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!