December 31

This time the flight was fine. Kristin and Paul arrived right right on schedule and customs was very speedy. Is there anything better than a hug from one's children? We took them to breakfast and then drove to the hotel. We felt that they needed a rest before we got the day started and we only had the hotel until 10 a.m. Both said they were not tired, but both slept for about an hour which relieves some of the jet lag.

We to go to the Garden of the Giants which is an orchid garden, but when we called they were closed because Cyclone Evan had destroyed the flowers, trees, etc. Sad. This is the second time we have tried to see the garden and it was closed. We decided to drive around Nadi and look at the storm damage. Almost all deciduous trees are leafless, many huge branches are snapped off in the oddest places, and there are trees that have been totally uprooted. There is something sad about a brown tree branch that ends in beige jagged edges. Stark. Even low bushes are almost leafless. We stopped at the Hindu Temple on the outskirts of Nadi. The colors are amazing, and the art work wonderful.  Upkeep must happen continuosly.

We stopped at the market here to pick up food and to show Paul and Kristin. They loved it. Paul says our market is like the markets in the big cities in the Philippines except ours smells better. It seems that Philippine markets also include meat--fish which makes them smell awful. They were so interested in the different kinds of food one finds in Fiji.

We arrived at our flat with just enough time to get ready for the New Year's Eve party at the institute for the senior couples. Well, Paul and I had enough time to pop some popcorn we had purchased at the market which is the only place one can buy popcorn in Suva. Paul and Kristin brought an on-top-of-the-stove popper from the US. Everyone was to bring a treat to share, but Sister Whitehead made wonderful spring rolls, and summer rolls which made the evening so much nicer. It is so nice to associate with such amazing people. We started at 6:30 and played games, ate, and visited until after 11. Nope we did not stay for the actual new year.

Those attending; Elder and Sister Whitehead, Elder and Sister Wells, Elder and Sister Whiting, Elder and Sister Hogge, Elder and Sister Jackson, Elder and Sister Updike, us and of course, Kristin and Paul.

On the way home we stopped to peek in on the Suva North Stake's New Years Eve Party. The YSA men from Samabula Ward had wrapped the square poles in the courtyard with some kind of leave in a interwoven pattern. It was amazing. (No picture we took worked as it was too dark) There were balloons. The whole family was invited. Little kids were running around or dancing, or being help by mostly dads as the moms were all in the open area of the church courtyard dancing. We visited for so long that Kristin and Paul excused themselves, because they were tired and went home alone. Long day for them.  Wonderful day for us.

The New Year was greeted by almost two hours of fireworks.  Fijians love fireworks.