All my small steps got me onto a coral reef. For you to understand the rebirth I experienced, I have to take you there.

We were ready to start my first training dive for the Open Water course and my diving instructor was waiting for me in the water to take my giant stride off the boat. The skipper was lifting my tank holding it’s weight and enabling me to stay upright in full gear. Remember my mobility challenges. I made the stride ! With an OK sign we started our descent together. I was carefully excited as a series of practical tests awaited me on the ocean floor. Within a few meters I had a comfortable breathing rythm, my Instructor took my hand and guided me to what would change everything.

The Mahébourg Anemone Garden is a prestine coral reef at 10m. It litterally brought me to a standstil, or rather a hover. Every centimeter of the reef was moving with life and colour. A whole ecosystem was alive infront of me ! My instructor carefully pointed out the smallest inhabitants, allowing me to see life forms unimagineable. The practical was an exciting success. My heart felt at home and bursting with happiness while my mind tried to take in a fraction of what was visible.

I did seven dives in as many days although I qualified after the fourth. I learnt that more than 80% of our oxygen comes from the ocean and that the food chain for life in the ocean starts on coral reefs. My dive master/instructor organised coral restoration projects and other marine conservation projects in the past. I found out about coral nurseries and coral transplantation as well as the urgency to save coral reefs everywhere.

Every dive took me closer to where I am today. I would give everything to be part of a coral conservation project. To be right there where it all starts and be part of the conservation team. To live my marine conservation dream.

When I got back to South Africa I found out that my dive master was organising the next coral restoration project and that I would be welcomed as a volunteer. I did not have to think it over. My husband supports my dream and urged me on. I had to take the opportunity to go back to see if it would be possible to live my dream.

Much happened ! I studied, did more courses and dives locally to prepare myself to be safe on corals and not damage them accidently. Months and cyclones passed. Life happened and the coral restoration project was placed on hold due to lack of funding amongst other things.

I have an Air Ticket, Accomodation and a survival budget. I decided to go ahead as planned. I need to learn something there. I have not traveled alone since I got sick and I live with assistance. Still I feel that I have to go and live alone in Mahébourg for two months.

What awaits? Perhaps more dives on my reef. Perhaps personal exposure to the results of previous coral transplantation work. Perhaps I have to improve my diminishing French. Perhaps I have to learn more about life on an island as a local. Perhaps I will find that my dream is unrealistic considering my physical limitations. Perhaps an unimaginable surprise awaits me !?

No diary or itinerary or program to follow. Way out of my comfort zone ! I am ticking lists and starting to pack my bags. Excited to have the adventure of my life … knowing I will have to walk my talk.