Flying into the BVI for the first time is magical. Islands rise up out of crystal clear blue waters, mountain peaks meet trade wind clouds, and crescent-shaped white sandy beaches pass beneath you one after the other. In the BVI, you will discover a culture that is proud of its Afro-Caribbean heritage and share in a way of life that has all the flavor of the local fruit trees and all the colorful variety of the fish swimming at your ankles.

Until the 1960s the BVI remained relatively undeveloped; there were few paved roads, fewer tourists, and only a dirt landing strip for airplanes. Although much has changed in the ensuing decades, the BVI planned wisely for tourism, avoiding high rise casinos and endless duty-free shopping. Strong governmental autonomy and relative self-sufficiency create a feeling of well-being unusual in the Caribbean. Nonetheless, part of the populace does not benefit from tourism or the yachting industry. Pockets of real need do exist. BVI social services, not unlike those in other countries, are under-funded and under-supported. VISIONS's service helps support BVI social service initiatives.

We live and work on Tortola, the commercial center and largest island of the BVI, and on Virgin Gorda, a smaller, less populous island to the east. Our home base on either island is a school, community or church hall, all of which are vital, practical centers for community life. Friendships forged through years of collaboration in the BVI mean that our home base neighborhoods know and trust us.

While you undertake service you will benefit from the warm enthusiasm of local masons, carpenters, farmers, and environmentalists. Your service work always includes construction. Through partnerships with the Ministries of Education, Health and Welfare, the National Parks Trust, churches, public schools, and individuals, past projects have included construction of homes, playgrounds, park gazebos, pavilions, mountain lookouts, beach facilities, rain shelters, and walking trails. We have worked with special needs adults and have designed and painted community murals. A much loved annual work rotation on Tortola is farming local fruits and vegetables in an organic tropical setting on Michael's farm. On Virgin Gorda, we join special projects with the Department of Agriculture. And, our projects always incorporate school children who bring a joy to our worksites and activities.

With each day's recreational activities come opportunities to engage with amazing surroundings. We embark on 'Special Assignments' to explore the islands and to speak with residents to learn about small businesses, the environment, culture, economy and more. Snorkeling can happen at almost every beach, hikes lead through diverse tropical forests, and finding a good fishing spot becomes its own adventure. Meeting and working with local children always has been a way of crossing cultures here that makes a mutually huge impact on our groups and the children. We go out dancing, listen to music at the beach, and compete in local basketball games. We go sailing and take a scuba diving course, spectacular ways to see these islands. Throw in a perfect ocean sunset during one of our beach barbeques and the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.