Navau Ward

Sunday was our first introduction into an authentic Fijian Ward. We got up early and left our flat about 8:15 am for a 45 minute drive to the Navau Ward. Not quite the same as leaving 5 minutes before Sacrament meeting and driving about 9 houses down the hill to our Chapel back home which is what we are so used to (and spoiled by). This Chapel sits high up on a hill top and on a beautiful, large plot of land with lush grass and lovely tropical flowers and trees. The hybiscas (sp?) in the photo was about the size of a salad plate! The setting couldn't have been any more pleasant.

We were graciously accepted and introduced and enjoyed meeting and greeting all the members. There were probably about 40 - 45 people in attendance. Even with a comparatively small group, they sang the hymns with enthusiasm and volume like we had experienced at the Choir competition. Thankfully the whole meeting was offered in English. The Relief Society Presidency were the speakers in Sacrament meeting and they gave wonderful talks. They were as good as any talks I have heard at home. The Gospel Doctrine Sunday School teacher was a sweet Indian woman and she did an excellent job with her lesson. (about half the ward was Fijian and the other half was Indian.) She asked me to present a 5 or so minute portion of the lesson and I really enjoyed that opportunity. There were 13 women in Relief Society and the President had to give that lesson also (in addition to speaking in Sacrament meeting). She did another awesome presentation. All in all it was a sweet and spiritual experience.

After the block of meetings, Elder Stagg and Paul had to do a financial audit which was an on-the-job training opportunity for Paul. It went smoothly and we felt a great sense of accomplishment when it was completed.

While the audit was going on, I enjoyed walking around the Church grounds and took the above photos of the surrounding village bures (homes). The village environments are very rural and agricultural. The people live in very humble homes typically built from wood and tin and some cinder blocks. There are usually no windows or doors that can close... the homes are just shelters but there is not much privacy. All the windows usually have curtains but they are tied together with a knot in the middle so the breezes can flow through. Most Fijians don't own cars so there are a lot of dirt roads and people walking to get around. A lot of the people in this area were barefooted even. But they are happy, happy, happy people. They always have smiles and are laughing and they greet everyone with eye contact and a genuine Bula (hello).

After we got back home to our flat by mid afternoon, we were finally able to rest up from our intense 4 or 5 days worth of "welcome to your new life in Fiji". We really were ready for a Sunday afternoon nap! We are slowly getting a lay of the land. In fact, we were given our own car today and we went for a ride, just the 2 of us, to the grocery store and we only got lost ONCE! I think we are in for lots more adventures! Stay tuned!