Swimming with the Sharks

The program of NILI (Nazarene International Language Institute) is designed to blend language study and immersion with ministry and cultural/travel opportunities. Following final presentations and papers, the program of 3 ½ months concludes with a four- day cruise/tour of the Galapagos Islands for all the students.

The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, but lie some 600 miles west of the coast of South America in the Pacific. Of course, they were made famous by Charles Darwin’s research back in the 1800s that contributed greatly to his signature work, Origin of the Species. Many of the animals and birds found in the Galapagos are only found there. “Endemic” is the word our guide often used to describe this phenomenon. I was so proud that I could answer his query, “What does ‘endemic’ mean?”…I tried to appear nonchalant.

I found it amazing to be so close (as in right next to) to wild animals that seemed quite comfortable in our presence. They acted as though we belonged there, not fleeing nor being aggressive towards us. Thankfully, there are strict rules about respecting distance, not initiating touch or contact with them, staying on the trails, etc. One day a sea lion swaggered across the sandy beach and “whisker-kissed” my leg. That was within the rules because she initiated the contact. Another day, Darlene lied down on the beach next to (within 2-3’) of a mom and two sea lion pups. Again, that was okay, because she respected their space and did not touch them or try to bait them into contact. So there they were, 4 bathing beauties enjoying the tropical sun on a white sand beach.

We sailed aboard the Yolita II, a cruiser whose cabins sleep 16 passengers. To do the complete tour, it takes up to 7 or 8 days, so our tour concentrated only on the southern groupings of islands. We missed seeing the volcanic hotspot on the islands to the west and north, but seeing as much as we did was a real treat.

Our crew of eight was born and raised in the Galapagos, Their Spanish was very rapid, and I needed a bit more clarity in their enunciation to be able to catch their interchanges. Thankfully, our guide, Washington spoke English distinctly enough to make possible the learning of all the fascinating creatures, plants and the Galapagos’ history.

In short, we sailed, hiked (more like nature walks) and snorkeled for most of four days. The bird life featured frigate birds that have a red balloon-like sack on their chest that, when inflated, looks to be a balloon about to burst, the wave albatross with their animated love dance, and the famous blue -footed booby. By looking at their sky-blue webbed feet , it’s readily apparent how they got the first part of their name, but I haven’t a clue as to the last part. I also want to mention the iguanas: marine iguanas, land iguanas, red, green, black iguanas, iguanas that are unique to these Pacific isles. Oh, I’d be remiss if I did not acknowledge the 100+ year old giant Galapagos turtles, in whose honor the islands are named. We saw several mature adults that reminded me of the size of miniature Volkswagen Beetles.

The snorkeling was our favorite part, as it was as though we entered another world.
I can’t begin to describe the vast assortment of fish we encountered. Sometimes, it reminded us of scenes from “Finding Nemo” or “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. “ The treat for us was to swim in very close proximity to sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and even a few sharks. You could get very close to the sea lions and sea turtles…..the rays and sharks were a bit more elusive. That brings me to a point of reflection.

On an early morning snorkel experience, our guide was hoping to take us to a point near some rocks called the Devil’s Crown for a chance to see eagle rays, golden rays, and white-tipped reef sharks. Swimming in the presence of sharks has never been on my personal “Bucket List”, in part because I’ve always figured I’d likely kick the bucket in such an encounter, never to complete the adventures on my list. Washington, though, was excited about the possibility of shark sightings. I had mixed feelings, but we were “in” for the adventure.

We took a dinghy out to the spot and jumped in. As the bubbles cleared, we found ourselves in what seemed to be a immense aquarium with thousands of fish of various species, of a myriad of shapes, colors and sizes. The variety of types and colors were extensive. Each time we’d jump out of the dinghy into a new area for the first time, I would have a few moments of uneasiness. I think Darlene did as well. We were quickly aware that this under -the -sea world is a very big, deep and blue world of its own, and I would feel pretty vulnerable. Even with wet suits, the water was a bit cool, reminding me of my limitations. What’s behind me? What’s beneath me, beyond the scope of my vision? But, our guide said it’s going to be great, so I’d try to relax and not worry about the things I could and could not yet see.

On the “day of the shark”, I found myself trying to stay pretty close to where Washington, our guide was, more so than ever before. I think the word “shark” was the reason for this motivation. For some reason, being close to the guide who had assured us of a great adventure with minimal risk was important to me. Earlier, we had a couple of students who encountered the sting of jellyfish, so we were all now wearing wetsuits for added protection. We had encountered “reality in sea-life”, and my wariness of jellyfish stings and now, the prospect of shark attacks (in my imagination) created a slight degree of hesitation and wariness in me.

Washington wore a weighted belt that allowed him to dive down 30-40’ below the surface. Suddenly, he dove, and we watched from the surface as he approached a rock ledge or shelf near the ocean floor. He started moving his arms and flippered feet around and soon out came 4 sharks that had been sleeping under the ledge, hidden from our view directly above. They looked to be between 4-5’ in length, big enough to be beyond the “cute little fellas” type of description.

For the next several minutes we watched in wonder (and with a bit of wariness) as the sharks swam around directly beneath us. We were sitting ducks, so to speak, or maybe “bobbing sea lion lookalikes” in our wetsuits would be a more appropriate word picture. At night, our guide said, these sharks feed and can be “aggressive”. I hoped they weren’t waking up on the wrong side of the bed given that their slumber had been abruptly cut short by our arrival. Nearby, Darlene would tap my shoulder and point toward sharks or rays that were in the neighborhood.

I started thinking about how I would have never been there to witness such beauty had I not trusted the knowledge, assurance and presence of our guide, Washington. I would have stayed in the boat, if one of our group members had said, “Follow me, I know where we can swim with sharks.” “No, thanks,” I would have replied, “I like having four limbs for their intended use.” But, this invitation for adventure did not come from one of us novices, but from a guide with 18 years experience. Our trusted guide delivered as promised. I felt free to explore, wander and wonder at what we were experiencing.

In those moments I began thinking about the Lord as our Guide. It was natural to think of how my life takes on more of a tone of “adventure” when I trust God to be my Guide. I find myself more willing and eager to “go places” in all aspects of life when I follow His lead, His leading, and take Him at His word. Seeking to stick close to Christ as our guide can lead us out into waters that are unknown, containing elements of both risk and adventure. He knows the environment that we enter, and how to guide us to make the most of the opportunities. I thought of how His Word, His Life directs, liberates, and also alerts us to potential dangers within and without. The promise of His Presence enlivens and emboldens us to “move a position” and explore, to go on adventures with and for Him.

There are, of course, times when the adventure leads into waters that are quite deep, with shadows of unknown origin or nature. But, life will bring such times to us all, whether we stay “in the boat”, or if we’ve chosen to “get out of the boat” and explore, embarking on an adventure. What lurks under the ledge, or in the deep blue of what lies in front of us? I’m hoping to have my trust in a loving Guide develop to where I can trust Him when I find myself in those waters that are deeper and that hold more “unknown” than I had bargained for. I want to live life with Him as an adventure. That’s one of my hopes and prayers.

So, that was my devotional thought from our “under the sea” experience that day.

Well, there is much more to write about, such as the lizard that can “eject” or release it’s tail when a bird swoops in, attempting to pick up some fast food. The bird then goes for the tail and the lizard, unattached, escapes to safety under a nearby rock. Fascinating. But this is enough for now. It was an honor and privilege to have the privilege to witness the genius of the Creator as evidenced in the Galapagos.