My BFREE Experience
by Ashira Rancharan
My time at BFREE was nothing short of magical.
I’ve always loved nature, but being there felt different; I wasn’t just an observer and instead was a part of all that was happening. I’m someone who has always been a little hesitant about volunteering and afraid that I might not do things properly, but BFREE changed that for me.
From the very first evening, I felt welcomed not just by the people but by nature itself. The calls of the howler monkeys echoing through the trees, the scent of the rainforest air, and the warmth of the homemade meals created in Mr. Eddie’s kitchen all made me feel at home in a way I never expected.
One of my most unforgettable moments was climbing the observation tower. I’m not the most active person, so I wasn’t sure if I’d even make it to the top, let alone do it more than once. But to my surprise, I climbed it three times during my stay.
It was a struggle each time, but every step was worth it.
When I finally reached the top of my first climb, the sky stretched endlessly above me, filled with more stars than I ever imagined. It felt like the universe had opened just for me.
At that moment, I felt small but deeply connected to everything around me, as if I were a tiny part of something much bigger.
My Days at BFREE
The Hicatee health assessment was a definite highlight. Everyone involved was so knowledgeable, and handling the turtles was incredible. I loved learning the assessment process steps, but my favorite part was weighing them. I was so eager to know their weight! At the same time, I had to be extra careful since they were heavier than I expected and measuring them required a gentle touch.
Another moment that stuck with me was Mario Teul’s presentation on the Harpy Eagle. I was not aware of the work done to protect this magnificent bird, and Mr. Mario’s passion made me fall in love with BFREE’s mission even more. To top it all off, I visited the cacao farm, an experience that deepened my appreciation for agroforestry.
What indeed took my breath away was watching the howler monkeys in action. At first, it felt like they were watching me just as curiously as I was watching them. As I tried to take a picture, they suddenly started swinging from tree to tree, effortlessly moving through the canopy before stopping to grab a piece of fruit. I wish I could put into words how that moment felt. It was beyond anything I had ever experienced.
Reflecting on my Experience
BFREE wasn’t just a trip; it was a change. I arrived unsure of myself; not certain I could handle everything. But as the days went by, I realized I could do more than I thought.
Nature at BFREE welcomed me in ways I didn’t expect: the howler monkeys calling, the birds singing, the fresh smell of rain, and the overwhelming feeling that everything is connected. All showing me that I am part of something much bigger.
My biggest lesson was that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. Whether it was pushing through my doubts to climb the observation tower, gently handling the Hicatee turtles, or just standing under a starry sky, each moment helped me grow.
I left with more than just memories; I went with a better understanding of myself, a love for conservation, and a heart full of thanks for the beauty of nature. It wasn’t just a journey but a reminder that we grow when facing the unknown.
