Wings On Fire

I had always dreamed of going to the Amazon.

The rainforest was a dream that breathed new life into me the way it breathes oxygen into the planet. As indescribable as the awe that comes from being amongst such biodiversity may be, the rainforest enchanted me in the movement of a toucan awkwardly wielding its beak, and in the flapping of wings on fire in the sunset as the faithful scarlet macaw streaks across the sky in its squeaky calling out to all below.

Some moments brought forth vulnerabilities- the surprise of a snake’s delicate flicker of its tongue interrupting our gaze, and some brought forth grace, such as meeting the long-dreaded tarantula and experiencing not fear, but its majesty. Walls of rain sing in the rainforest upon giant sheets of leaves and dance on the surface of the turbid river.

There is promise in the sunrise through the canopy mist, and in the sigh of achievement in the last orange glows on emergent branches, awaiting the stars and tree frog songs.

I believe in this feeling of awe, and in its power. Because of this, I live with more connection to the earth, more affinity for discovery, and more passion for sharing this awe with the global community. Dr. Kelly Swing, the director of the research station, quoted an Amazonian tribe leader in a presentation to visiting students, “We only know what we see; we only love what we know; we only care about what we love”. This has become my personal mission statement.

-Adrienne L. Godschalx, June 2010