From Katie- Hello All! Had a few minutes to spare and thought to bring you all up to speed. We have had an exciting few days in TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands). Since arriving we have presented at all the Rotary meetings in the country! We had a chance to meet and present at the Rotaract Club (dynamic group), travel to Grand Turks for a tour, visit to museum and then a meeting with their Rotary Club and back to Provo for their Rotary club's last meeting before changeover (which we will be attending tomorrow).
Everyone has been wonderful and taking great care of us and making us feel welcome. I am staying with Betty and Allistar who own and operate an underwater semi-sub (pretty cool)! We went out for dinner at the Tiki-Hut on wednesday (rib night) and had conch yet another way....pizza! So we have had Conch steamed, fritters, chowder, cracked, fried, sandwiches, salad and probably a few that I are forgetting....someone asked what it tastes like- hard to describe. i like it (and i can be a picky eater). it kinda reminds me of calamari.
Today we had the wonderful experience of going to Middle and North Caicos Islands (30 minute ferry over). The slogan for TCI is "beautiful by nature" and i think that about sums it up. i saw the most beautiful beach at Midjen Beach, it just takes your breath away. We also went hiking in the caves (only saw one bat). it was a great day.
My Vocational day was wednesday! I was honored to be taken around by Ms. Marion Williams. She is a Turk Islanders (born and raised) and she is dynamic! She took me to the School for the Disabled (named after her), to the AIDS Hospice and to 5 home visits. Did I mention that she doesn't work for anyone??? She does this because she wants to make her country better! I was able to see how the community works- minus the system! AMAZING! It was an inspiring day!
I have been writing for an hour and don't think i have even come close to describing my time here in the Caribbean. I know i am forgetting tons of stories, but you will just have to connect with me once i am at home to hear about them. For my new friends- thank you for helping make this truly a once in a lifetime experience and i hope everyone keeps in touch (email is a wonderful thing) and if you ever find yourself in Arizona give me a call!