to dream and have the pleasure of reaching your stars, too.
P.S. By the way, one way you can help me achieve my goal of making as many people aware about the cause of water as possible is to spread the word to everyone you know and make sure you are all tuned into the event on October 9th! Together, let's make the hugest wave possible!