Many opportunities arose for significant conversations about faith and science and about the intrinsic value of nature because its source is the triune God.
On 22 June, 5 students embarked on an expedition to remote Indonesia to participate in conservation research in a North Buton rainforest and the coral reefs of the Wakatobi region. Ella Y, Constance M, Abigail W, Lianne Y and Levi F, along with Mr Taylor excitedly boarded a plan in the early hours of Saturday morning. The trip was an opportunity to get hands on with an international, longitudinal research program. The team helped survey birds, reptiles, amphibians, megafauna, bat, butterflies and ecosystem health. They also learnt about the reed reconstruction program on Hoga island and learnt to scuba dive in the phenomenal beauty of God’s creation. So many opportunities arose to have significant conversations about faith and science and about the intrinsic value of nature because its source is the triune God.
Hear from some of the team and look through some of our photos. We look forward to sharing stories and encouraging others to think about getting involved in future years.
“The trip to Wallacea was one that I’ll never forget. Initially, stepping out into the wild, trekking and diving for hours, having cold showers for 2 weeks… that scared me! I felt unprepared and unqualified. However, I took the leap and ventured way beyond my comfort zone. All this investment to study, marvel at different Indonesian species living within a united ecosystem that our God has created. And I am beyond grateful that I did. I met so many new people and my eyes were opened to many new things. I had the best time and I felt devastated when saying goodbye. Walking and diving in Hoga Island with new friends was so fun. We shared smiles when saying “Halo!” to the Indonesians and eating donuts… there was a peace there I can’t describe. There was a stillness and beauty that genuinely radiated God’s peace. I had equal amounts of fun in Buton Island. Playing volleyball has got to be my highlight though! I can’t deny that it was tiring, dirty or physically taxing; but if I could rewind time to re-experience the beauty of the people and environment in Indonesia, I would.”
– Lianne Young
“From diving into the deep and trekking through the jungle, Indonesia has it all. We spent our first week deep in the rainforest of North Buton at Camp Anoa. Named after small, unique cattle that we would track with the help of a talented scientist, one among many we met and miss. We spent our mornings (very early mornings) walking through the jungle, crossing rivers, checking traps for lizards and snakes, sometimes finding, measuring and identifying them. It was often indescribable and awe inspiring. A definite highlight of mine was catching butterflies and listening for bird calls. In the afternoons, we would play volleyball, try desperately to dry our boots, and get told all about Wallacea Indonesia and its marvellous ecosystem.
Leaving the camp at the end of the week was devastating, as while the jungle was beautiful, the people we met – their passion for what they do – was more beautiful, and saying goodbye to them was heart-breaking. We travelled to Hoga Island, doing some fun yet objectively terrible karaoke performances. Our week on Hoga consisted of diving in the morning and afternoon, an experience really unlike any other, surrounded by some of the world’s most diverse ecosystem. It was truly amazing, watching so many schools of fish just swim around you. In between dives we learnt the theory and ate donuts and chocolate bars which were on sale – which was undoubtedly a highlight. All in all, this trip left me marvelling at God’s wonderful creation and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone involved.”
– Ella Young
“The Operation Wallacea trip was an experience I greatly enjoyed, and I am incredibly grateful I was given the opportunity to go. It gave me insight into my future and made me realise I’m much more interested in ecology than I originally thought. Aside from the practical side of the trip, the people made it entirely worthwhile. There were so many friendships forged with both students and OpWall staff that cultivated the whole experience. This was especially evident at Camp Anoa (the terrestrial camp we stayed at in the first week) as there were so few of us – we got close very fast. Some special moments for me were playing chess with Josh and Glenn (some of the scientists), talking with Amy (the butterfly specialist) and going on that habitat surveys, which were surprisingly my favourite. I’m so glad I went and would definitely go again if given the chance.”
– Abigail Wilkens
