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SERF BLOG #4: AMBASSADORS OF ILLUMINATION
SERF Student Iain Harris reflects on lessons learned in the Mentawais
Posted: 08/31/09 | Visits: 1,966
| Comments: 0 | View Comments
The vessel moves on, slowly emerging from the dark abyss of night into the greetings of first light. Gone are the hours of darkness, torrential rains and steadfast wind. The crew's course is set, and with the mission now fully underway, hesitation is not an option. Unlike other charter expeditions, our objectives extend beyond the norm of simply Bintangs and barrels. It is us, a collection of high-caliber students, researchers and Indonesian Ambassadors who bring new light to this surreal string of islands. Carrying a torch and lighting that which has remained unilluminated until now. Even the most exploited lineup releases its selfish and combative tendencies.
 |
| Evening glow. |
Take Lance's Right...
It is here a lesson is taught, but not one that includes new surf etiquette or strong-handed force. In the channel, our two female ambassadors/Bahasa teachers from Padang, Desi and Patra, encounter what most surfers take for granted. Mind you, Desi has never been on a boat and neither of them knows how to swim. Delicately, they enter the opalescent waters in our lifejackets. Wrapped in traditional Jil-Bab veils, they display an innocent beauty as their heads bob up and down, their goggles begin to fog and their smiles widen.
The joy of discovery can be seen from all those in the line-up. Suddenly it seems this over-ridden wave grins ear-to-ear -- happy in the knowledge that not all the glory is found in the barrel. The Surfer's Education and Relief Force (SERF) is currently sailing south to deliver humanitarian aid to the untouched villages at the tip of the Mentawai archipelago. Look for future dispatches from the students of the SERF Journalism expedition in the days ahead. Visit www.SERFjournalismExpedition.blogspot.com for student profiles and trip photos, or for more info on how you can be part of SERF Journalism Expedition 2010 visit www.LastMileExpeditions.com
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