The visions blog

Dig deeper into stories of friendships, community and projects.

Participant Report: Teen Volunteer in the Dominican Republic

The first thing I noticed when I stepped off the plane in Santo Domingo was the incredible noise. When visitors arrive in the Dominican Republic they are met by the entire extended family. Boom boxes play full blast and everyone dances and laughs and celebrates. At...

A Participant’s Impression of the BVI

As the days until my departure dwindled, I grew increasingly downcast about the prospect of leaving my climate-controlled home and relocating to an impoverished Caribbean island. Contemplating manual labor in a mosquito-infested sauna had as much appeal as filling out...

Hurricane Georges

On September 22 the first of the 110-120 mph winds hit the southeastern shore of the Dominican Republic. When the dust settled the awesome destruction laid upon Santo Domingo became evident. Hundreds of people were killed, and over 200,000 left homeless. Seventy...

Spring Has Sprung. VISIONS Staff on a More Personal Note

“...there is no ‘average’ VISIONS staffer...” We tend to think that there is no “average” VISIONS staffer. Our staffers and directors are a pretty eclectic bunch of individuals who come on board with varied and enchanting tales of travel, a wide range of skills and...

Urubamba, New Peru Program

“Would anyone believe what I have found?” -Hiram Bingham, American explorer and discoverer of Macchu Picchu Usually, the impetus for a new VISIONS program site is the pull on someone's heartstrings. A staff member has deep ties to a place and its culture, and imagines...

An Exciting Alternative

By Jennifer M. Jarvis & Hemant Part of growing up involves socializing and interacting with ones peers within schools and various organized groups and projects. One such organization is VISIONS International, a non-sectarian summer program which offers community...