Sea Turtles

Saturday, 2/9 Part 2

After Valle, we found our way back to the carretera and headed toward the beach. Trekking over a very bumpy, unpaved road we came upon our friend Mandy’s beach house, actually tucked into the woods next to a river that flows into the ocean. Tranquila!

            We hiked down to the beach, and I was elated! This trip had been so amazing thusfar, and I so love the feeling of sand underneath my feet. We ran into the ocean and I sunk beneath the waves in utter bliss, letting my hair soak up the ocean salt and hang in beachy waves around my face.

            So we’re pausing, enjoying refreshing drinks and watching the sun set on the beach, when Cane and Davis, Mandy’s two high school sons come sprinting down the beach toward us.

            “Wanna see a baby sea turtle?” Davis yelled.

“Whoah..yeah!” we were in shock by the news, and hurried to meet them where they were pointing.

“They just hatched I think,” Cane observed.

I looked down at the dark sand. Nothing, and then I saw one of the pieces of sand moving. Not just one camouflaged baby sea turtle but around 10 baby turtles about the length of my thumb, crawling and trying to swim their way across the miniature sand dunes. They were so cute!

            At first we thought: “They’re going to the ocean, let’s help them and carry them there!” But then Mami explained that no, the turtles need to reach the ocean on their own, since that movement of crossing the sand was what taught them how to swim in the ocean. So we each “adopted” a turtle to cheer on. I named mine “Squirt” after the character in Finding Nemo.

            We knelt down next to our turtles to cheer them on during their journey. Squirt made a little progress, then would stop and catch his breath and then press on a little while longer. I gave him pep talks, patted the ground in front of him, and even traced a little highway course in the sand for him to follow.

            Mami’s turtle was speedy and made it to the ocean first. Cane took pictures and we erupted in cheers. Danae’s turtle was far behind and kept going the wrong way, but seeing Mami’s turtle make it,  we were inspired to keep coaching our little guys. Eventually, all the turtles made it to the ocean. We all hugged and it was a proud, emotional moment as the waves carried them away to their new life and home.

Daily Lessons:

• Trials are training for bigger challenges and teach us how to better navigate life. Romans 5:1-5
• The journey may be hard, but the end is worth it. Philippians 3:14
• Sometimes we be turned around going backwards, but God knows the path and will direct us where to go. Romans 7:25
• We never alone; Jesus is cheering right by our side. Psalm 16:8-11, Acts 2:22-36

If God is for us, who can be against us??

Watch and listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op4n0EF3PdU