Today's adventure

What an exciting life we are living! Each day we get to go and do and see new, amazing things and places. Today we got to go over to the LDS College School. This is the equivalence of our high schools. This school was established in 1976 and is one of the best and most beautiful schools in this whole country! It sits on the most beautiful spot of any schools we have seen. Once again, it is up high on a hillside overlooking the ocean. I would not be able to concentrate on school if I were there because I would be so distracted by the view!

There are about 350 students in attendance and they are from 13 to 18 which is about 8th grade to 12th grade. They teach everything from academic courses to technical/computer courses to trades like woodwork and automotive and agricultural -- pretty much something for everyone.

The grounds were so manicured and spotless. The buildings were white and very clean. In the center of the property is this big bure (which is the traditional Fijian village home). The outside looks very authentic, Fijian culture traditional structure but inside is a lovely class room. It is made with bamboo walls and coconut palms for the rooftop and inside it is decorated with Fijian mats and weaving. It was so unique to see the old and the modern culture come together in one spot. Outside there is a smaller structure that doesn't have any closed in walls and just these 2 hollowed out logs sitting on the ground. Apparently, they beat on the logs to denote the end of a class just like a school at home would ring a bell. School was dismissed for the day by the time we got there so we didn't get to hear the log bell.

There were mobs of kids criss crossing around the campus, all in their blue and white uniforms. I really like the uniform concept. It makes everyone look so neat and connected. I think it helps focus the students on why they are at school.

We asked what it cost to attend this school and we were told it costs $36 a quarter if you are a member of the Church but non-members can come for $150 a quarter. By the way, those are Fijian dollars which are equal to about half that amount in American dollars. This is still kind of a stretch for families over here. There are 3 quarters a year. School goes from February to November with 2 week breaks between the quarters. The "winter" break is starting on Friday and the kids are really excited to have some time off (the teachers TOO!)

Our other adventures today included going to a new restaurant for lunch called The Mango Cafe. It is so interesting over here because all the shops and restaurants look so junky on the outside but then they are so nice and pleasant once you go inside. It is not what you expect when you pull up to the curb! The food here is fabulous! We have eaten out at least once a day since we arrived and if we aren't careful we are going to be packing on the pounds. Food is more expensive than I expected. I guess meaning, that I expected food to be cheap. I guess if we were to eat at the stands along the streets it would be cheap but I don't think we are going to get that "authentic". They do have LOTS of Fiji water and it is lots less expensive than you pay for it in the States. Oh the pros and cons!

Tonight we took the 100-step trip to the Temple across the parking lot from our flat! We enjoyed a session with about another 25 or so members. It felt just like being at home. I know the other members had to sacrifice more in terms of time and transportation to get to the session. That was a very humbling experience to see their faith and dedication. It was a privilege to be in their company. There are 4 Temple Senior Missionaries plus the Temple President couple. All the other ordinance workers are locals and that was a treat to be in their midst.

We are on our own for a couple of days while the Staggs have gone across the Island to say farewell to friends over there. Paul and I are trying to get some driving experience on our own. It takes a prayer and a lot of faith to load up and take off. So far, so good. Thankfully we are on an island so somehow we will just have to keep circling around if we get lost.

So there you have it, we have been here a week today! Wow, how time flies! as we take it one day at a time!