A Good Day...

The past two days have been fantastic!

Yesterday (Saturday, right? The days tend to blend here), our group worked during the morning at Pastor Hank's new building for the Empowerment Center, as it's going to be called. His vision is to provide for people's physical needs to open a door to providing for their spiritual needs, pointing out that Jesus did the same thing during his ministry. The center will have a cafe, thrift store, and free computer lessons, among many other services. The building was sold to Pastor Hank at a quarter of the market price, because the owner felt the passion and need for such a place. How awesome is that?? So, our group painted borders and grating, installed doorknobs, folded and organized bags of donated clothing, hung drywall, and ate pizza! Oh, and Phil and Jon completely destroyed a ceramic bathroom floor. Don't worry, they were told to. Rather, the floor destroyed them, more specifically, Phil's leg. After sledging away, his leg was quite bloody. What a champ!

It was quite a full morning, but we emerged victorious. Afterwards, we washed up and went out on the town. However, the town was already semi-closed, being after noon, we were told. We managed to get some souvenir and late Mother's Day shopping done, but we shall fully conclude that business tomorrow. For dinner, we ate out at Pusser's. I know it sounds... not appetizing, but it was really good! Our dishes ranged from coconut curried chicken to fish and chips. We were so stuffed, we had no room for dessert! We then spent the rest of the evening at home.

Today we got to sleep in. Although Courtney and I were so used to getting up way before 10 that we buried our noses in our books for two hours before getting ready for church. We went to Church of the Islands for this morning's service, which was very refreshing. A small church, and very close, the kind I grew up in. The pastor spoke about moving past the legalistic attitude we tend to fall into and moving toward a better relationship with God our Father rather than cowering before God the Judger.

Let me tell you, it can get very hot down here! After church, we went to the beach, where we met Lauren, Mauretha (I probably butchered the spelling...), and one of their friends, Alston. Alston is a really special guy. He has leg problems and will need surgery soon before his legs deteriorate to the point of making him an invalid. Well, someone heard of his situation and has donated a surgery to fix his legs! Today, though, Alston learned to swim, with the help of our quality guys: Phil, the instructor, Matt, Clark, Jon and Tom (pictured above). All of these guys were so kind-hearted and so patient. It was such a blessing to watch them minister to Alston in this unique way, and even more of a blessing to Alston, as this was his first time swimming! How cool :)

And now, it is our second-to-last gorgeous evening on Tortola. It's been dark for 3 hours now... The nights seem to get shorter as the days pass, with the sun rising earlier and earlier. We have one last dive tomorrow, with breakfast before. I think I'm going to miss scuba...

Workin' for the Weekend

Today was a great day.

I forgoed (forewent?) the scuba option and instead went out for breakfast with a few other girls from the team, Tom and Tina, and Pastor Hank, who is the leader of the local church whom we'll be helping with projects tomorrow and the next day. He is a very engaging man with a driving passion for his country's salvation. It was really refreshing to have a relaxed breakfast by at the Village Cay Marina by the docks and to hear about the history of Tortola and his church.

The BVI has about 27,000 people, with Tortola having the highest pregnancy rate and higest drug usage. Domestic violence is also very prominent here, with 1 in 4 women having been physically abused at least once. Lauren, who was born and raised here, works closely as a social worker with women in abusive situations to get them out and give them help. Yesterday, a few girls and Tina helped paint parts of her office as well as organize the thrift store that provides women with free clothing. The photo included here was from today's second-coat visit.

After visiting Lauren's office for painting, we went to an orphanage to do yard work. I probably did more weeding and shearing today than I have in my entire life! I don't have much of a green thumb, though, so that isn't saying much. Under the hot Caribbean sun, however, we worked up a sweat. The orphange has four kids of various ages at the moment, one of whom had ran away this morning, but came back (or rather, was dragged back) when we were there. It was very sobering to see the way he acted towards authority and reminded me of the constant need for prayer for all children with those kinds of circumstances.

The other group went scuba diving again, having a grand ol' time, and saw many more spotted eagle rays.

I'm looking forward to another day of working tomorrow. I have enjoyed diving, but I'm glad that I can be of use down here!

A Three Hour Tour that Ended Well

Despite my nervousness about diving into the deep, it was a ton of fun and as long as I had the regulator in my mouth, I was breathing normally! Pictured right are Lauren and Phil descending along the line as we began our dive. Let me tell you, I wish the words existed to help you picture the wonders down there. We saw a spotted eagle ray, which is apparently very rare to see, sea urchins, plenty of fish, and a shipwreck. We dove at the wreck sight of the H.M.S. Rhone, which sank in 1867 during a Category 5 hurricane. I touched a silver spoon from the wreck, as well as the "lucky porthole." We also handled a spiky thing, that I'm told is a South English egg? It was pretty cool because it suctioned to our hands as we individually touched it and wouldn't fall off when we turned our hands upside down.

Above the water, we had a great time talking with the other divers that joined us. How is this for cool: One guy had grown up half an hour from where I live! Talk about a small world. Everyone was very friendly and accomodating of us novices.

After diving twice at different parts of the wreck, we visited a church where we helped organize and box clothes for the BVI Haitian Disaster Relief effort. It was amazing how many bags of clothes were crammed into the shed. Quite humbling, if you think about it. I mean, here it seems people don'nt have as much as us, but they give what they can.

Tonight, after dinner, we went salsa dancing at a local hotel, which was very fun. I don't get the opportunity to dance very often, so I very much enjoyed the chance to get my merengue on. We learned the aforementioned merengue and a few salsa steps. Who knew after diving we would have so much energy? But as soon as we got into the van to leave, the need for sleep hit each of us.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a low-key day, with a later start at 7:50. So, it's off to bed now!

How am I supposed to Breathe with No Air?

All of us survived. It was long, hard, grueling, nigh impossible, but each of us have emerged from the seas victorious divers.

We had an early morning, starting with a gorgeous sunrise around 6. Taking the ferry to St. Peter Island, we met our diving instructors Randy and Camla. Man, looking back, I can hardly believe I was breathing underwater. When we first jumped in, Matt shown at left, all the equipment (probably close to 50 pounds) was constricting, and it may or many not have caused me a moment of panic. However, by the end of the afternoon, we were all able to breathe like fish! More or less... In the deeper part of the beach where we dived, some of us spotted sea life like urchins (very poisonous, do NOT touch), barracuda (can be aggressive, don't wear shiny jewelry like I did..... I'm fine, nothing happened :D), sea cucumbers, and even a stingray! Today was a day for conquering anxiety, I think. For some of us, we faced claustrophobia, panic, loss of control, and other things to put us waaayy out of our comfort zone.

During our break, we walked over to a scenic beach that resembled a Sandals Resort brochure. Oh man, how beautiful! I think I'm going to run out of adjectives to describe the vistas here. Hopefully you'll get an idea. The sand tends to be pervasive, however. After a shower and bath, I'm still finding sand on my scalp. Maybe too much detail, but hey, I have to give y'all an idea of what we're experiencing.

We haven't had much interaction with the locals yet. But tomorrow night, I think the plan is to go salsa dancing at a local hotel where lessons are given by an instructor. I love dancing, so I'm very pumped to go! Before all of that, though, comes open water dives from a boat... into the ocean... So, if you think about it, shoot up a prayer for all of us for safety and tranquility.

Beaches are Theraputic

Well, it has certainly been a long day, starting at 2:30 a.m., Warsaw time. Packing, stuffing, consolidating and organizing luggage followed by meeting everyone at Grace. Our group then enjoyed a comfortable ride in a 15 passenger van to O'Hare. Talk about sleep deprivation! After O'Hare, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and finally arriving in Tortola after a 30 minute flight from P.R. in a twin engine plane. (The brevity of this travel description should indicate how long the day has been...)

So. We have arrived! Flying into the islands was breathtaking and picturesque, to say the least. The most noticeable difference between the U.S. and Tortola was the wave of heat hitting passengers when exiting the plane, which was a welcome relief after continuous air conditioning. Words cannot justify the brilliant sunshine hitting the blue-green waters and the luscious, hilly islands.

Hills. In order to arrive at our villa, we experienced the crazy, stick-shift navigating necessary to survive the Tortola hills. I think "mountains" is a better term. Sometimes driving vertically, it seemed, we could see for miles around the island. However, when driving, I think we could all agree we'd rather be safe than have a perfect view. Yeah, it was steep driving. Oh, and on the left side of the road! All part of the British cultural experience.

The photo included was taken at a nearby beach after we had dropped off our luggage. The ocean is salty, but deliciously warm. It's my kind of I-don't-want-to-do-anything-but-lay-around-and-read weather. However, the group has another early start tomorrow and a long day of scuba diving training. Hopefully I'll have the underwater camera figured out enough to include a good shot with the post tomorrow evening.

Concluding thought of the day: God is very creative and I'm sure he loves warm weather.

The Day after Tomorrow...

... Shall be quite a Marathon Day.

Ten Students. Three Adults. One Amazing Journey.

And it all starts at 3:30 in the morning on Monday! The GoGrace team to the British Virgin Islands promises to be one of the most interesting memories of my life. For one, we're going scuba diving! Just thinking about it fills me with excitement and anticipation. I'm very thrilled to report that I shall be photographing the underwater part of our experience as well as everything else, thanks to the purchase of an underwater digital camera!

Many of us have yet to complete the five-hour online scuba course, so I'm sure tonight will be a long night for some of us, myself included, as we cram in the knowledge for underwater survival.

Much to my chagrin, whenever I mention that I'll be going to the BVI for a "missions trip" (the easiest way to explain it to non-Gracies), people roll their eyes and will jokingly say, "Oh, how rough!" Well, it will be! Our team, besides scuba diving, will be helping a local church with remodeling. So, we'll be tearing down drywall, painting, and other such tasks. In the hot, tropical weather. Also, a visit to the orphanage is planned, so we'll be able to interact with some kids!

Prayer requests:

• Safety while flying, diving, swimming, touring, and every aspect of travel abroad
• Ability to recognize and take advantage of witness opportunities as God leads.
• A better appreciation for other cultures, since this is the first time out of the country for some members.
• Energy to complete each task well at the church.
• Bonding with the natives and within our team.

Well, that's it for now! I'll be updating daily once we start, since I love to blog :)