Still and Quiet - Lindsay Bailey
October 9, 2022
Lindsay Bailey, AVC 2023, travelled to Port Hope Simpson as one of the student participants on the Chinook Project. As part of the experience, the students craft various pieces of reflective writing.
Driving through Labrador had this eerie Bob Ross painting feel to it. Fog settled over trees – creating different shades of green in the forests. The bodies of water were reflective like glass. With the lack of traffic and zero congestion of people, everything felt so still and quiet. The drive there was a bit of foreshadowing for our next week in Labrador. Between the long work days at the clinic, mornings and nights were quiet and peaceful. Going on a hike and boat ride allowed us to see the beauty of Labrador from above and when gliding on the reflective water.
Most of the community in Labrador revolved their work and life around their land – whether it was trapping game, or giving boat / hiking tours – there was a connection to nature present. It was an amazing experience to mingle with people in the community and learn about their lives and the history of their land.
Spending a week in Labrador where I could walk outside and see a breathtaking view and provide veterinary care to a lovely community connected me to what truly matters. The simplicity of spending more time in nature and providing a service to a grateful community refilled my cup at a time when my cup was feeling quite empty. It taught me that what I do makes a difference – to help people help their animals. It taught me that I need to spend more time in nature. It taught me that I need to slow down and breathe.
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