Getting the opportunity to participate on the Bonaire Study Abroad program is such a blessing, but waking up in Bonaire on your twenty first birthday is the best it gets! I woke up this morning and enjoyed breakfast on the water with some of the best friends I’ve made. As the past few days have been action packed and so amazing, I knew we had to be in for a treat today. We left the resort a bit early to head out for our morning dives and all I felt was the rush of happiness and bliss fall over me endlessly.
I knew the Lord was with me starting the first dive when we spotted a LARGE mature male loggerhead passing in front of the group, as sea turtles are my favorite, and I have been dying to see one during the trip. Later we saw a green sea turtle as well, and finished our second dive by following a spotted eagle ray on our way back up the reef. Absolutely amazing!
After diving we went back to the resort to freshen up and get some lunch before our next adventure. I was walking out to the beach where the group was sitting to join for lunch, when all of the sudden everyone starts to sing happy birthday to me. I notice what’s going on and I am just filled with joy. As the song comes to a sweet end, Professor Fernandes whips out a beautiful classic Dutch cake to treat me with, and Dr Miller explains that everyone wanted to make my 21st birthday special, as it is a big day and this is my first trip out of the country. He presented me with the most perfect gift picked out by all my friends! They got me a hand painted plank designed by an artist who stays at or near Buddy’s. It featured the line “No Hurry, No Worry – Bonaire” accompanied by two beautifully painted sea turtles. It was hard not to bring out the waterworks, as I was just astonished at the love these people have showed me today to make sure my day is special.
For our next adventure of the day on our Bonaire Study Abroad program, the crew traveled to the south eastern side of the island to do a trash clean up. Some people may have thought this would be the last way I want to spend my birthday, but to be blessed the way I have been by coming here and having loving friends… it’s the least I can do to give back for what Bonaire has already given me in four days.
Our group collected 15 duffel bags full of plastic off the coral rubble wash-up of the SE beach. So much collected, and yet so much left to collect after filling our trucks, felt bitter sweet. We were doing a nice thing but I still felt a little defeated at this moment by the human footprint. But then I felt a peace come over me as I realize it is this small change that influences more small change, and more compassion and care for the environment. We dropped the trash of at a local plastic management site that we were working with and were on our way. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that it feels better knowing that the beaches are 15 bags less of trash.
Coming to the end of the day, I feel truly blessed to be able to experience this Bonaire Study Abroad program and all the amazing things we are doing here. I can’t wait to bring all my information learned home and share with my friends and family. And hopefully one day, I can use it to put me where I want to be in my career to make an even bigger change on the environment and society.
Now to get ready for my first night dive ever!! This birthday can never be topped!
To learn how to participate in an experience like the Bonaire Study Abroad program at SPC, click here.