Mark and I took a short break a couple of days before Christmas since all the YSA's had gone away to their villages. We were in need of a few quiet days as we had had a very busy Dec.
Before we left we had a few errands to run. First, we took a letter from Elder Rexx Ratuvula to his grandmother out in Lami. Elder Ratuvula is on a mission in the Philippinnes. We thought she would be at church, but she had gone home early so we went out to find her. We knew the general area of their home but not the exact one. We asked a few neighbors and they directed us to her home. We had to do a little Sunday afternoon hiking up through this beautiful valley to find her. It had been raining so it was pretty wet and muddy. I took my shoes off because it was way to slippery to walk in them. We finally found her and she was so happy to get the letter. It was worth every bit of mud to see the look on her face. A Christmas gift delivered to one happy Grandmother.
Brother and Sister Vugona were so happy to receive the letter from Elder Ratuvula
Mr. Prasad enjoying the cinnamon roll a little to much. He is a diabetic so he can't have to much sugar. Love this cute family
Christmas Eve at the Royal Davui
We hurried home for a quick visit with the Senior Missionaries who were having a Christmas breakfast and then went home to wash and pack for our trip to Nadi to pick up the Beynon's.
Christmas night, we had a surprise visit from the missionaries who came to carol for us. They really sang well. We fed them cinnamon rolls and juice and they were happy campers. Oh how we love the Missionaries.
Now on to the Beynon's visit to Fiji
Day 1
We picked the kids up and oh how happy we were to see them. They brought good news and bad news with them.
The good news is that they made their flight to Fiji, but the bad news is that their language didn't. They had a flight cancelation at the last minute and had to run through two airports and buy new tickets on a different airline but THEY MADE IT SAFE AND SOUND. Who needs "stuffs" when you come to Fiji right.
We spent the first few hours shopping for swimsuits, flip flops, shorts and T-shirts. Easy things to find here.
After that we headed to the Harbor to catch the boat over to Castaway Island where we would stay for the next two nights.
Cole has grown a foot since we saw him a year ago
Those who know Scott Beynon know that everything is a competition for him. He also has to be going every minute of the day. We were sitting at lunch on the second day of the trip and he decided he wanted to have an "amazing race" contest. We thought he was crazy, but the kids were excited so he went ahead with it. He had us running all over the Island, climbing steep up trails in the heat and humidity, swimming in pools, eating ice cream cones in the pool, canoeing, and drinking our favorite drinks in the Christmas sleigh etc. It was great fun and he also got 4 cute Fijian girls to help hand out the clues. They were the cheerleaders for each team and we bought them ice-cream cones for their pay. So fun......
climb up to the top of the hill before you get your next clue
swim 4 laps
Drink favorite drink while sitting in the Christmas sleigh at the resort
Cutest cheerleaders ever
Race around the buoy in a sea kyack and back
Girls team getting a little help from their cheerleaders
Had to stop for a quick picture
Ice cream reward for the cheerleaders - clue handerouters
The race ended at Monkey Rock with the boys winning. Well, that's what they say, but the girls would disagree.
Day 2
We took a boat ride to Modriki Island where the movie "Castaway" starring Tom Hanks was filmed. It still has "HELP" spelled out with coconuts. Such a beautiful place to visit and snorkel. The kids really loved it. The next day, we watched the movie on Grandpa's computer and it was fun to have been there to see where everything was filmed.
Boys decided to take a wave runner to the Island
Their luggage mysteriously showed up at the resort. No one has any idea who brought it from the airport, but boy were the Beynon's happy.
Day 3
Today we headed for Pacific Harbor to stay at the Uprising Resort. We spent the first night stuffing baggies with goodies, toys, toothbrushes and toothpaste. We made about 70 bags and hoped we would have enough. Jamie and Scott also brought a huge bag full of clothes for the kids that were donated from their friends and neighbors. Cole brought 10 cadamas (don't know if I spelled that right) and he had a great time showing the kids how to work them.
Day 4
Today we headed up to the Namosi highlands to visit our dear friends Moses and Alavina and their family. We were excited because we were going to be able to visit Alavina's family village which is located about 10 minutes from Nakavika Village. She is staying there with her 4 children, mother and sisters and brothers. Even though she is very sick with cancer, Alavina looked good and happy. It was fun to meet her family and they were so good to us. After visiting their tiny village, we headed back to Nakavika village where we have done other service projects with our other family members who have come to visit. Again, they welcomed us with open and loving arms. We even got to meet Moses's mother this time. It was a great trip for all of us.
The van ride up the Namosi Highlands to visit Moses and Alavina and the village
Cole doing "dance salina dance" with his new friend.
The tough boys of Nakavika village
Ellie loved the little kids and they loved her back
Scott loved playing Santa handing out candy.
Moses, Alavina and their 4 kids and our family
Moses and his Mother
Moses's cute mom
Sister Peterson and her Sista's
Getting ready for our white water rafting down the Navua river. This is great fun and the water was much higher this time which made it much better and much easier to raft down.
Scott and his "tough boys" boat crew
Water falls are amazing in Fiji
Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls
Today we had a new adventure. We went on a buggy safari to two beautiful waterfalls. Oh my goodness it was beautiful. The buggy ride was great as well but ours kept stalling because the fuel line was kinked. Not very good maintenance done here. We played in the falls and had a yummy lunch. After our outing we headed back to Suva. We went down to the market to look around and show the family how awesome our market is here in Fiji.
It was News Year Eve so we went Stake New Years Eve hopping. We attended the Suva dance first and then went over to the Suva North Stake's dance. We didn't last very long because the kids were so tired and we were in bed by 11:00. The good news is that our family were able to meet many of our YSA's and they got to see why we love them so much. It was a very, very fun day.
Cute Ellie thinks she gets to drive. "No way girlie!"
Hiking through the jungle to the waterfalls
More waterfalls
We ended the afternoon with a wonderful picnic of sandwiches, veggies, fruit and drinks. Couldn't get any better than this.
We went home and cleaned up and went down town Suva to the market. It was very, very busy because everyone was getting their kana (food) for the New Years. The kids were able to buy their friends gifts and we enjoyed pineapple and others goodies.
Scott getting his "grove" on with this cute sister at the dance. She was a hoot and so was Scott. He was a good sport but hates dancing!
Our great YSA Joseph. He is one amazing YSA's We hope he comes to BYU Provo in next year to study.
Joseph Ruben has created a business embroidering ties. We have been his greatest cheerleader. Elder Peterson buys his ties to give to the departing missionaries in his Mission Prep class.
Day 6
Today found us heading out to one of our favorite places here in Fiji - Takalana, to see the spinning dolphins. Because it was New Years day, I think the dolphins had drunk to much Kava and had a hang over because they sure weren't spinning. The owners of Takalana were all in Nadi for New Years so we didn't have the singing and all the personal touches that we usually get, but all in all, it was still a good day.
Part of the fun about going to Takalana is seeing all the kids playing every where along the road as we traveled to and from Takalana. Today was no different. We handed out "lollies" (candy) and Cole even swam with a group of them. It really was such a fun day.
Dolphins weren't to active today. Not much spinning.
The Fijian kids really know how to play. Just another day swimming at the bridge.
Today is the last day in Fiji for the Beynon's. I hate this day :( We had the afternoon free so we decided to go to the movies. We have the greatest Premium seating theater here and it has the nicest seats that we have sat in since we have been here. We watched "Unbroken" and it was fabulous. After the movie, we loaded them up and on to the airport we went.
Moce Beynon's, we have loved every minute of your visit. See you in 5 months.
