Gulf oil spill

On April 20, the Horizon Deepwater oil rig blew up in the Gulf of Mexico about 120 miles off the shore of Louisiana. The spill is still not contained, and it is estimated that 210,000 gallons of oil are flowing into the ocean every day. They are trying to sequester it and to burn it. They are also trying to apply dispersants to the oil to break it up so that bacteria can eat it. So far, there are 3 oil leaks 5,000 feet below the water surface- so the spill just keeps getting bigger. Eventually it will reach land- after it has already had its effect on marine life.
It is devastating. I was so extremely sad when I thought of all of the sea creatures, birds, and all of the shorelines and wetlands that will be destroyed because of this. Human beings can just be so destructive, and it hurts me to think how our actions affect the defenseless animals on which we share this planet.
Because of my feelings regarding the issue, the fact that I still have not found a nursing job in St. Louis, and that my brother-in-law lives in Pensacola, where the oil is likely to reach- I got a slightly crazy idea yesterday that I should go and help with the oil spill for the next few weeks. It doesn't really seem that crazy though when I consider my pro-environment platform. :)
The images of Dawn commercials that I saw while growing up, where people are scrubbing oil off of black and tarry birds have stuck with me. I had always thought that I would want to help those animals given the chance. So, I have a chance now to directly help, not just talk about it, and not just send money. So I am taking my chance.
Even though the image of scrubbing oil off of pelicans is cemented into my head as I drive to the Gulf, I am trying to reel myself in and come to terms with the fact that I might not get to directly help the wildlife.. and to accept that any help I can give will be meaningful and possibly life changing for me. I am also trying to prepare myself for how sad of a situation it will probably prove to be. I am very sensitive when it comes to the well being of animals.
So, a day after this idea to go and voluntter with the oil spill got into my head, I find myself driving to Pensacola, FL. I left on Thursday evening and drove all throughout the night to make it to Pensacola around 0600. I made excellent time. I only had to stop once for a little nap around 0400. I think what kept me going was the pure excitement that I was feeling for what I hoped I would get to do once I reached the Gulf.
Like I said- as I was driving, I was just so excited. I actually told Kraig, "I want to work every minute of every day to help while I am down there." He said, "did you just say what I think you said? That you want to work that much?" I said "yes! but dont get used to that kind of talk coming from me in regards to other aspects of my life!" I think he is excited for me, and I am so grateful that he is supportive and that he actually encouraged me to do this in the first place. Actually, thanks to everyone for your support and to Kevin for letting me stay with him!
While I was driving, for a moment, I got the overwhelming feeling that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing at that moment in time. Have you ever had that feeling? I can only recall having it a few times before, but it is an awesome feeling. I almost felt a sort of "calling" to go and help. I am following through on something that I believe to be worthwhile and of the utmost importance. My passion for life in general has actually been reawakened. I am also really excited to meet other earth-loving volunteers!
Now that I am here, I am going to sleep. I am attending a class tonight for volunteers regarding the oil spill, and I hope that once I attend the class I will be able to help as soon as possible. The oil still hasn't reached the Florida shoreline, so I will have to wait and see what kind of work I will get to do and when I will get to do it. Even though this is a horrible situation and the perfect example of why the US should not ruin Alaska with drilling, I am so excited to help...