Faces of Fiji

Over the past two months, we have been blessed with the opportunity to see and be a part of the Fijian culture as we have served our Heavenly Father as full-time missionaries.   We have found them to be friendly and loving.   We thought you might enjoy just a few of the ones we have met in the past few weeks and tell you just a little about them.

This "fearsome warrior" and the man standing next to her were part of the cultural celebration presented to Elder Neil Anderson and his wife as they visited Fiji and the surrounding islands.   Elder Anderson's message to the missionaries was "cement your testimony into your heart so that it becomes a part of your DNA".

These youngsters represented the Hindi and Korean island cultures represented here in the Suva area.   They greeted the apostle and his wife as they entered the Church College for the cultural celebration.

These three beautiful sisters found time to reacquaint themselves as the two bookends have been part of our Young Single Adult program and are now serving in Fiji.   The sister on the right has been called to Canada but is starting early to get her feet underneath her doing the Lord's work full time.
The sister in the middle is a great example of enthusiasm and energy.   They absolutely love her her.  I do too!

This group of YSA's was today's visit.  They attend a small ward in Wailuku.   It is located in a little valley just a mile or two from our flat.   The setting for this chapel is absolutely peaceful and serene.  There was a breeze blowing through the windows during sacrement meeting and we could hear the roosters crowing in the yard next door.  The chapel is located next to a river that has been known to flood in the heavy rains.   So, what did they do to prevent flooding?  Nothing!  But they did build a two story structure just in case.   (note the two elders on the left from Idaho and American Fork, UT in their sulus.   Yes - I had mine on as well)

This woman was preparing coconut shaving and milk for our lunch as we visited Yanuca Island.   Lunch was yummy.   One does need to be careful with the chicken though.  They just pound it up and throw the bones and all in the pot or broiler to cook.   Then, you pick out the bones as you eat!

This little family showed us how to make tapa cloth.   They do so much of their work sitting under a canopy in the shade.   The children learn at a young age the arts and crafts of their native country.

These young men got a real treat as Sista Petterson pulled them all together for a photo opportunity.   You know what they said?   "Hey Sista, put our picture on Facebook!"    Teenagers - the same no matter where they come from.  

Here are the same young warriors relaxing after shucking some coconuts for us.   Did I mention that the Fijian culture practiced "cannibalism"  in the past centuries?    Glad they got that out of their system.   I did purchase a "neck breaker".   It is mean looking club used to "tenderize" the meat.  

Last, but not least for this weeks post, is photo of lunch preparation at the mission home for 145 missionaries.   This job had everyone busy and working fast to get it all ready in time for the conference.