G'day Mate

April 13, 2010


Greetings come to you today from Sydney, Australia!

I know it has been a long time since I've written, and I still don't
have time to give you a thorough update, but I thought I would drop
you all a quick note while I have a moment.

Since my previous update, it seems like we have crossed into two
different worlds.  As the busy season for the Mission in Fiji was
approaching, our family has relocated down the road about a fifteen
minute walk into a very small, Fijian community.  We were very blessed
to be welcomed by the villagers, and invited to live in the building
that once served as the first Mission Clinic in the area.  Boasting
plenty of space, and extremely, friendly neighbors, our new home also
is a refuge for termites and rats.  We have laughed out loud several
times, as we enjoy the new 'camping like' experience, with no
electricity, and sometimes no running water, and we have nestled into
our mosquito nets at the end of the day, thankful for their
protection, and hopeful that they will keep out all unwanted
creatures.

There have been plenty of challenges adjusting to our new
surroundings, but over all, we are very happy to be there.  It is a
huge blessing to be together under one roof, and not in separate
dorms, like we were at the Mission.  One whispered 'goodnight' can
reach the whole family:)  Mike can focus on completing our new home,
and I now have a spacious schoolroom, and library set up for our many
local children to visit.  I look forward to many new relationships
being formed, as we are living among the Fijian people on a daily
basis.  I have provided some regular entertainment for them, as well,
as no women in Fiji ride bicycles.  I have seen all ranges of facial
expressions on the villagers as I pass by on my bike, heading to the
mIssion with sacs of laundry or a 5 gallon jug to be filled with fresh
water.  I intend to give the ladies bike riding lessons, so I won't be
the only subject of amusement:)

One of our friends, Siwa, told me once that we were living in
'America' in the middle of Fiji.  I entertained the thought at the
time, but didn't understand how true his words were.  At the Mission,
Americans can visit, and serve the people, while still enjoying most
of the amenities of home.  Even we had to be much more careful with
electricity, water, etc., we truly did appreciate an American quality
kitchen, modern bathrooms, and so on.  It was a great blessing to have
the Mission to stay at, while we transitioned into life in Fiji.  Now,
we have crossed into true Fijian living.  I am confident this
experience will be one that we will never forget, for the good times
and the 'not so good' :)

From 'American Fiji', to village life, and next stop: Sydney,
Australia.  WOW! Talk about another world.  Sydney reminds me much of
America. I chuckled to myself, as I realized that I had gone from one
extreme country to another. From no lights, to ultra technology.  I
sat on a train on my way to get my computer fixed, and noticed that
every single young person around me was on their iphone, texting or
listening to music, etc.  I sat in a store, with the most modern
amenities, and laughed as the clerk told me he would email me my
receipt.  How did I get from the remote bush of Fiji to such a
different world in such a short time?

We were forced to travel to Sydney, by chronic ear infections that
Becka was fighting.  It turns out Ben was having quite a bit of ear
trouble, before we booked our flights, so we ended up bringing him
along to see the ear specialist, 'just in case'.  Fulfilling his
promise to work all things together for good, God allowed Becka's
illness to provide us with a lovely holiday in a beautiful country.
After being picked up by my step brother, Sean at the airport, we were
treated to a delicious lasagna dinner by his wonderful wife, Deborah.
The kids were in heaven, playing with their cousins, and enjoying a
'real house' with all the comforts of America.  After a very helpful
visit to the doctor the next day, we were relieved to find out that
the ear infections are going to be no problem to take care of, and
should be easy to prevent in the future.

After prescribing a healthy dose of ointments and ear drops, the
doctor sent us on our way to enjoy a week in Sydney.  We have been
able to walk the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and pet koala bears and
kangaroos.  Not to mention getting to know our Aussie relatives, that
we only met once briefly before.  They have treated us wonderfully,
and the only thing that could have improved the trip was the presence
of the rest of my family.  I am anxious to get back to Fiji, and see
all of our sweet Fijian friends, as well as making a plan to
exterminate those pesky rats!

Ben and Becka both admitted that while the luxuries of modern life are
nice, Fiji is where we long to be.  It is amazing how you can adapt to
whatever comes your way, when God is holding your hand, each step on
the journey.

There is no way I can impart to you all the ins and outs of the  last
month, but some highlights are here:

*Mike and I were invited to have dinner with the President of Fiji,
when he scheduled a visit to tour the Mission and nearby communities.
That was quite an evening, and a whole story in itself.

*We got to experience the fish in a fish bowl experience, when over
100 campers descended upon the Vatuvonu compound, where we are living.
People would just come up to the windows, and watch us do whatever we
were up to.  Many a cry of 'kai valagi' were heard over the weekend,
as we walked about (white people!!)  The local Fijians are used to
us,but we were the only white people at the camp, and a sight to see
for some who came from far away.

*The children performed some special music items for an evening
concert, and Mike signed Bailee up to do a worship dance item.  She
wasn't sure what to expect as she was dancing alone for the first
time, and most of the 'attendees' had never seen a worship dance
before.  It was a highlight of the night, as she started to dance and
a hush fell over the whole crowd.  God's spirit was present as she
performed a dramatic dance, and worshipped the Lord in such an
expressive way.  I can't tell you how many people told me that the
Lord touched them, as she brought to life the words of the song.  One
mans quote, "She took the words of the song, and put them in her
hands, and they went straight to my heart:)"  A really special moment
for all.

I stand in awe of how God uses trials and triumphs to glorify his
name.  I am thankful for each one of you who has offered your support
and prayers as we seek to serve God in a needy world.

May you be blessed, as well.

Sara