Happy Birthday Scott. I cringe when I think how old we are. It seems like yesterday we got married. No maybe that was last year and in the intervening days of that year we have been together for almost 35 years. We were talking this morning and determined that if the next 35 years goes as quickly or quicker than the last ones we will be gone before this year is up.
I hate getting older, but love birthdays. They are a time for reflection, evaluation and planning. We have so much we want to do and so little time to do it in. And although I do not feel we have wasted the last 35 years, I wish we (really I) had worked smarter and consistently.
We had another animal episode in church today. The most beautiful butterfly flew in the window and out the door. Later during one testimony it flew back in, around the pulpit for awhile and then out the window. There must be some significance to it being in church, or perhaps a lesson to learn from its being there, but I have not thought of one yet.
Ate Scott's birthday dinner at 3:00 and then sat and visited until after 7:00 p.m. The Hogges and Wellses brought little gifts (chocolate bars) to celebrate. I made mud pie instead of a birthday cake at Scott's request. Everyone loves mud pie.
All in all a great day.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
June 1, 2013
It has rained most every day this week; the rain has been especially hard at night waking us up with its noise. Today the wind and the rain were so hard it reminded me of the weather we had when Cyclone Evan came through--lots of noisy wind and torrents of rain. I actually did not get to the institute until ll:00 as I was not willing to be soaked all day. In this kind of weather umbrellas are useless.
It is so interesting to me that two weeks ago it was 26 degrees Celsius and we had the air conditioner on all night. This entire week it has been 26--all day and all night and we, well I, are cold. I have slept with a blanket two nights, and have worn my heavier sweater everyday. Scott says he is not cold, but I noticed this morning that he had pulled the blanket over himself some time during the night. Men! The Fijians are wearing hoodies, winter coats (did you realize there is no word for winter in Fijian?), and knit ski caps. One would think from looking at them that it was Utah in November.
I wish I had studied so many things when I was at university. Since I have been here in Fiji I have wanted to know botany so I could identify all the wonderful trees and plants, to know meteorology so I could understand why the temperature gets cooler at night all over the USA and it does not here in Fiji, to know oceanography so I could name the sea creatures we have seen, and while I am wishing I would also like to know cultures and customs of the world. My master's degree stands for very little from the seat in which I find myself sitting. SIGH!
I have not had time to shop for Scott's birthday. To be truthful I remembered his birthday about three weeks ago, but forgot it until last night. We shopped for his present and then did the food shopping.
I called the Hogges and the Wellses and invited them to dinner tomorrow to help us celebrate his birthday. It is so nice to have close friends here.
Showed a movie tonight which was attended by 35 YSAs mostly people we have never seen before or who seldom come. We are always excited for new faces, and to see old faces back. Because I sit outside the movie to greet late comers, I worked on this blog. I only got did two posts in over two hours. Ugh!
May 30
Strange day. Scott taught his lesson, we had one YSA in institute to do family history, we had the usual crew to the temple. We got everything we needed to do done, but it just felt strange. I think this week has been a weird one. All week Scott and I have been putting one foot in front of the other doing what needs to be done, but not enjoying it or even feeling good about what we are doing.
Had the cutest experience today. On Thursday morning Annie (aka Marian the librarian) and I opened the institute library doors so that Dad's Mission Prep Class could check in and check out books. Peni Davuke came into the kitchen/library, turned in his library book, and then walked over to the closet where the books are stored. Generally Peni takes forever to pick out a book. I love watching him pick up a book, peruse it, and then put it back--over and over. Well not today. He stood there for about 60 seconds, grabbed a book, turned around to face us, hugged the book and then said, "I did not pick this book. It picked me!"
Had the cutest experience today. On Thursday morning Annie (aka Marian the librarian) and I opened the institute library doors so that Dad's Mission Prep Class could check in and check out books. Peni Davuke came into the kitchen/library, turned in his library book, and then walked over to the closet where the books are stored. Generally Peni takes forever to pick out a book. I love watching him pick up a book, peruse it, and then put it back--over and over. Well not today. He stood there for about 60 seconds, grabbed a book, turned around to face us, hugged the book and then said, "I did not pick this book. It picked me!"
What a great thing it is for these young single adults to have the opportunity to read these books and become better, more knowledgeable sons and daughters of God.
May 29
Feeling in the class tonight was much better. The Spirit was really there. I try to remind myself that the students have to come prepared as well as the teacher if the Spirit is to attend, but I always feel that I have been a failure when the Spirit is not in class. It must come from being a mother and thinking that all things are my responsibility.
Practiced with the choir after class. We sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" and "Love at Home". Both Scott and I were in tears. It is tough leading, singing, and crying at the same time. I just quit singing. I know that those in the choir felt the Spirit, but I am not sure they understand the power that good music has to change hearts and bring the Holy Spirit.
Practiced with the choir after class. We sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" and "Love at Home". Both Scott and I were in tears. It is tough leading, singing, and crying at the same time. I just quit singing. I know that those in the choir felt the Spirit, but I am not sure they understand the power that good music has to change hearts and bring the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
May 27
We had a lovely time tonight at our senior's monthly FHE. It was our turn to host and I have been thinking about it for months. I wanted to do a Fijian night with good Fijian food, and a speaker that would teach us the history of Fiji.
We had the food catered. We used the caterer, Sister Sikivou, who caters for the Service Center. She and I decided on ika vaka lolo (raw fish in coconut milk--delicious!), apricot chicken (not so Fijian as one can not get fresh apricots here--still delicious), cabbage salad, seafood salad, rourou balls (coconut, meat in cooked dalo leaves) in lolo, and lote with cream (pumpkin pudding--my favorite).
It took me about an hour and a half to get the tables and chairs in the cafeteria into a pleasing arrangement. I used sulus for tablecloths, and had purchased small Fijian flags for the tables.
Sister Sikivou really went the extra mile as she brought a fruit punch which was so good, and a fresh fruit platter neither of which we had agreed that she would make and the price stayed the same. Amazing. Everyone ate and ate. Many commented that it was the first time they had eaten good Fijian food. The pudding I had had made was just another choice for dessert. Seniors are crazy. Some of them were putting the lote over the puddings. One senior put pudding in his bowl and then added lote, custard, and cream which made me cringe some.
After dinner which we held in the Service Center's cafeteria, we went into the conference room and Brother and Sister Lowery who are members of the church gave us a presentation on Fiji. Brother Lowery is a professor and used to teach at USU in Logan but now teaches at USP. We had a great time. Their presentation was direct, accurate, and interesting with lots of opportunities for questions and comments. I really enjoyed it.
Clean up was easy as we ate on paper plates, and I had a lot of help. Both Scott and I had a great time. We hope everyone else did also.
We had the food catered. We used the caterer, Sister Sikivou, who caters for the Service Center. She and I decided on ika vaka lolo (raw fish in coconut milk--delicious!), apricot chicken (not so Fijian as one can not get fresh apricots here--still delicious), cabbage salad, seafood salad, rourou balls (coconut, meat in cooked dalo leaves) in lolo, and lote with cream (pumpkin pudding--my favorite).
It took me about an hour and a half to get the tables and chairs in the cafeteria into a pleasing arrangement. I used sulus for tablecloths, and had purchased small Fijian flags for the tables.
Sister Sikivou really went the extra mile as she brought a fruit punch which was so good, and a fresh fruit platter neither of which we had agreed that she would make and the price stayed the same. Amazing. Everyone ate and ate. Many commented that it was the first time they had eaten good Fijian food. The pudding I had had made was just another choice for dessert. Seniors are crazy. Some of them were putting the lote over the puddings. One senior put pudding in his bowl and then added lote, custard, and cream which made me cringe some.
After dinner which we held in the Service Center's cafeteria, we went into the conference room and Brother and Sister Lowery who are members of the church gave us a presentation on Fiji. Brother Lowery is a professor and used to teach at USU in Logan but now teaches at USP. We had a great time. Their presentation was direct, accurate, and interesting with lots of opportunities for questions and comments. I really enjoyed it.
Clean up was easy as we ate on paper plates, and I had a lot of help. Both Scott and I had a great time. We hope everyone else did also.
May 26
This is the first Sunday in weeks that we have been to all church meetings in our own ward. It was so nice. The nicest thing, however, was that the three less active families that Scott and Elder Wells have been assigned to home teach were in Sacrament Meeting. It has been a long hard process. Months ago the Stake President came and was quite clear that the High Priest Group were not active enough in working with the less active High Priests. Scott talked to the High Priest Group Leader after the meeting and offered to help him visit. That did not go well, so then he offered to home teach (which most seniors do not do) some of the less actives. He was given one man, and then weeks later he was paired with Elder Wells and given two more. They have had a tough time getting appointments to visit, have appointments honored. One of the men has yet to agree to a time that they have proposed, and only once has agreed to let them come visit. Tough going; so seeing two of the three families in church on Sunday was so wonderful. I am proud of Scott for sticking with it. He is determined to help these families come into full activity.
Went home after church, ate, studied, had a nap and then took a ride and then I practiced making the custard for tomorrow's FHE. The first batch was too runny for me, but Scott liked it. The second batch was too thick for both our tastes. Tomorrow I will make it in between. It is interesting that the custard is just vanilla flavored, but is really a bright yellow. It is lovely to have a Sunday that is so relaxing.
May 25
The very best way to start a Saturday in is the temple. Attending with one of our YSA women as she goes through the temple for the first time is even better. Watching Maria during the session was like watching someone who has just gotten baptized. Her face just shown--radiated.
It was a good thing the morning was so peaceful and spiritual because the rest of the day was hectic.
We had shopping to do for Monday's FHE and only a short time to get everything which is really not easy in Suva. A shop will have had an item one needs for months and then not have it for months. Makes speedy shopping tough. We ate lunch with the senior missionaries at one o'clock. We got home just after 3:30 and had to be at a baptism at 4:30 which, of course, did not start on time, so we were really racing to get to the institute in time to open it by 6:00 p.m. Home and in bed by 10:30 p.m. Whew!
It was a good thing the morning was so peaceful and spiritual because the rest of the day was hectic.
We had shopping to do for Monday's FHE and only a short time to get everything which is really not easy in Suva. A shop will have had an item one needs for months and then not have it for months. Makes speedy shopping tough. We ate lunch with the senior missionaries at one o'clock. We got home just after 3:30 and had to be at a baptism at 4:30 which, of course, did not start on time, so we were really racing to get to the institute in time to open it by 6:00 p.m. Home and in bed by 10:30 p.m. Whew!
May 24
Found a new good restaurant. We needed a little respite today, so we along with Elder and Sister Wells decided to go out to lunch. In our Fiji (tourist) Book two restaurants were listed with multiple stars. They happened to be next to each other. One had Fijian food which when we got there did not look good. The other was become our new favorite restaurant. It is called ICrave! Pricey but good. It is actually a bistro, but during the day the bar is closed. We sat out under a canvas tarp. The weather was great and the food was great.
Had a sad thing happen today. I had asked one of the cleaning ladies to make traditional Fijian pudding for our FHE dinner on Monday. It is really a cakey thing like English pudding that one puts custard over, but it is so Fijian that I wanted to add it to the menu for Monday, but I did not dare ask the caterer to do more as she is doing all the cooking by herself. I had asked the cleaning lady on Monday if she would do it and how much it would cost. She agreed to do it for me. Her price was one dollar for each pudding, but the price went up when I told her that I would love her to make the custard. Before she told me the price for the pudding and the custard, she looked around to see who was listening, leaned in, and then whispered $50. The price went from $25 to $50. I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. I worried over the experience all week. In fact, I woke up one night just sure I had misheard her and that the price was just $15 instead of $50 and that she was giving me a deal.
So today when she came in to clean the institute, she asked if I was still wanting her to make the puddings. When I asked again, the price was $50. As soon as she said the real price, Scott objected with "That it was way too expensive."
So today when she came in to clean the institute, she asked if I was still wanting her to make the puddings. When I asked again, the price was $50. As soon as she said the real price, Scott objected with "That it was way too expensive."
I just stammered, "Perhaps another time."
I went to the Service Center later today and asked around about who made puddings. I found one worker whose neighbor loves to make puddings. We set it all up, and I got the puddings for $8. I will make the custard which will cost me about $6 for two quarts.
I am so sad. I know that most Fijians gouge everyone with white skin. The seniors joke about the "skin tax" in Fiji. However, I thought that this woman was my friend. Obviously not.
Monday, June 24, 2013
May 23
I never cease to amazed at the following Scott has for his Mission Preparation class. He had 25 in class today and they are so avid about learning everything he throws at them. They memorize the scriptures he tells them too and are for the most part excited to recite in front of the class. He has asked them to memorize some really long passages, and even this week recommended that, if they had time, it would be a good idea to memorize Joseph Smith's account of the First Vision---all of it. He is doing a marvelous work.
He has each student tell us about their mission call when they get them, and then bear their testimony. He also has those that are leaving bear testimony the last class before they go. Everyone of those who leave talk about how much they have learned in Scott's class, how they are much more ready to serve a mission.
Scott changed YSA Family History to one o'clock and changed the venue to the institute. Four in the afternoon was hard for Brother and Sister Senakuraciri; one o'clock was better. It is easier for the YSAs to stay after class than to come back later, and it makes it easier for us. Today the computers were down; good thing only one YSA showed up.
Scott went alone to the temple at 5:30, because we have to go to the temple on Saturday. I stayed home with the idea that we would have a leisurely, early dinner. He got home at 7:00. Dinner was late again. I was so in hopes of eating at an early hour. I made fish chowder and cheese biscuits. Nummy!
He has each student tell us about their mission call when they get them, and then bear their testimony. He also has those that are leaving bear testimony the last class before they go. Everyone of those who leave talk about how much they have learned in Scott's class, how they are much more ready to serve a mission.
Scott changed YSA Family History to one o'clock and changed the venue to the institute. Four in the afternoon was hard for Brother and Sister Senakuraciri; one o'clock was better. It is easier for the YSAs to stay after class than to come back later, and it makes it easier for us. Today the computers were down; good thing only one YSA showed up.
Scott went alone to the temple at 5:30, because we have to go to the temple on Saturday. I stayed home with the idea that we would have a leisurely, early dinner. He got home at 7:00. Dinner was late again. I was so in hopes of eating at an early hour. I made fish chowder and cheese biscuits. Nummy!
May 22
Both Scott and I have been trying to limit the class notes from which we teach. Somewhere we heard that the best teachers study hard to make sure they know their subject and then they let the Holy Spirit and the questions/comments of the students direct the lesson. Of course we have an idea how we want to start, finish, and a general plan for the middle, but we want to be available to the direction of the Spirit rather than to the planned lesson.
Recently Scott commented that his lesson plans were always less than a page. My lesson plans have also gotten down to one page which is amazing to me. I remember teaching Gospel Doctrine in the single's ward and having perhaps four or five pages of notes in my hands. The last time I taught before this mission was in Young Woman's; many times my notes were three pages long, so less than a page is short for me. We both feel that we are better teachers now, and that we are more open to the direction of the Holy Ghost.
So tonight my lesson went awry! My opening activity was for each student to write down the attributes of the person on this earth that has the most positive influence on them. We then listed on the board all the good attributes of these influential people. Afterward we went through the attributes to see if God had those same attributes with the idea that God is the embodiment of all good. Sounds good, right? Well somehow the class got into a discussion on "Is God submissive?" Stupid. It reminded me of some university Sunday School classes where all the returned missionaries wanted to appear smarter and more learned than everyone else.
We did get back on track, but the rest of the class did not feel good.
I will be stronger and faster at taking charge next time. Hopefully there will never be a next time. I wonder if after an episode like this, I could have someone offer a pray asking for the Spirit to come back into the classroom.
May 21
Had our meeting with President Seru today as we were in the devotional yesterday. President says that attendance at the institute classes in the Suva Stake has gone way down as have his University of the South Pacific institute classes. Ours have been down also. He says the he will ask the teachers to pray that the young adults will have a desire to attend institute classes. He is such a wonderful man so close to the Lord and to the Spirit. Me? I would just go out recruiting and talking to those who are not attending.
Scott and I have decided to fast for this purpose next Fast Sunday.
Scott's lessons tonight was soooo good. Bless his heart. He is teaching all the Doctrine and Covenant lessons as well as all the Mission Preparation lessons. Quite a load. I am grateful he would do this as I am so stressed with the choir and other things that have come up.
Scott and I have decided to fast for this purpose next Fast Sunday.
Scott's lessons tonight was soooo good. Bless his heart. He is teaching all the Doctrine and Covenant lessons as well as all the Mission Preparation lessons. Quite a load. I am grateful he would do this as I am so stressed with the choir and other things that have come up.
May 20
One of the nice things about having to work in the Service Center for so long is that they treat us like family. We are still invited to the devotionals on Tuesday, special events, and to the special devotionals held when visiting authorities come to Suva.
Today we attended the devotional held with the Elder and Sister Watson. He really connected to those in the Service Center. For years Elder Watson was the secretary to the First Presidency. As the secretary he took care of all the little details before temple dedications, at general conference, etc. He talked to these people who's jobs consist of the little detail that make big happenings go well. He told of having to send letters to general conference speakers who went over their allotted time even if it was just seconds over--his example was 20 seconds and the letter was to a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. He made the employees feel so good about what they do.
I actually sat and talked with him after about how decisions were made in the meetings in the temple with the Quorum of the Twelve. He said that many times after the discussion, the President/Prophet would say, we need to table this until later. Often that added time to think was for those in the meeting and not for the Prophet. He also said that when a decision was made (by the Prophet, I am sure) that
it was alway unanimously agreed upon by the Brethren.
Today we attended the devotional held with the Elder and Sister Watson. He really connected to those in the Service Center. For years Elder Watson was the secretary to the First Presidency. As the secretary he took care of all the little details before temple dedications, at general conference, etc. He talked to these people who's jobs consist of the little detail that make big happenings go well. He told of having to send letters to general conference speakers who went over their allotted time even if it was just seconds over--his example was 20 seconds and the letter was to a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. He made the employees feel so good about what they do.
I actually sat and talked with him after about how decisions were made in the meetings in the temple with the Quorum of the Twelve. He said that many times after the discussion, the President/Prophet would say, we need to table this until later. Often that added time to think was for those in the meeting and not for the Prophet. He also said that when a decision was made (by the Prophet, I am sure) that
it was alway unanimously agreed upon by the Brethren.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
May 19
Elder and Sister Watson did a great job. She is an amazing speaker. She just starts talking and it sounds like a story. Last night she told the Reader's Digest version of the Book of Mormon. Amazing. I am sure I enjoyed today's meeting better than yesterday as the choir was not singing.
We also attended the fireside with the young single adults, young woman, and young men tonight. I love Sundays with meeting in the morning and again in the evening. It just seems that the Spirit comes and stays all day.
We also attended the fireside with the young single adults, young woman, and young men tonight. I love Sundays with meeting in the morning and again in the evening. It just seems that the Spirit comes and stays all day.
May 18
Scott's foot is so much better this morning. The pain in his foot is gone. He got out of bed and actually walked on it. Fasting works! I am not sure how it works, but I know that fasting brings down the power of heaven. His foot is still swollen, so he is wearing the pressure bandage.
We are so grateful for family that would fast with us and pray for Scott's speeding recovery. We are grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that would hear our request and grant it.
I told Scott that he had a choice to make. He could go with the seniors for lunch today, or he could go to the priesthood session of stake conference tonight. He can not do both as he can not keep his leg up enough if he attends both activities. He chose priesthood, of course. We both want the swelling to go down quickly, and feel that in gratitude we need to do everything we can to help the healing process.
We spent a quiet, very pleasant day. I like being home puttering around; Scott hates it.
He left for priesthood and I began to get ready for the choir to sing. Priesthood was at 3:00 and the adult session was to start at 5:00. It is scary to sing without a practice, so I had asked the YSAs to be at the chapel by 4:30 when the priesthood session was to let out. We actually had most of the woman, but when the session let out, they announced that there would be refreshments. Of course, the men were not going to come practice and miss the food. By the time we got everyone in the choir seats, had the tenors run though their parts, and warmed up, President Diloi stood up and started the meeting. I just laughed. I leaned up, tapped President Seru on the shoulder and said, "President that was a warm up, not our prelude." He just shook his head. Adapt. Adapt! I am learning to adapt.
Thirty-five of us (Scott and I sang also) sang the Tongan song for the special number with Filipe leading. We did not do so well. Really these YSAs love that song and sing it with such fervor, but not tonight. Mediocre. After the meeting Lillian stood up and lead the postlude song "Come Unto Me". We did great with that song. Elder Watson turned around to thanks us, but Maggie just jumped up and led "Help Me Teach With Inspiration"which was the original prelude that we did not get to sing. Elder Watson and Sister Watson had no idea how to react. It was cute. Afterwards they were most appreciative.
How did we really do? Well-l-l. Better than I thought we would do, and yet not as well as we could have done with an adequate amount of practice. However this is the Lord's work, and I decided this morning that I could not worry about it any more. It is His work we are doing and so I left it to Him. The three YSAs that lead the songs did a great job. The YSAs were pleased and if Heavenly Father was please I am good!!!
When I think of all the stress these past weeks have been, I am so glad to be done. When I think of the spirit that comes with practicing and singing with these young adults, I know I would miss doing it.
Good thing. The missionaries asked me tonight if we could sing at a baptism next Saturday. ARGH!
We are so grateful for family that would fast with us and pray for Scott's speeding recovery. We are grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that would hear our request and grant it.
I told Scott that he had a choice to make. He could go with the seniors for lunch today, or he could go to the priesthood session of stake conference tonight. He can not do both as he can not keep his leg up enough if he attends both activities. He chose priesthood, of course. We both want the swelling to go down quickly, and feel that in gratitude we need to do everything we can to help the healing process.
We spent a quiet, very pleasant day. I like being home puttering around; Scott hates it.
He left for priesthood and I began to get ready for the choir to sing. Priesthood was at 3:00 and the adult session was to start at 5:00. It is scary to sing without a practice, so I had asked the YSAs to be at the chapel by 4:30 when the priesthood session was to let out. We actually had most of the woman, but when the session let out, they announced that there would be refreshments. Of course, the men were not going to come practice and miss the food. By the time we got everyone in the choir seats, had the tenors run though their parts, and warmed up, President Diloi stood up and started the meeting. I just laughed. I leaned up, tapped President Seru on the shoulder and said, "President that was a warm up, not our prelude." He just shook his head. Adapt. Adapt! I am learning to adapt.
Thirty-five of us (Scott and I sang also) sang the Tongan song for the special number with Filipe leading. We did not do so well. Really these YSAs love that song and sing it with such fervor, but not tonight. Mediocre. After the meeting Lillian stood up and lead the postlude song "Come Unto Me". We did great with that song. Elder Watson turned around to thanks us, but Maggie just jumped up and led "Help Me Teach With Inspiration"which was the original prelude that we did not get to sing. Elder Watson and Sister Watson had no idea how to react. It was cute. Afterwards they were most appreciative.
How did we really do? Well-l-l. Better than I thought we would do, and yet not as well as we could have done with an adequate amount of practice. However this is the Lord's work, and I decided this morning that I could not worry about it any more. It is His work we are doing and so I left it to Him. The three YSAs that lead the songs did a great job. The YSAs were pleased and if Heavenly Father was please I am good!!!
When I think of all the stress these past weeks have been, I am so glad to be done. When I think of the spirit that comes with practicing and singing with these young adults, I know I would miss doing it.
Good thing. The missionaries asked me tonight if we could sing at a baptism next Saturday. ARGH!
 |
| The YSA Institute Choir with Elder and Sister Watson |
May 16
Got an email from Kristin stating that she had forwarded our plea for a fast in Scott's behalf on to all of my siblings, and to Mother. It was interesting that Kristin said, "Mom we need Grandma Chatfield praying for Dad. She has so much influence in heaven." I agree.
Scott taught his Mission Prep lesson sitting in one of our office rolling chairs. He was so cute. It kept him off the foot, but allowed him to get around the classroom. He loves this class and they love him.
He nor they did not seem to be distracted by his foot at all. He taught an amazing lesson.
Filipe Bogidua, and Viliame Borosi brought vau leaves today to class. They wrapped his swollen foot in the leaves and then in an ace bandage. It is a traditional Fijian healing technique. Scott is a little skeptical, but I believe that there are plants on this earth that can cure just about anything.
We went home after, and he stayed on the bed with his foot on two pillows. I was proud of him for being so good at keeping it up. Not an easy thing for him!
I talked Scott out of going to the temple at 5:30p.m. I went to help the YSAs get started in the baptistry. Because there are not enough priesthood ever and sometimes not enough sisters to man the temple it is a little tough getting the baptisms going on time. Tonight the sisters were all at the veil so there was no one to get clothes for the sisters. We did not get the baptism going until at 6:00 p.m.
Just before bed, Scott took the vau leaves off his foot. His foot was markedly less swollen whereever the leaves touched his foot. His foot looked really funny because Filipe and Viliame put the leaves just around his arch and that is the only place the swelling has gone done. His toes are still huge, his ankle is still huge, and it is still really painful. He doesn't even want covers on his foot. Poor guy.
Scott taught his Mission Prep lesson sitting in one of our office rolling chairs. He was so cute. It kept him off the foot, but allowed him to get around the classroom. He loves this class and they love him.
He nor they did not seem to be distracted by his foot at all. He taught an amazing lesson.
Filipe Bogidua, and Viliame Borosi brought vau leaves today to class. They wrapped his swollen foot in the leaves and then in an ace bandage. It is a traditional Fijian healing technique. Scott is a little skeptical, but I believe that there are plants on this earth that can cure just about anything.
We went home after, and he stayed on the bed with his foot on two pillows. I was proud of him for being so good at keeping it up. Not an easy thing for him!
I talked Scott out of going to the temple at 5:30p.m. I went to help the YSAs get started in the baptistry. Because there are not enough priesthood ever and sometimes not enough sisters to man the temple it is a little tough getting the baptisms going on time. Tonight the sisters were all at the veil so there was no one to get clothes for the sisters. We did not get the baptism going until at 6:00 p.m.
Just before bed, Scott took the vau leaves off his foot. His foot was markedly less swollen whereever the leaves touched his foot. His foot looked really funny because Filipe and Viliame put the leaves just around his arch and that is the only place the swelling has gone done. His toes are still huge, his ankle is still huge, and it is still really painful. He doesn't even want covers on his foot. Poor guy.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
May 15
We saw the orthopedic doctor and he hardly looked at the X-ray or the ultrasound. He asked Scott one questions, "When did you hurt you foot?" Scott told him about the achilles problem, but the doctor was not satisfied. "When did this happen?" Scott did not know. The doctor then declared that he had not torn any ligaments, because if he had torn them he would know exactly when it happened. When we asked why the swelling, the doctor had no answer. Scott was directed to go home, stay off his foot, take ibuprofen and to keep it elevated above his heart. Right! We have an appointment to see this doctor again on Friday.
Scott was good at keeping off his foot today, but lousy at keeping it above his head.
I have asked the kids to fast for Scott from noon Thursday until noon on Friday. We absolutely do not want to go home because of this foot problem.
Scott was good at keeping off his foot today, but lousy at keeping it above his head.
I have asked the kids to fast for Scott from noon Thursday until noon on Friday. We absolutely do not want to go home because of this foot problem.
May 14
Am writing this from the Suva Specialty Hospital waiting room. Scott has been having awful trouble with his foot/ankle. It all started when we were in Taveuni. He wore his flipflop sandals when we walked to the waterfall which caused trouble with his Achilles Tendon that he tore years ago. That was just over two weeks ago. He has been hobbling around ever since. He finally borrowed some crutches from the mission office, but the pain just kept getting worse. On Sunday, one of the sisters in our ward who is originally from Kiribati (everyone here calls the country Kiribas) asked another sister, Mareta, from Kirabati to look at Scott's foot. She learned healing massage from her mother who learned it from her mother. I ran home and got some oil (she called it hoil) and during Sunday School she worked on Scott's foot. In the middle of her work Scott's eyes got really big and he said, "Whoa, the pain just moved from my ankle (Achilles Tendon) to the front of my foot." She just smiled. Scott was in only minor pain all day Sunday. We were elated.
On Monday, yesterday, we met with Mareta and she worked on his foot again. When we walked out of Temple Housing where we met her, Scott's foot was the best it had been in almost two weeks.
I was impressed with this sister who uses what the other sisters call blessed hands to help us. She is very serious about what she does. She says that her mother spent years teaching her how to do this, and she feels it is a gift from God. She prays before she begins her ministrations. Last night she was in pants when we came, but she put on a sulu (skirt) before she worked on Scott. When I asked her if many people in Kiribati did this kind of work, she said, "No, only on my island (pronounced highland) do we have the ability to do this. And only the oldest child is taught how to do it."
He felt OK until he drove the van downtown right after the massage to get an ace bandage. By the time we got home he was in real pain. This morning his foot was swollen twice it's normal size. He was back on the crutches and in so much pain he sometimes couldn't talk.
We got the mission nurse to drive us to the hospital, because I wanted him there to watch and help, and because Scott can not drive the van, and I can't drive with the clutch on the wrong side. So here I sit hoping that everything will be fine.
Well, Scott is out of Xray and the news is not good. He has two torn ligaments in the front of his foot. Elder Whiting, our mission nurse, says we will have to come back this afternoon to see the Orthopedic Doctor and that they are going to put him in a boot. Just as long as they do not send us home all is good.
It is a good thing I asked if we could trade our van for an automatic car. I think Pres. Sefeti will trade us his car for our van.
I will write more later when I know more.
May 12
Raced out to Lami at 1:00 today to practice our two new songs and only five of the men showed up. To make it worse, only one woman showed up. Argh.
However, after the practice the one woman told me that the Primary Choir is singing on Sunday and they are singing If The Savior Stood Beside Me. When she told me that I just wanted to bawl. Why had no one told me. President Seru and his counselor both knew that we were planning on singing it. Planning. Coordination. These are not words in the Fijian vocabulary. Don't misunderstand me. I love these people. The way they live works beautifully for them----but at this particular moment not for me.
We had scheduled our final practice tonight at 5:00 and then this morning it was announced that the stake was showing the latest CES broadcast at 5:00. At first I was so ticked. Why, oh why, does no one is Fiji plan ahead? And then I realized that it would be a blessing in disguise. Thank you Heavenly Father. The YSAs love CES broadcasts; they will come out in mass which would give me a captive audience. I would just get all of them to stay after the broadcast for the practice which worked. We had between 50 and 60 stay to sing. We worked on the two songs over and over and over. It will have to do.
To make up for the last song we have to give up, I have decided to sing the Tongan song that the YSAs love so much. No practice necessary. They sang it beautifully tonight the first time we sang it.
I asked Maggie Vodo to lead Help Me Teach With Inspiration, Lillian Rokobuli is leading Come Unto Him, and Filipe Bogidua will lead Folofola Mai a Sisu.
However, after the practice the one woman told me that the Primary Choir is singing on Sunday and they are singing If The Savior Stood Beside Me. When she told me that I just wanted to bawl. Why had no one told me. President Seru and his counselor both knew that we were planning on singing it. Planning. Coordination. These are not words in the Fijian vocabulary. Don't misunderstand me. I love these people. The way they live works beautifully for them----but at this particular moment not for me.
We had scheduled our final practice tonight at 5:00 and then this morning it was announced that the stake was showing the latest CES broadcast at 5:00. At first I was so ticked. Why, oh why, does no one is Fiji plan ahead? And then I realized that it would be a blessing in disguise. Thank you Heavenly Father. The YSAs love CES broadcasts; they will come out in mass which would give me a captive audience. I would just get all of them to stay after the broadcast for the practice which worked. We had between 50 and 60 stay to sing. We worked on the two songs over and over and over. It will have to do.
To make up for the last song we have to give up, I have decided to sing the Tongan song that the YSAs love so much. No practice necessary. They sang it beautifully tonight the first time we sang it.
I asked Maggie Vodo to lead Help Me Teach With Inspiration, Lillian Rokobuli is leading Come Unto Him, and Filipe Bogidua will lead Folofola Mai a Sisu.
May 8
I am positive that one of the lessons I am supposed to learn on this mission is how to be patient. One other lesson is to do the best I can and then turn it over to the Lord. I am not very good at either, but I am especially bad at I-have-done-my-best, now-the-Lord-will-do-the-rest". When I have responsibilities I do them as perfectly as I can and then I panic until the responsibility is completed to my satisfaction. Hard way to live.
To give all the YSAs in the stake an opportunity to sing in stake conference, we went to their chapels two Sundays ago instead of asking them to come to our building. If they come to ours it means an hour or more walk or quite a bit of money in bus fares. Last Sunday's practice at the Samabula Ward was a good one, but not many of the YSAs from the other wards showed up which was disappointing. The songs I chose have proven harder than I thought. The Fijians are used to singing I Know that My Redeemer Lives a cappella so they do not sing the notes played by a piano. It goes something like this: the soprano sing the melody starting at any point on the scale not necessarily the one written in the hymn book, the tenors sing the melody an octave lower, once the song starts the altos and bass find notes that make a beautiful harmony, but again not the notes written in the hymn book. I thought this song would be easy. Just a little practice and they would all be right on. Au contraire. No one had every sung Our Savior's Love which actually made it easier because no one was singing a wrong part, but is still taking more time to learn that I had imagined. If the Savior Stood Beside Me they got right off, except they are having a hard time coming in when they should.
Well all of this is moot, because President Seru called this afternoon one hour before we were to be in institute teaching to inform me that at last, ten days before our stake conference, President Watson of our Area Presidency has sent us a theme. Not only a theme but five (5) songs from which we are to choose the songs we sing for the Adult Session of conference. WHAT?
President Seru was so cute. When he called he asked me if I had had a good day. Was I happy? My radar went up after the last question and instead of answering the question I asked, "Are you going to make me sad?" He replied that he hoped not. Then he told me that we needed to accommodate Pres. Watson. Of the five, I chose Help Me Teach With Inspiration because it is short, and Come Unto Him because I liked the words. I asked if I could keep If the Savior Stood Beside Me and President Seru agreed. I had to then copy both songs before class as none of these YSAs have hymn books. We practiced tonight with the Samabula YSAs after class, but it did not go well. Both songs give them trouble, but bless their hearts they gave it there all for an hour and a half. I am so grateful for Elder Jackson. Besides being willing to accompany the choir, he comes to every practice, helps the tenors and basses sing their parts, and is so good natured about everything. What a blessing he is to me and to the young adults.
We have determined to go out to Lami on Sunday to practice there as they have some really good male singers and the men were having the most trouble tonight.
Ten days? Two new songs! There is no way unless Heavenly Father helps.
May 6
It is so good to be back. We have missed the spiritual uplift we always feel when we are interacting with the Young Single Adults. We are also finding it hard to get back into rhythm and yet we are looking forward to being in the classroom again. We LOVE to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
May 4
Well this day certainly did not turn out the way we had planned.
We were up, packed, breakfasted, and at the airport by 9:15 a.m. The plane came in at about 9:50 a.m. We took off a little late, because off loading and on loading the plane took too much time. It is fun to take off in a plane that takes a while to get up high. One sees so much. The plane took of and shortly after take off, banked to the left. Funny I thought; this pilot is in a hurry to get home. Soon I noticed that we were not climbing as we should, but it was just a passing thought as I was enthralled with my last view of the island of Taveuni. Just as we were passing the beginning of the runway the pilot banked left again, and I realized we were going to land. When I told Scott, he was a little sceptical until he noticed that the propeller out our window was just feathering. "The engine on our side of the plane is not working." he said. Sure enough, we landed in a really steep descent. After we had taxied back to the terminal, the pilot turned around to the passengers and said, "Well, that was interesting." And then he explained that almost immediately after we were off the ground the engine on the port side of the plane quit working which, as an aside, caused the first banking to the left. Because of the engine failure, he was forced to return to the Matei Airport.
This could have been a pretty dangerous situation. Had the engine quit on take off we would have been in real trouble. I was never nervous even when we realized that the engine had quit working. I am not sure if it was that I just knew Heavenly Father would take care of us, or that He sent the Holy Ghost to whisper peace to my soul. Whichever it was I am grateful.
We all deplaned after he told us that an mechanic would come in from Nadi to see about fixing the plane. We decided to go back to the resort. They allowed us to wait in our bungalow and fed us lunch which we feel was so nice. We called the airport and were told to be back at 2:30. Unbeknownst to us the plane that brought the mechanic flew anyone who was still at the terminal back to Nadi earlier. We flew back on the regularly scheduled plane that comes in at 3:00 and leaves at 4:00.
I am surprised that I was not nervous when we took off. We had smooth flying all the way to Nadi, and although we had missed our original flight to Suva, the airlines had rebooked us on a later flight.
All's well that ends well is certainly true for us today.
We were up, packed, breakfasted, and at the airport by 9:15 a.m. The plane came in at about 9:50 a.m. We took off a little late, because off loading and on loading the plane took too much time. It is fun to take off in a plane that takes a while to get up high. One sees so much. The plane took of and shortly after take off, banked to the left. Funny I thought; this pilot is in a hurry to get home. Soon I noticed that we were not climbing as we should, but it was just a passing thought as I was enthralled with my last view of the island of Taveuni. Just as we were passing the beginning of the runway the pilot banked left again, and I realized we were going to land. When I told Scott, he was a little sceptical until he noticed that the propeller out our window was just feathering. "The engine on our side of the plane is not working." he said. Sure enough, we landed in a really steep descent. After we had taxied back to the terminal, the pilot turned around to the passengers and said, "Well, that was interesting." And then he explained that almost immediately after we were off the ground the engine on the port side of the plane quit working which, as an aside, caused the first banking to the left. Because of the engine failure, he was forced to return to the Matei Airport.
This could have been a pretty dangerous situation. Had the engine quit on take off we would have been in real trouble. I was never nervous even when we realized that the engine had quit working. I am not sure if it was that I just knew Heavenly Father would take care of us, or that He sent the Holy Ghost to whisper peace to my soul. Whichever it was I am grateful.
We all deplaned after he told us that an mechanic would come in from Nadi to see about fixing the plane. We decided to go back to the resort. They allowed us to wait in our bungalow and fed us lunch which we feel was so nice. We called the airport and were told to be back at 2:30. Unbeknownst to us the plane that brought the mechanic flew anyone who was still at the terminal back to Nadi earlier. We flew back on the regularly scheduled plane that comes in at 3:00 and leaves at 4:00.
I am surprised that I was not nervous when we took off. We had smooth flying all the way to Nadi, and although we had missed our original flight to Suva, the airlines had rebooked us on a later flight.
All's well that ends well is certainly true for us today.
May 3
This morning we just lazed around. We have to fly back tomorrow and we really want to be rested. At lunch the snorkeling guide came and ask Scott why he was not snorkeling with the rest of the guest later in the afternoon. I suggested that perhaps he would like to go and that I would be fine reading. He went. I read. Both of us were very happy.
Just before dinner, Ric and Do came and said that one of the villages on the way to Bouma was do a "meke" (meh' kay). A meke is a dance performance, but in Fiji there is always a group who sings and the dancer dance. We were excited to go. It took two cabs to get all the guests at the resort to the village. Another group was there and we sat on church chairs in a row with the villagers in front of us sitting on the grass. It is interesting that at these things the performers sit in a circle around the drums not at all worried about having their backs to the audience.
The meke started with a kava ceremony. The kava was offered to the other group one at a time before it was offered to Scott who was sitting first in our group. The poor young man who offered it to Scott did not know what to do when Scott declined. He went back to the chief who reins over the kava bowl and got scowled at and waved back to the group. Instead of offering it to me or the others after me in our group, he just offered the kava to the man at Scott's right who had already had some.
As a side note, right after the meke was over a young man came up to us and said, "Hi, Elder Tennis" This young man had been in Suva recently and had come to the institute for one class and for activity night. We did not have our name tags on, so it would have been so easy not to embarrass the young man doing the kava ceremony and just drink it; good thing we are made of stronger stuff than that. Someone, which is almost always the case, is watching!! By the time we got into the taxi we had met two other LDS young men who had danced or sang in the meke. It is a way for the villagers to make money. I am sure the other group there had paid something for the performance and of course when it was all over, there were Fijian crafts to buy. I bought us two Fijian belts that are warn over the sulu.
The meke dances were performed by both men and woman. Traditionally men dance alone and women dance alone, but Fiji has bowed to foreign influences and there were dances tonight where men and woman danced at the same time. They do not dance together, just at the same time. What a nice way to end our stay in Taveuni.
We were given a salusalu by a villager when we arrive for the meke. Nice to be a woman as we always get more flowers in our salusalu.
On our tour of the resort, we were so impressed with how self reliant they are. They have their own auto garage in which they maintain and fix their vehicles and their farm equipment. They have their own water system that is filtered for those of us who need cleaner water. They are off the grid for electricity which is really great as electricity is only available erratically and then for only four hours a day in the evening.
They also hire lots of Taveunians which helps them live better. The woman on the left comes in every day or so to make lolo which is a Fijian stable. Lolo is coconut milk, but not the milk one finds in the coconut. It is made from grating the coconut which is what this woman is doing. After the coconut is grated water is sprinkled over it and the grated coconut is squeezed. What come from squeezing is lolo. It is a laborious endeavor
This ship anchored just off shore from
the resort. The other guests told us this is called a "Liverboard" which is a sort of Bostonian way of saying 'live aboard' It is a dive boat. People who want to dive in Fiji have the option of living on a ship like this which takes them from dive site to dive site. It is an all inclusive experience; meals, equipment, guides, etc. are all included in the price. One of the guests told us that they were able to dive in the Red Sea, because they lived on one of these ships. Interesting thought diving in the Red Sea.
Just before dinner, Ric and Do came and said that one of the villages on the way to Bouma was do a "meke" (meh' kay). A meke is a dance performance, but in Fiji there is always a group who sings and the dancer dance. We were excited to go. It took two cabs to get all the guests at the resort to the village. Another group was there and we sat on church chairs in a row with the villagers in front of us sitting on the grass. It is interesting that at these things the performers sit in a circle around the drums not at all worried about having their backs to the audience.
The meke started with a kava ceremony. The kava was offered to the other group one at a time before it was offered to Scott who was sitting first in our group. The poor young man who offered it to Scott did not know what to do when Scott declined. He went back to the chief who reins over the kava bowl and got scowled at and waved back to the group. Instead of offering it to me or the others after me in our group, he just offered the kava to the man at Scott's right who had already had some.
As a side note, right after the meke was over a young man came up to us and said, "Hi, Elder Tennis" This young man had been in Suva recently and had come to the institute for one class and for activity night. We did not have our name tags on, so it would have been so easy not to embarrass the young man doing the kava ceremony and just drink it; good thing we are made of stronger stuff than that. Someone, which is almost always the case, is watching!! By the time we got into the taxi we had met two other LDS young men who had danced or sang in the meke. It is a way for the villagers to make money. I am sure the other group there had paid something for the performance and of course when it was all over, there were Fijian crafts to buy. I bought us two Fijian belts that are warn over the sulu.
The meke dances were performed by both men and woman. Traditionally men dance alone and women dance alone, but Fiji has bowed to foreign influences and there were dances tonight where men and woman danced at the same time. They do not dance together, just at the same time. What a nice way to end our stay in Taveuni.
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| Meke Performers Singing the Fijian Farewell Song "Isa Leis" |
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| Salusalus (Fijian leis) |
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| Sunset Our Last Night in Taveuni |
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| Last of the Sunset Our Last Night |
Following are pictures that did not fit into the narrative, but that we want to remember.
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| Little Fijian at Lavena Isn't he so cute! |
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| Bus at Lavena It comes only twice a day. Notice the sack of dalo on the ground. Someone is taking it to one of the cities to sell. |
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| Kudzu |
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| Kudzu Close Up |
Kudzu is a very invasive weed/plant/vine. It grows very fast and can climb over trees and shrub killing them because it brings with it heavy shading. The landscape on both Viti Levu and Taveuni is littered with Kudzu. Kudzu's seeds are hard coated and can lie dormant for several years which makes eradication almost impossible. It does add nitrogen to the soil which we were told is lacking in the soil in Taveuni. Personally I think it is the Fijian way of making it OK. Kudzu was brought to Fiji during World War II by the USA to provide camouflage for military equipment and bases. When I see the beautiful landscape of Fiji being taken over by Kudzu I am just sick.
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| Kudzu Overrunning the Landscape. |
On our tour of the resort, we were so impressed with how self reliant they are. They have their own auto garage in which they maintain and fix their vehicles and their farm equipment. They have their own water system that is filtered for those of us who need cleaner water. They are off the grid for electricity which is really great as electricity is only available erratically and then for only four hours a day in the evening.
They also hire lots of Taveunians which helps them live better. The woman on the left comes in every day or so to make lolo which is a Fijian stable. Lolo is coconut milk, but not the milk one finds in the coconut. It is made from grating the coconut which is what this woman is doing. After the coconut is grated water is sprinkled over it and the grated coconut is squeezed. What come from squeezing is lolo. It is a laborious endeavor
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| Boat Coming to Drop off Passengers |
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| People Coming from the Boat to Shore |
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| Coming Ashore |
This boat, and people are coming from one of the privately owned islands about an hour from Tavueni. It is owned by a group that have as their leader an artist/guru. On the island they live a rigorous life which includes early mornings, vegan food, and much meditation. After they spend their two weeks on the island they come and spend several days at the Taveuni Island Resort. It is their way of reintroducing themselves to the real world. An interesting group.
the resort. The other guests told us this is called a "Liverboard" which is a sort of Bostonian way of saying 'live aboard' It is a dive boat. People who want to dive in Fiji have the option of living on a ship like this which takes them from dive site to dive site. It is an all inclusive experience; meals, equipment, guides, etc. are all included in the price. One of the guests told us that they were able to dive in the Red Sea, because they lived on one of these ships. Interesting thought diving in the Red Sea.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
May 2
I will not rave about the food again. I have decided today to cut down what I am eating. I had a smaller breakfast and ate only half my lunch. I intend to eat only half my dinner. I can not, however, resist the desserts.
We got up at about 8:00 this morning which is really late for Scott and quite late for me. We read our scriptures out on the veranda, got dressed and at a leisurely breakfast.
After breakfast Matt came along to see what we were going to do for the day--his job is to set up whatever we need for the day--and after we told him we wanted to see the other part of the island we got into a conversation which lead to a tour of the resort grounds. The resort grows all its own fruit (lime, kumquat, lemon, mandarin orange, mango, avocado, pawpaw[papaya], herbs, spices, and vegetables many of which are part of the landscaping. Ric and Do actually have a farm down the street and into the forest where they are growing not only vegetables and fruits, but have a tree farm which grows hardwood trees which are hard to get any more in Fiji. It seems that Ric and Do's sons have all married Fijians (no surprise) and Ric and Do realize that when their sons die their grandchildren need a way to provide for themselves that does not require too much work or business acumen hence the tree farm.
Here are a few pictures of what we saw on the grounds.
After lunch Tomasi was waiting to drive us to the end of the pavement going away from Bouma towards Somosomo.
The Wairiki Mission was built in 1906 as thanks to a French priest who helped the Taveuni Fijians
defeat Tongans who were trying
to take over Fiji. In fact, the Tongans
had been victorious in other battles
on other islands, but this defeat sent them
back to Tonga and saved Fiji for Fijians
From the mission we went to the 180 longitude line that runs through Taveuni. You can see the line in the map on the April 30th blog. It is the 180 meridian where the day starts. On the east side of the line is yesterday and on the west side is today.
Just as they do with time zones, when the meridian separates a country the line is moved so all the country is on the same day.
The Waitavala Waterslide is really a serious of short waterfalls. It is called a waterslide because
brave, or stupid people get in at the top and let the water carry them down.
We had interesting conversations with a couple from Switzerland who have a home outside of Brisbane, Australia where they live for four to six weeks every three months. They are here on Taveuni to relax. Huh? We also learned tonight about an around the world airplane ticket from Ian and Robin who are from Sydney. They come to Taveuni to dive and have been here six or seven times. They tell us that it is cheaper for Australians to purchase an around the world ticket from One World or Star Alliance than it is to fly up and back. This conversation is giving Scott all kinds of ideas.
I said I was not talking about food anymore, but I have to. This morning I ordered Creamy Chicken over noodles while Scott ordered Basil Fish over noodles. We are getting smarter. We each choose one of the entrees and then we share. Tonight when our meals came the noodles were homemade. I was in absolute heaven. It reminded me of home when my mother made homemade noodles. Nothing in the store can equal a homemade noodle. I ate my whole meal. (no self control here) Fabulous!!!
We got up at about 8:00 this morning which is really late for Scott and quite late for me. We read our scriptures out on the veranda, got dressed and at a leisurely breakfast.
After breakfast Matt came along to see what we were going to do for the day--his job is to set up whatever we need for the day--and after we told him we wanted to see the other part of the island we got into a conversation which lead to a tour of the resort grounds. The resort grows all its own fruit (lime, kumquat, lemon, mandarin orange, mango, avocado, pawpaw[papaya], herbs, spices, and vegetables many of which are part of the landscaping. Ric and Do actually have a farm down the street and into the forest where they are growing not only vegetables and fruits, but have a tree farm which grows hardwood trees which are hard to get any more in Fiji. It seems that Ric and Do's sons have all married Fijians (no surprise) and Ric and Do realize that when their sons die their grandchildren need a way to provide for themselves that does not require too much work or business acumen hence the tree farm.
Here are a few pictures of what we saw on the grounds.
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| Matt's Passion Fruit Arbor |
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| Bananas in the Resort Yard |
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| These are not quite ripe black peppers. |
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| Medicinal Plant |
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| Orchids The greenery on this dead tree are orchids. |
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| This is the Wairiki Mission |
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| Inside the Mission |
to take over Fiji. In fact, the Tongans
had been victorious in other battles
on other islands, but this defeat sent them
back to Tonga and saved Fiji for Fijians
 |
| Stations of the Cross |
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| Looking Out the Door of the Mission The hanging rope is the pull for the church bells |
From the mission we went to the 180 longitude line that runs through Taveuni. You can see the line in the map on the April 30th blog. It is the 180 meridian where the day starts. On the east side of the line is yesterday and on the west side is today.
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| Scott with one foot in today and one in yesterday. |
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| Tough to have a close companionship when Scott is standing in Wednesday May 1st and I am standing in Thursday May 2nd. |
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| If you squint, you can see the 180 Meridan in relation to the islands of Fiji. |
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| Taveuni's Hospital |
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| Waitavala Waterslide |
brave, or stupid people get in at the top and let the water carry them down.
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| Another Part of Waitavala Waterslide |
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| More of the Waterslide |
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| Me with Tomasi at the 180 Meridian |
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| Tomasi at the Pump in Somosomo |
I said I was not talking about food anymore, but I have to. This morning I ordered Creamy Chicken over noodles while Scott ordered Basil Fish over noodles. We are getting smarter. We each choose one of the entrees and then we share. Tonight when our meals came the noodles were homemade. I was in absolute heaven. It reminded me of home when my mother made homemade noodles. Nothing in the store can equal a homemade noodle. I ate my whole meal. (no self control here) Fabulous!!!
May 1, 2013
We ate breakfast at 8:00 this morning and then prepared to leave for Bouma NH Park. We have been ordering lunches and dinners at Breakfast. The resort gives us a choice of two entrees. When we told the waitress that we going to miss lunch as we would be at the park, she brought another menu for take away lunches. We ordered quiche.
Our cab driver picked us up and drove us on the one and only paved road in Taveuni for an hour. About 2/3 of the way there the pavement stopped and we were driving on a dirt road. Our cab driver, Tomasi, has lived his whole life on Taveuni and worked for the resort until five years ago when Ric helped him buy a car so he could be a cab driver. Whenever the resort needs to transport their guests further than the airport, they call for Tomasi and his cab. He was a fountain of information and good cheer. For the entire trip he never quit talking except to honk, wave and greet every person or car we passed. He laughed at himself and us and informed us that every person on the island was his "good" friend. It is hard to believe that his wife of over 25 years passed away just six weeks ago. He, according to Do, is really devastated and is trying to come to terms with losing her. After he told us that he goes to bed at 8:00 o'clock, I believe her. He is my new hero. I want to be just like that if I am left alone.
We arrived at the village of Lavena (lah vee nah), registered and waited for our boat to arrive. There is a small shed that is the office for the guides and the park officials. The resort had called ahead and booked a guide and a boat for us. All roads end at Lavena so seeing the falls includes a boat ride. We are talking an outboard motor boat. The guide does not steer (pilot? captain?) the boat, a person with a certificate in some nautical studies has to captain the boat.
The ride was extremely rough--rough enough that I was nervous. Following is what we saw.
Our first waterfall was up a river whose mouth was hidden by undergrowth. We actually had to duck under tree branches for the first 100 meters on the river. Then as you can see from the picture on the left the river widened and it was easy riding to the base of the waterfall. This waterfall was three tiers. It was so beautiful and I especially loved the fact that I did not have to work hard to see it.
Scott was able to get out of the boat at this falls and
spend some time playing in the water and around the
falls.
The picture above is the same falls as the one to the left.
This waterfall is misty in the picture, but it is still a gorgeous waterfall. Notice how turquoise the ocean water is. We spent this whole day in awe of the gorgeous world in which we live. Heavenly Father must certainly have an artist's soul.
We ate lunch after the boat dropped us along with our guide off at the one falls we would have to walk to. There was enough food for five of us, so we shared with out guide. We walked about a mile up to the falls and then Scott when swimming.
When we arrive in Lavena the office had pancakes and hot lemon grass tea for us. It was nice. Tomasi had sat in the village since we left visiting and waiting for our return. On the way back to the resort we stopped at Bouma falls which is the most famous of all the falls. It was a five minute walk on a grass path. Beautiful.
Enjoyed watching and listening to Tomasi on the way back. When we arrived at the resort at 4:00 we were ready for a refreshing shower and a rest. There are two showers in these bungalows; one inside that has warm water and one outside with only cold water. Scott loves the one outside, and chooses to shower out there instead of inside.
Again the social hour was once wonderfully entertaining. There were three Fijian men sitting on the floor just a short distance from the bar singing (one guitar) Fijian songs. These Fijians create the most beautiful harmony. Some of their songs were even American, but the harmony was certainly more beautiful that the original version.
Watched a movie before going to bed.
Our cab driver picked us up and drove us on the one and only paved road in Taveuni for an hour. About 2/3 of the way there the pavement stopped and we were driving on a dirt road. Our cab driver, Tomasi, has lived his whole life on Taveuni and worked for the resort until five years ago when Ric helped him buy a car so he could be a cab driver. Whenever the resort needs to transport their guests further than the airport, they call for Tomasi and his cab. He was a fountain of information and good cheer. For the entire trip he never quit talking except to honk, wave and greet every person or car we passed. He laughed at himself and us and informed us that every person on the island was his "good" friend. It is hard to believe that his wife of over 25 years passed away just six weeks ago. He, according to Do, is really devastated and is trying to come to terms with losing her. After he told us that he goes to bed at 8:00 o'clock, I believe her. He is my new hero. I want to be just like that if I am left alone.
We arrived at the village of Lavena (lah vee nah), registered and waited for our boat to arrive. There is a small shed that is the office for the guides and the park officials. The resort had called ahead and booked a guide and a boat for us. All roads end at Lavena so seeing the falls includes a boat ride. We are talking an outboard motor boat. The guide does not steer (pilot? captain?) the boat, a person with a certificate in some nautical studies has to captain the boat.
The ride was extremely rough--rough enough that I was nervous. Following is what we saw.
 |
| Our Boat Captain |
 |
| Our Guide His entire income comes from guiding tourists in Buoma Park |
Scott was able to get out of the boat at this falls and
spend some time playing in the water and around the
falls.
 |
| Scott at the Falls |
 |
| At the First Falls |
 |
| On the Way to More Falls |
 |
| This is such a great picture of three beautiful waterfalls. |
 |
| Another Waterfall |
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| Us at the Falls |
The picture above is the same falls as the one to the left.
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| On the Way to the Falls |
We ate lunch after the boat dropped us along with our guide off at the one falls we would have to walk to. There was enough food for five of us, so we shared with out guide. We walked about a mile up to the falls and then Scott when swimming.
 |
| The Trail to the Falls |
 |
| The Falls |
I was told that I would be able to walk up the stream to the falls, but there was a long deep part that prevented me from getting there. It was about 50 meters from the end of the trail to the base of the waterfall. Fun to watch Scott and our guide.
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| Standing by the Falls |
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| Leaving the Falls |
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| Delicate flowers on the way back. |
One of the nice things about having a guide is knowing where to look and at what you are looking. We would never have noticed these flowers. He also stopped us along the path with a shush. We stood for a minute and then he pointed into the bushes. "See the orange dove?" Scott did. I did not. Orange doves are rare and to see one is considered a wonderful experience. Taveuni has more birds and small animals than Viti Levu, because there are no mongooses on the island.
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| Leaving the Waterfall. Notice the kayak we are taking back with us. |
While we were walking to the falls our boat went back to pick up two kayakers (honeymooners) that had rented kayaks in Lavena to get them to the falls, however the sea was so choppy they were not making any headway. The boat picked them up and brought them to the falls. When we were finished at this falls we took the two kayaks back with to Lavena. The kayakers had to walk back, but they were so glad to have been rescued they did not mind
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| Sand Crab (the size of a quarter) on the Beach at Lavena There were thousands of them. |
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| Fishing Off the Beach at Lavena |
When we arrive in Lavena the office had pancakes and hot lemon grass tea for us. It was nice. Tomasi had sat in the village since we left visiting and waiting for our return. On the way back to the resort we stopped at Bouma falls which is the most famous of all the falls. It was a five minute walk on a grass path. Beautiful.
 |
| Buoma Falls |
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| The Rest of Buoma Falls |
Enjoyed watching and listening to Tomasi on the way back. When we arrived at the resort at 4:00 we were ready for a refreshing shower and a rest. There are two showers in these bungalows; one inside that has warm water and one outside with only cold water. Scott loves the one outside, and chooses to shower out there instead of inside.
Again the social hour was once wonderfully entertaining. There were three Fijian men sitting on the floor just a short distance from the bar singing (one guitar) Fijian songs. These Fijians create the most beautiful harmony. Some of their songs were even American, but the harmony was certainly more beautiful that the original version.
Watched a movie before going to bed.
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