New Year 2014 in Nadi, Fiji

We had the joy of experiencing New Year 2014 in the town of Nadi (pronounced Nandy) which is on the western side of the main island.   We left on Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM for the 4 hour drive on a two lane highway.   With us, were two young couples who were part of the planning and program committee.   One couple was from Fiji and the other from Tonga.  

The Young Single Adult Camp started on the 31st and was held at a "resort hotel".   The event was presided over by Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, the Area Seventy.  He is giant personality.   The Lord certainly knew who he was calling when he chose him to lead the Church in this part of His vineyard.   We have learned since that he, as a native Fijian, and convert to the Church, has just been called to preside over the Arkansas - Little Rock Mission.   He will be a fantastic mission president.   He expects exact obedience but has a lighter side that endears everyone to him.  

Elder Wakolo and our presentation on Christlike Attributes.

There were 150+ youth who attended.   They were divided into "ohana's  (families) and given a name from The Book of Mormon.   They created banners and family cheers and skits to present to the group.   Below are a few shots of the results. 

New Years was celebrated with dance until 2:00 AM.   Wake up call was 5:00 AM on January 1, 2014 to on time to board the buses to hike into the mountains around Nadi.   The paved road disappeared soon after we left the main highway.   We took our 12 passenger van and it took a beating to the point of the flat tire on the way down.  We are trying to think of a good name for the van demonstrates its strength and reliability to get us where we need to go.  

The hike to the top was  1 hour grind.   Many of the YSA's completed the hike barefoot.   Youch!  No problem for them though.

The view from the top was incredible.   A devotional was held under Elder Wakolo's direction.   He spoke of the importance of never giving up when times are tough.   He spoke especially to the RM's in the group who he said "you need to find your eternal partner on the hike down".  That got a big laugh of course.

If you look hard, you can the YSA's climbing to the top.

Sister Peterson says this was great exercise.  

Happy New Year 2014 in the mountains of Fiji

Elder Wakolo speaking to group at the top.

We met Elder & Sister Walker at the YSA camp.  They are from Idaho and his sisters worked with Paula at the Bountiful Temple.  They are stationed on the island of Savusavu.  He is serving as a councillor to the mission president and doing member/leader support.   They explained that have hot water from the sun and electricity only part of the day.  They are absolutely a delight to be around and blessing to those they work with.   This is their 4th mission. 

Pool Fun

Thank Goodness for the pool because it was HOT!  Nope, we did not get in.

Time to eat (again!)

The Whole Group!  We are the little white specs at the right.

Well, that's it for another busy week.   The school semester starts in 1 week so summer break will over.   I should  mention here that we are writing this in dark.  Our power is out and has been for several hours.   We have spent the evening playing with the little family from Australia with 4 little girls form upstairs as no one can stand to be indoors without any air conditioning or air movement.   We hope it comes back on soon.   We are learning to adapt and be flexible as we live here.   What a wonderful experience we are having.   The only thing that would make this better would be have our family closer.   But, we realise, not having them around is part of the sacrifice we are offering in order to be faithful and steadfast and immovable Mormons!  And, we get to meet and make acquaintances of some great people who live and work here as well.