Fiji Eye Candy

This past week was just a little bit different for us.   Due to some bad weather from the week before and General Conference this weekend in the States (for us, we will see the re-broadcast next week), we had the opportunity to participate in a couple of fun eye candy experiences.  

The first, was a raft trip down the Upper Navua River with our neighbors , Elder and Sister Jackson and two of their kids and one spouse.    Pictures cannot do it justice.   The scenery is spectacular.    Here are a few shots of our experience:

Our Photographer - Happy Jack

Our River Guide Moses - We are getting him a copy of the Book of Mormon and some other materials.   He has given up kava, grog and cigarettes.   He has four kids and an amazing strength for a little guy.    

We taught Moses how eat melted Junior Mints out of the box

Photos do not do this justice.

If I could, I would put a video of us swimming under the falls.   The power and force of the falling water made it almost impossible to get to.  

Davis County Folks and Moses, our Guide

 Because of the General Women’s re-broadcast, we were asked to not hold any YSA activities this past Saturday.   When we checked the schedule, it was  a perfect opportunity to take a trip to Takalana on the Moon Reef and see the spinner dolphins.    We invited a few other couples to take the 2.5-hour ride out with us and enjoy another day of great scenery and loving the Fiji experience.    6 other couples thought it would be a great idea too and tagged along.

 One of the highlights is the trip  driving off the paved road to the village of Takalana.    All along the way we would see the villages and their people walking to gather food, working, and playing.  One of our favorite things to do is, stop and talk to the kids and adults alike and share “lollies” with them.   They love candy.   We took a big bag of Tootsie Rolls, DOTS, Junior Mints etc. that we found in a store here and handed them out along the way. 

Because of this trip, we have decided this is “must do” for our family when they come to visit.    The weather was not the best, but nonetheless, we had a great time.  Here are a few pics of the day. 

Our Boat Captain at Takalana

Jim did a little trolling out to Moon Reef - Caught some dinner for the village.

Found out my underwater camera works pretty good but without the sunshine above, I should have used the flash.   

The many colours, formations and fish are fantastic.  

Jim, our guide.   We are going to get him a Book of Mormon because he wants to know more about our church.  

Lovo - chicken and fish.  

The kids on the way to Takalana - they love "lollies".   

Typical settlement house.

Taking home the days harvest of dalo.

Typical settlement house.

 On the way back to Suva, we had heard about an LDS chapel built on hill that everyone should see.   We took the 2 km drive over a rough dirt road and came upon this amazing chapel location and setting. 

2 km to the Korvo Chapel.   

2 km on this road to the Korvo Chapel.  

The Korvo chapel -  members  attend from the deep villages.  

Had to scale the locked fence to get a better look at this beautiful chapel.  The view from this hill top is absolutely amazing.  

A little "guard" at the Korvo chapel.   His name is Mosases (Moses)

The Korvo Elders Flat -  They call it "the box"   It is about 16 x 20 feet.  

On Thursday, Paula felt a little claustrophic at the Institute and needing some some items from down town, she invited two of the YSA sisters to accompany her and make the trip to the Flea Market.   Before they left, I said to Edwinna (who calls us her, Grrrandparents)  – “Take care of my sweetheart and make sure nothing happens to her”.    I love how she rolls the “r”s.   

Sista Petterson reports that not only did she take care of her, but practically smothered her by wrapping her strong Fiji arms around her – literally -  as they crossed streets and walked along the busy sidewalks of Suva.   Paula told me, she certainly felt protected but I should never ask Edwinna to do that again.  Ha Ha.   Fun times.  

Girls Trip  to the Flea Market -  Leba (Limba) middle; Edwinna, right

 These past few weeks, we have had several people (members and non-members alike) ask us: “Are you enjoying your mission experience here in Fiji?”    Often, I inquire of them:  “Why do you ask?”    The common response is: “Because you are always smiling and look so happy!”    So I guess it shows.   Besides being here with these wonderful people and having this awesome scenery all around us, our testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are growing daily as we prepare and teach our institute lessons to the YSA’s.    Their trust and love for us shows as they approach us often with doctrinal questions, wanting to talk about personal challenges and their families and conversion stories – and yes, even piano lessons. 

Each week, is a new experience.   Today after church, we ventured into a settlement near our ward chapel to conduct some “lost sheep” work.   All we could say after walking through the village and observing how most of the people live outside Suva, is humbling to say the least.   But they are happy.   They do not know anything different.   For us, we do -  and we can only appreciate more the blessings of strong wards with lots of active priesthood, clean and sanitary living conditions, homes that not crowded with 16 persons living under one tiny roof,  easy transportation  - and the love and support of our family.     We’re doing what we can, but so often we feel that it is not enough.    But we are comforted because we know the Heavenly Father is mindful of all of His children and the atonement of Jesus Christ  will cover what we cannot even comprehend.     For that, and all of our blessings, we are truly grateful.