A day with Conrad

Author: Danielle C.
Location: Peter Island
Happy 4th of July! Unfortunately, since we are in the BVIs, we are not celebrating this day. Today started off with an early morning at Road Town to check on the mangroves. We had to document 10% out of the 215 mangroves that were planted. The population of mangroves used to be 80%, but nowadays it is under 20%. It is crucial for these plants to survive for the environment and for the protection of fish. Lifeworks has been working on restoring these mangroves and today we continue to help plant and take notes on them. After checking the mangroves, we sailed towards Peter Island. We made our way to meet an older inhabitant of 75. Conrad lives a life of complicity without electricity an running water. Out of the 60 or so people who first originated the island, he is the only one left. He lives alone, by himself with the surrounding wildlife, his harmonica, and his ukulele. With only a few visitors, he continues to smile and laugh. We sat with him for a while and asked him questions. He was overly joyed to talk to us and tell us everything about himself. After our talk with Conrad we helped pick up the piles of trash around his house. Later on, we walked to the Peter Island Resort and had a discussion about life and how Conrad has impacted us. You really start to think about your life and your values. Saying good bye to Conrad was especially difficult. I'm so glad I met him. I will never forget him. The day continued with a swim in the water. All of the girls came in and it was a true bonding experience. As the trip comes to an end, every moment together is special. We all have mad memories that we will always remember and I wouldn't change anything about that. We have truly become a family. Lifeworks '09 has changed my life.

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