Well it has been a few weeks since I last wrote. Amongst the epic torrential rain and lightening storms we have finally had some less windy, patchy-sunny days (again)!

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Amongst the very British descriptions of weather… life has carried on over here on the islet. We’ve fitted in nest checks, welcomed new chicks into the world, still discovering some new pairs and eggs and also managed to fit in some acoustic surveys and habitat mapping!

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With calmer winds usually comes calmer waves, and whilst these days have been very hard to come by… the boat thankfully managed a couple of trips last week, meaning fresh supplies arrived but also some team change overs… excited for the new team, while already missing those who’ve left!

Amongst the joy of the new life over here, it has also been a tough few weeks as, although seemingly cut off from mainstream life, the sad news still reached me that three A Rocha team died in a car crash (https://www.arocha.org/en/press-statement/). Although I never had a chance to meet Susanna Naylor, it has been a privilege to have known Miranda Harris and Chris Naylor over my time working with A Rocha. For those who haven’t heard of A Rocha, this quote from Miranda describes the family that A Rocha has been and still is for me:

“We are joined together by a common passion and a shared faith, and we are deeply committed to each other for the long haul. You might say that our DNA is more spiritual than biological, that we recognise each other because of the values that shape our family life. We are all Christians, involved professionally in nature conservation, motivated by our love for God and the things he loves. We work within and across many cultures and languages, trying to build community wherever we are with anyone and everyone working to protect our fragile planet, whatever their beliefs—or lack of them. This is an infinitely expandable family, one where all can find a welcome”.

There are no words to describe the heartache and shock at this news. But I move forward in the knowledge that I grieve with this amazing A Rocha family, whether far or near. Let us keep running the race marked out for us – ‘start running – and never quit’.

“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

So as life goes on… the rollercoaster continues. And over here on the islet – it is finding solace in the community, joy in the beauty of the amazing islet and revelling in the cuteness of the fluffy-beaked pom-poms!

Until next time,

Hannah

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