I am coming from the event #UniteBehindTheScience where Greta Thunberg and Luisa Neubauer, youth activists, interviewed a panel of top climate scientists. This inspires hope; approximately 150 people were listening, amazed by the voice of scientists and young climate activists despite as Luisa put it, “the growing disparity between the negotiators and the people.” This COP is one of measured hope and louder desperation.

As it stands, I have attended panels on ocean, gender, and interfaith dialogue within the framework of climate policy, and even had the opportunity to be in a meeting with the Climate Action Network and the US delegation. I have laughed and I have cried, but most importantly, I am increasingly finding the ability to hope.

Coming here I was in a place of ecodepression and ecoanger, unconvinced anything I could do would help. Monday’s group devotional reminded and challenged each each of us to look for the pearls, not just the emergency, of COP25, and to have faith. Even if it is as small as a mustard seed, to hope in these small pearls. There is so much more I could and will write, but know this: good work is happening on the ground and pray that the route forward is just for all.

Until I next check in, Tori.