Leadership

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REFLECTIONS: Personal Thoughts

The rainforest experience crystallized my understanding of biodiversity and why it must be preserved at all costs.

Ann McInnis, Clarkston, MI

Experiencing the rainforest has affected me by making me more aware of my natural surroundings. I have become more interested in environmental education and involving children in experiencing the world within their own backyard. I have gained tremendous knowledge regarding the interconnectedness of ecosystems, and I have learned my significance in the delicate, sensitive balance of nature.

Beth Sherrod, Southport, NC

I was most profoundly affected by the living conditions of local people and now realize how environmental preservation goes hand-in-hand with positive social change. Industrialized nations must curb over consumption of resources to complement work in developing countries.

Sharon Spencer, Winston-Salem, NC

While walking among spiraling vines and under the giant arches of palm, I was immediately humbled by the peace and silence of growth. I have never experienced such awe. It certainly was an experience that changed my life, causing me to be much more conscious of my role as a keeper of creation. The rainforest has given me a greater understanding of the significance of life.

Lauren Lee, Dallas

Lucio stops and turns his head to listen more closely to a sound he heard in the forest canopy. I listen too, as Lucio whistles softly to imitate the bird’s call. The masked or crimson tanager answers back as it flits into view above us for a moment, then the scarlet and black bird disappears again in the dense foliage. We continued along the trail in the shadows of giant trees and lianas in the rainforest of Peru.

Lucio is not a visitor here as I am. He was born and raised in this jungle along the mighty Amazon River. Like all Yagua Indians, he is a short, stocky man with the eyes and ears of a forest animal. He is part of the forest; every plant, bird, bat, insect is familiar to him. "This tree’s sap stops bleeding.... that palm tree’s leaves are used for roof thatching.... this frog’s skin contains a poison that is used on blowgun arrows to paralyze game animals.... that bird gives a warning call to others in the flock..."

The experience of visiting the rainforest was scientific and spiritual, educational, and emotional. The awesome splendor of the mature, primary forest was overwhelming. To stand on the spot that has the highest known diversity of woody plants on our planet was awe inspiring and sent shivers through me. The spirit of the forest crept through my soul. This was truly sacred ground upon which I was standing. These forests are too beautiful and too awesome to be destroyed. As I stepped off the river taxi in the city of Iquitos at the end of my rainforest journey, Lucio said, “Take care of yourself. I will take care of the rainforest.” Somehow I knew it couldn’t be in better hands.

Dan R. Kunkle, Lehighton, PA

I was aware of natural resources, but this trip affected me. I can’t stop talking about it to others. I will always promote environmental education, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems and people. We must preserve what we have.

Darlene G. Brumbaugh, Glenvil, NE