ST. Thomas Vocational Day

The morning began with a walk with Rotarians Greg and George as we toured the area and I learned about the variety of fruits and trees indigenous to the area. Then off to meet with Donnalie, the President of the YWCA, in the morning and then Cherise, Executive Director, with United Way in the afternoon.

A common theme that is promenient within the islands is the need for more youth programs to help keep them engaged in making positive life decisions as well as living healthy lifestyles. The challenge is creating or finding locations to host such programs. Many of the youth living indigently are unable to get transportation to those centers that are thriving and providing wonderful services, while others are able to make it but are being turned away as a result of the capped enrollment numbers.

It was inspiring to speak with Donnalie an Cherise as they took their time to educate me on all the great events and successes they are having as well! I hopefully was able to provide similar insight into our challenges and successes in the States.

The island is most fortunate to have them in their positions.

Scott

St. John: Vocation Day (Sarah)

sugar mill ruins

*************************

My vocation had a change of plans today...but it was just fine with me! The probation/court vocation will be available tomorrow so today....I was a St. John Photographer's assistant! I got to assist Bob with a destination beach wedding on the gorgeous Maho Bay beach. I can't post any pics of the actual weding yet because it was Bob's client after all! but afterwards I was able to explore all different areas of the Island and photograph it! WOW. So today was a photography vocation day for me which suited me just fine as that is a totally unique opportunity.

-Sarah

Vocation Day in St. Thomas

The Training Director of VIPD

Internal Affairs Sergeant Bellot

Asp Training for their current Police Academy

What a wonderful quote they have hanging in their academy class room! I think we should all motto this!

VIPD Academy Class Room

Today was amazing! I had the chance to visit and work alongside the Virgin Islands Police Department(VIPD). I met with Human Resources Assistant Director-Donna Wesselhoft, Internal Affairs Director-Curtis Griffin, Sergeant Kent Bellot, Cheif Deputy of Police DeGraff and Police Commissioner James McCall. They were so welcoming, hospitipal and so informative. I got a tour of their whole department (Thank you Sergeant Bellot!). I visited the training academy where I met with the training director. I also exchanged and received an enormous amount of information from Internal Affairs and the Human Resource Units.

Also, I want to thank my wonderful host family Dr. Susan Anderson-Forensic Dentist and her husband Dan Anderson-Pharmacist for being so accomodating and welcoming!

~Jennifer

Our trip moves on

My host family Janet -Richard- and Dylan

We said good byes to our new friends in the British Virgin Islands and traveled by ferry to the US Virgin Island on April 18th where we were met by Rotarian's and family to begin our new adventures. We quickly went about getting acquainted with our new families and made a day trip to the island of St John. There really are no (or not enough) words to describe the beauty of the islands. We enjoyed a day at Trunk Bay and dinner at BJ's home overlooking the city of St John. BJ is the president of the St John Rotary club we will be visiting on Friday. We will be giving our talk to six clubs on St Thomas and St John

The team overlooking Trunk Bay - B4 a day in the sun

The barbecue was great at BJ's - smiles around

It's back to work today with Vocational days

St. Thomas and Friends

Getting ready for our exciting week, we are beginning with one of our vocational days today! Here are some pictures of St. Thomas, a beautiful sunrise, buoys, Shelli and Greg (my host!), and another new land friend who seemed a bit sceptical of being photographed - I think I got the better side!)