Sea Turtles, Resilience, and Saying Yes

Years ago, while swaying in hammocks on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, my dear friend Pam and I listened to a young, bright-eyed biologist speak about the Leatherback sea turtle. We were visiting on a horticultural tour but our last day consisted of a lecture and midnight patrol of the coastline. Why? 

Because the Leatherbacks were endangered species and poachers were stealing sea turtle eggs after the mama swam to shore to lay her eggs. The stat was alarming – only 1 in 1,000 returns each year. She said the plight was dire and she wanted to raise $50k to build an educational center to tell the beautiful, ancient story of turtles and why it was important to save them. 

Pam and I looked at each other and said, “We can do that.”

We raised $60,000 and two years later built and made the educational center a reality. And returned year after year, taking groups with us each time, to help protect the hatchlings—watching them begin their improbable journey toward the sea. That one YES changed our lives forever. Turtles continue to return and the numbers are up because people care. Care for a creature of the sea.

With love,

Joanie Parsons

Founder/Adventurist of RevelEleven