One Hell of a Life Experience.

Things are seldom exactly what you expect them to be and I think it's safe to say that that has so far been exactly the case with our trip. Someone can explain to you that you will be doing night patrol for 4 hours a night, but no one can fully explain or understand the elements- it's hot, it's humid, and it's hard work. With that being said, I've been nothing but impressed with how well everyone has gotten through the hard times. It's safe to say that our time here has been a total roller coaster ride, from the wonderful morning or day, to one of the hardest patrols of your life at night.
Hole digging is an awesome experience. Everyone practices digging holes for when they have hatchery duty and secretly we all dream of hatchery duty to take the place of our night patrols and when we get it, we celebrate. Even though it's a 6 hour shift, it's relatively easy work. You sit outside for 6 hours, dig holes if they bring you eggs, and check the nest temperatures at the beginning of your shift. Women are usually teamed with someone, but if you are male and we're short volunteers you sometimes work alone.
I think that working with sea turtles can be easily compared to being a dairy farmer-you never get a day, hour or minute off, you must always be prepared and available. We found that our our first day. When working with an endangered species you have to recognize that you have to be prepared to release the babies at any time and receive more eggs and females at any time.
Most of us have gotten to work with a turtle which is so rewarding (and it makes night patrol go by much faster). I've only yet worked with one and have gone on 5 night patrols, 3 A's and 2 B's- I guess you could call me unlucky. I was just startign to think I'd never see a turtle when we found one crawling onto shore to make it's nest. I actually got to catch the eggs in the bag as it laid them. It was buggy, my arms were weak and shaking and I itched as I laid in the sand, but it was so incredibly rewarding. I pray that our next couple nights are full of turtles and sleep- it will make the time fly by and make things easier for everyone.
While the work is hard and it's not at all what I'd, or anyone else for that matter, expected I can say it is one hell of a life experience. Since we have survived this trip, I know we are all physically, emotionally and mentally prepared to do anything that lies before us and I know how much this trip has made me a better person.

I miss everyone. I can't wait to be home to hug my boy!

Love,
Karla