Claudia Carrington

TRIP TO ST. THOMAS US VIRGIN ISLANDS

I set out to tell you how easy it is to get to St. Thomas. I went to St. Thomas and walked away so inspired by an artist named Edward.

I am travelling to St. Thomas to attend Rotary District 7020’s annual District Conference. Via seaplane the flight is 20 minutes, you check in about 30 minutes before departure, no TSA. They weigh all items and you have to tell them your weight. What percentage of persons would you guess, give their correct weight? J I leave the city of Christiansted, a beautiful sight to see on the ground and oh so beautiful from the air and arrive in Charlotte Amalie.

I arrive at my hotel and there is an air of excitement and anticipation, seeing all the Rotarians from the 10 island nations that make up our district. There will be many people to meet, reconnect with, many social gatherings and lots to learn. All in all a grand time will be had by all.

I descended the stairs to get to the main conference area and did not notice him, I passed him with all those paintings around him and I admired them. Yet I did not really notice the artist. Later as I ascended the stairs I looked down and noticed, the person sitting in front of the easel had no arms. I stopped, took out my camera and took a picture. Wow, now I had to find out more about this person who had painted this great body of art. His name is Edward ……, he is from Haiti and he quite self-sufficient.

I was so impressed with the talent of this young man and even more impressed with his ability to make such beauty in spite of his handicap.

Awesome is what I say. Inspired is what I am.

St. Thomas Harbor

Paintings of amazing and talented Edward

St. Croix