- J
The world being turned on its head has a way of making a person reflect on what is truly important. 
In 2021, Eryn decided that best thing to do for herself and her newborn daughter Selkie, was to find a home that she could safely call her own and provide a certain sense of security in these ever-changing and uncertain times.
To do this, she bought and has been restoring a boat named Merissa (formerly Sri Ulu “Boat from the edge of the World"). Eryn's intention is to travel south and continue teaching the children of the Northern Rivers.
Aside from being a school teacher and a single mum, Eryn is an accomplished sailor, a stroke survivor, a creative artist, and I say this with a heavy heart…a DV survivor. Getting to this point in her journey has not been easy. Eryn has faced more than just the challenge of restoring a boat, finding and fixing the parts that have been broken or gone missing. Eryn has needed to navigate: the croc infested waters of Far North QLD, the dangers of being alone with a baby in a remote community, the schedule delays of lazy mechanics (not to mention the ongoing risk of adverse weather).
Eryn has literally and metaphorically endured cyclones and storms, almost single-handedly. What was meant to be a couple of months worth of work has turned into two years up in far north Queensland, by herself, in a remote and challenging community, isolated and away from family and loved ones.
Yet for all this, Eryn and Selkie - along with their boat Sri Ulu - have kept pushing through the headwinds. (Whenever it is that they make the movie of this story, it is going to be epic!!)
Through her hard work and determination, and with her daughter onboard, Eryn has navigated Sri Ulu out of the very remote waters of FNQ further south (to now a very rough and questionable anchorage which is unsafe for her and Selkie).
In completing her home for herself and daughter, there is still so much work to be done. Each of us have dreams of the life we wish to create. Eryn has planned and dedicated herself to the work of making this new life possible for her and little Selkie.
Ask yourself - What would you give to step into your more hopeful life? Who would you want around you, cheering you on, and supporting you on that journey?
Chances are, you would probably want someone like Eryn around. Someone who is kind hearted, but unafraid to tell it like it is. Someone seeking freedom and adventure, but understanding the responsibility, commitment, and hard work involved in getting there. Someone who has invested into the lives of others, just as they have endeavoured to do for themselves.
I want to invite you to support my dear friend, as her and baby Selkie grow their dream into a reality. The figure we are aiming to raise is $20,000. This will be to cover the costs involved in completing the boat restoration, as well as getting through any timely delays.
Supporting this GoFundMe will help cover for some of the expert work still needing to be done, such as booking a reliable marine electrician to do a full inspection of onboard circuitry and a mechanic. These funds will also go towards some of the larger items still needing to be installed on board including: a sink/bench top for meal prep and hygiene, and a toilet and shower!
Many of you who are reading this will already know Eryn personally and have journeyed with her. Some of you may not have had the privilege of spending time with Eryn and Selkie yet. If that is you, then please allow me the following commendation:- Eryn is a vibrant and hopeful person, who is so gracious with others, and so generous in the way she has invested her time and energy across years into whichever communities she has resided in.
I believe Eryn deserves good people around her, and is well deserving of the good people who will invest into her journey. I would like to encourage you to think about those people who are like Eryn in your world, those dearly loved friends who have given of themselves so fully and wholeheartedly, for your sake and benefit.
Could you be that kind of friend for Eryn in this season? 
Here are some of the ways you can show your care and support:-
1. Follow their journey on Facebook will have updates as they come. On there, you can write to Eryn and Selkie a message of encouragement. They'd love to read your words.
2. Donate to this GoFundMe. Whether a lot or a little, your giving will be helping Eryn and Selkie as they enter this new chapter of their lives.
3. Share this campaign with your friends and across your networks. If you feel it will help, maybe share some of some photos and personal memories of your own time with Eryn to your community. Remind those around you of this amazing woman and the incredible thing she is doing. We invite you, dear friends and chosen family, to journey with Eryn and Selkie into this new and exciting chapter.
Thank you for your kindness and support, John E (on behalf of Eryn and Selkie). https://www.facebook.com/svsriulu/
In 2021, Eryn decided that best thing to do for herself and her newborn daughter Selkie, was to find a home that she could safely call her own and provide a certain sense of security in these ever-changing and uncertain times.
To do this, she bought and has been restoring a boat named Merissa (formerly Sri Ulu “Boat from the edge of the World"). Eryn's intention is to travel south and continue teaching the children of the Northern Rivers.
Aside from being a school teacher and a single mum, Eryn is an accomplished sailor, a stroke survivor, a creative artist, and I say this with a heavy heart…a DV survivor. Getting to this point in her journey has not been easy. Eryn has faced more than just the challenge of restoring a boat, finding and fixing the parts that have been broken or gone missing. Eryn has needed to navigate: the croc infested waters of Far North QLD, the dangers of being alone with a baby in a remote community, the schedule delays of lazy mechanics (not to mention the ongoing risk of adverse weather).
Eryn has literally and metaphorically endured cyclones and storms, almost single-handedly. What was meant to be a couple of months worth of work has turned into two years up in far north Queensland, by herself, in a remote and challenging community, isolated and away from family and loved ones.
Yet for all this, Eryn and Selkie - along with their boat Sri Ulu - have kept pushing through the headwinds. (Whenever it is that they make the movie of this story, it is going to be epic!!)
Through her hard work and determination, and with her daughter onboard, Eryn has navigated Sri Ulu out of the very remote waters of FNQ further south (to now a very rough and questionable anchorage which is unsafe for her and Selkie).
In completing her home for herself and daughter, there is still so much work to be done. Each of us have dreams of the life we wish to create. Eryn has planned and dedicated herself to the work of making this new life possible for her and little Selkie.
Ask yourself - What would you give to step into your more hopeful life? Who would you want around you, cheering you on, and supporting you on that journey?
Chances are, you would probably want someone like Eryn around. Someone who is kind hearted, but unafraid to tell it like it is. Someone seeking freedom and adventure, but understanding the responsibility, commitment, and hard work involved in getting there. Someone who has invested into the lives of others, just as they have endeavoured to do for themselves.
I want to invite you to support my dear friend, as her and baby Selkie grow their dream into a reality. The figure we are aiming to raise is $20,000. This will be to cover the costs involved in completing the boat restoration, as well as getting through any timely delays.
Supporting this GoFundMe will help cover for some of the expert work still needing to be done, such as booking a reliable marine electrician to do a full inspection of onboard circuitry and a mechanic. These funds will also go towards some of the larger items still needing to be installed on board including: a sink/bench top for meal prep and hygiene, and a toilet and shower!
Many of you who are reading this will already know Eryn personally and have journeyed with her. Some of you may not have had the privilege of spending time with Eryn and Selkie yet. If that is you, then please allow me the following commendation:- Eryn is a vibrant and hopeful person, who is so gracious with others, and so generous in the way she has invested her time and energy across years into whichever communities she has resided in.
I believe Eryn deserves good people around her, and is well deserving of the good people who will invest into her journey. I would like to encourage you to think about those people who are like Eryn in your world, those dearly loved friends who have given of themselves so fully and wholeheartedly, for your sake and benefit.
Could you be that kind of friend for Eryn in this season? 
Here are some of the ways you can show your care and support:-
1. Follow their journey on Facebook will have updates as they come. On there, you can write to Eryn and Selkie a message of encouragement. They'd love to read your words.
2. Donate to this GoFundMe. Whether a lot or a little, your giving will be helping Eryn and Selkie as they enter this new chapter of their lives.
3. Share this campaign with your friends and across your networks. If you feel it will help, maybe share some of some photos and personal memories of your own time with Eryn to your community. Remind those around you of this amazing woman and the incredible thing she is doing. We invite you, dear friends and chosen family, to journey with Eryn and Selkie into this new and exciting chapter.
Thank you for your kindness and support, John E (on behalf of Eryn and Selkie). https://www.facebook.com/svsriulu/