tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73774198684150141072024-03-20T03:11:54.667-07:00Livin' Life in FijiLauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-33622134066247712612011-08-17T13:16:00.000-07:002011-08-17T13:28:17.852-07:00Moce Fiji<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Its over. <div>
<br /></div><div>Today is my last day in Fiji and this is such a weird feeling. I can't believe that I've been here 10 weeks and that today I'm going back home to America. Fiji has been my home away from home this summer and it feels so weird saying goodbye to it for probably forever. How sad is that?! I realize I will probably never have the opportunity to come back here and so my goodbyes to the people here are for good - it breaks my heart!</div><div>Sunday was very touching when the closing song was "God Be With You Till We Meet Again". I could barely sing the song because I got so choked up. That is the worst song you can sing to someone that you'll never see again. "Till we meet, at Jesus' feet" has a whole new meaning to me now. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>Yesterday <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; ">was a very culturally filled day and a great one to end it on. Alex and I went with PRISM (Medical outreach) out to a village called Naseyani. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; ">We showed up and entered the village hall and were shocked by how many people were sitting there waiting to get free medical help - around 60-70 people. We scrambled to get things set up and started. I helped Sister Prakash register and screen the children<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>- so many of them had scabies - that is a major problem here because things don't dry out and families use the same towel when bathing. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; ">We had lunch at the Turaga Ni Koro’s (the village chief) house and we had a beautiful spread of rice, roro, kasava, curry and…. Fish. They brought out my fish HEAD on a plate – I think my eyes got a little bigger when I was presented it. Haha. But I dug in and ate the meat – it was actually very tasty – fishy yes, but tasty! I was impressed by myself – my first Fish head in Fiji – it was only fitting for my last meal in a villag</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Wingdings;">e. I'm going to miss the PRISM Team - they are incredible nurses and doctors doing such a great thing. </span></div><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US"> </span><div><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wsfv6ubYngMbjwO7GM3q7cTGH9dwMjbdSDI-aVyDWD5rhjiNycFZnnndH7o3HdnoYXLtFOzP0ptn9Hq8i0IXvGAvN8dz1z41MHfaPbhCku6lJrPzPJhwZXejEZYXxPxIZTcdLrxlY_0/s320/DSC00019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641922164786522434" /><div style="text-align: center;">Alex and I with the PRISM Team</div></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eSY81mp7uBxiwiUAf-kfGMRNRf5CsvFrG7r7u2q8kHMkep-lIIpc6ks_xRlXcI-K6NykAvFNxcZMq39J7REBuE3_wjsFXfADXHZvxh2yoXzRMZksUDe-gpBsMq414WP-4daICQR1ihE/s320/DSC00014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641922163308033026" /></span><div style="text-align: center;">Alex and I working with the Nurses. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Later that night, after dinner, Alex, Taylor, Carlee, Rohit, Ian and I went with Maya (our landlady and Indian cook) to Hindu Temple. We went and sat for 2 ½ hours listening to sermons we didn’t understand because they were all in Hindi. It was still a cool experience to be a part of and I was able to get the best of both cultures today! Awesome – Wananavu! </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">During the Temple, I was just thinking about my time here in Fiji because I certainly couldn’t pay attention to the sermon because nothing made sense. I started to cry because it finally hit me that I’m going home. I can’t believe it. This trip has been incredible. I have learned so much about myself and about the cultures present here in Fiji. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers and the people I’ve been able to work with in other NGO’s and organizations. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m so grateful to those that helped me get here. </p> <!--EndFragment--> <div style="text-align: left;">Thank you Fiji for all you've taught me. </div><!--EndFragment--> </div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-90721028238798920212011-08-12T13:43:00.000-07:002011-08-12T14:10:53.377-07:00Projects and Reporting and Evaluations, OH MY!<div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>realize that most of my blog posts are regarding my vacations but my day to day life at the house in Ba isn’t as exciting as a beach, hike or day-cruise. But, I’m here to do projects with the people of Fiji and I’ve been able to be a part of a lot of different programs and I’ve become project lead on a few as well. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The two projects that I was put as a co-project lead include Ministry of Health and Music Class.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>In the Ministry of Health program, we work with the Nurses at the Ministry and go out with them to schools in the Lautoka Province and teach nutrition and hygiene to the school kids. We talk about the importance of eating lots of fruits and vegetables and minimizing our intake of sweets. Along with keeping our insides healthy by eating good foods, we talk about keeping our bodies clean on the outside. We talk to them about brushing their teeth, washing and brushing their hair, washing their bodies specifically washing their hands and feet to prevent the spread of germs. On occasion, we would help the Nurses administer Oral Vaccinations of a de-worming pill and an iron pill to the children. It was always so funny to see them so nervous to swallow these pills – some kids were WAY too dramatic about it. We kept saying “Lilo! Lilo!” (Swallow! Swallow!) to the kids but some just couldn’t get it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the 3<sup>rd</sup> wave of volunteers left Fiji, our numbers here got smaller and so some of the programs weren’t able to function as well due to the lack of man power. The Ministry of Health was one of those programs. It also didn’t help that when we would call to see if they needed us for the week, they were either doing a breast-feeding campaign all week or heading to the Ysawa Islands for the week. SO, that program has since ceased but the few times I was able to go to the schools and teach, I really enjoyed it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The other project I became involved with when I first got to Fiji was the Music Class. We teamed up with FRIEND Fiji – an NGO here – and assembled a youth music class <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(even though all the people in the class were boys and our age or older..) in the Vakabuli village. This class had some major challenges to it, which made going to it difficult each week. For example, it would take us 1 hour to get to Lautoka from Ba, then we’d hit the bus that went up to the village – take a 30 min ride there, sit in the Village hall for 1 ½ hours waiting for the boys to show up, have an hour long class, then catch the bus back to town – another 30 min ride, then catch a minibus from Lautoka to Ba – 45 minutes. All in all, it was a long, expensive day for an hour<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to hour and half class. Despite the struggles we faced with this project, we were able to pull a talent show together for the boys to showcase the songs they learned. It was a really fun night where the boys performed 3 songs – “Lean on Me”, “Down By the River to Pray”, and “Amazing Grace”. Abbo, the member of the class most devoted to it, was able to arrange for a local church group to perform some song and dance numbers. We had a good turn out of villagers and volunteers and afterwards we were able to be treated by some lemon-leaf tea and tuna sandwiches that the villagers graciously provided to all the HELP volunteers. It was a really neat night and I’m kind of sad we don’t go out to that village anymore because I became good friends with the people there – esp the music boys!</p><!--StartFragment--> </div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGEYIHxmDVyt-T7e5i9WcKzS1hbeRHrnmVc1-UyBHIWsQ_lBrdAnthbz0EX0p2NmKYJfZA-wkeOeZIDY_Mz1BoVsCKcIipbWmJwU9nUjCoEiCtzjI60HenyecQts68457cyUA5FEVbCg/s1600/IMG_6124.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGEYIHxmDVyt-T7e5i9WcKzS1hbeRHrnmVc1-UyBHIWsQ_lBrdAnthbz0EX0p2NmKYJfZA-wkeOeZIDY_Mz1BoVsCKcIipbWmJwU9nUjCoEiCtzjI60HenyecQts68457cyUA5FEVbCg/s320/IMG_6124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640075733882187746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the boys of the class at the night of the Talent Show! (L-R: Sarah, Rusi, Abbo, Amanda, Suli, Me, Mosese, Semisi)</div><div>
<br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvpST8tVg-s_hsEPiRH-zUMBSX26jUbgiln_gmg_fu19yvVXrKEXakgTwvHjsShvbqyL9VEY07r_WZYfjaETRy9uFNeCEa63tkHZYzNDWQzvC1adSB_1AM95XVmKbI1vhD3FIbhdnOGk/s320/DSC05496.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640075661849481586" /><p class="MsoNormal">The final project I’m involved in and the one I’m most proud of is the Koroipita Youth Group that the girls in the group titled “The Reality Group”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Alex and I have been able to go to the Koroipita Village for the past 4 weeks and teach about issues such as trust, peer-pressure, relationships and most recently, teen pregnancy. We really love teaching the girls in the group and spending our Thursday nights with them. We walk away from each class in such a good mood and feeling like we are making some kind of difference, even if it’s a very small one. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next week is our last week of the class – and it happens to be my last day in Fiji as well <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span> . Were going to talk about self-esteem and self-worth and then enjoy no-bake cookies and pass out the t-shirts were getting made that have the girls’ personalized “I Am _____” statement on the shirt. They are very excited about the t-shirts and I’m very excited to hear from each one what they’ve learned from the class. Next Thursday will certainly be an emotional one! I’ll have to cart my luggage to the village and then head right from class to the airport to catch my 10pm flight out of Fiji!! So surreal.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh775zsPyPo96_qhV_Xe7TPRtqs5z0EnOFU4EG0rWc5hfqQQLUhQMCGAxg-Mi5QWKIfBiiu4-4DRUkD5JaCh4qCLtfuOUkNhc8kvFgnBqZ-dl4v3c0vxCGMkrZMK5vlrDORbz6hyphenhyphenJzcNSE/s1600/DSC05460.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh775zsPyPo96_qhV_Xe7TPRtqs5z0EnOFU4EG0rWc5hfqQQLUhQMCGAxg-Mi5QWKIfBiiu4-4DRUkD5JaCh4qCLtfuOUkNhc8kvFgnBqZ-dl4v3c0vxCGMkrZMK5vlrDORbz6hyphenhyphenJzcNSE/s320/DSC05460.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640075655754249906" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy3OW0DGWCNjs0tm1ixy3ii3G-llIsS4ptY3vUkqQOVwAOBP_7MDApyp52aWzG07KDw4FoIGHJfp94vfmIHQwa_xMgsGJbqeqtUpDkctyZWMrOE9EL3Su3nPqCFgoueHRLZt86vO7T2M/s1600/DSC05501.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy3OW0DGWCNjs0tm1ixy3ii3G-llIsS4ptY3vUkqQOVwAOBP_7MDApyp52aWzG07KDw4FoIGHJfp94vfmIHQwa_xMgsGJbqeqtUpDkctyZWMrOE9EL3Su3nPqCFgoueHRLZt86vO7T2M/s320/DSC05501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640075651603633522" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLonNkpBPTYXJBWfdaQfUDbWxwao2KgJR5L5syPjjPkMUuwVDmbyfOWpVTGFwSAcrcYzf3-2Bv6eElheRIUwAInoAp84pMjVCfl-0vPA-cJX8W8YGsITs4M71YoYEKxOpggUajWTGFGIU/s1600/DSC05502.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLonNkpBPTYXJBWfdaQfUDbWxwao2KgJR5L5syPjjPkMUuwVDmbyfOWpVTGFwSAcrcYzf3-2Bv6eElheRIUwAInoAp84pMjVCfl-0vPA-cJX8W8YGsITs4M71YoYEKxOpggUajWTGFGIU/s320/DSC05502.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640075647241970210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Alex and I</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(So bugged - was uploading pictures of projects and my internet wouldn't work...great)</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is just an update of the 3 projects I’ve been lead over. I’ve been involved in various others such as PRISM – a medical outreach program where we go to villages and measure height, weight, BMI and check blood pressure, pulse and glucose to determine their risk for diabetes. It’s a wonderful program that is being run here and its always a very busy day! I’ve also helped work in school gardens – turning the soil and de-weeding the beds with the kids. I was also able to help out at the Ba Special School for Education Walk-A-Thon that was held at the end of July – I manned the Fish Pond booth that was set up to help raise money for the school. Last month, I was able to help teach a hand-washing training to business owners in Lautoka at the Lautoka Food Handlers Training Meeting. I’ve only done this once and really, really enjoyed it – we are scheduled to teach again at the second wave of the training on Tuesday – I’m so excited!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p>Rest assured that I haven’t just been vacationing while I’ve been here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve been able to not only see the country of Fiji, but I’ve also been able to form relationships with the Fijian people I work alongside with and be a part of various projects.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Au lomani iko Fiji – I love you Fiji!</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-30045219514168405972011-08-09T03:25:00.000-07:002011-08-09T04:05:11.756-07:00A Mix of EmotionsIts strange how riding in the jam-packed mini-buses with blaring American pop music remixed with an awful reggae beat bring out some of my best thoughts and inspirations. I always wish I had my computer on the bus to whip out and write my thoughts down - but alas, thats culturally inappropriate and there's ZERO room to move, so duh, dumb idea.<div>
<br /></div><div>I've got 9 days left here in the wonderful country of Fiji and I'm feeling bittersweet emotions. I'm SO excited to return to America and see my supportive family and friends - I think about it everyday in the downtimes we have here. I'm excited to start Radiology School in 13 days - holy crap - 13 days?! Eh, sega na leqa (no worries)!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>On my bus ride today, I thought of some things that I'm going to have to get used to when I get back to the states...</div><div><ul><li>Driving on the right side of the road with the driver sitting on the left side of the car</li><li>A variety in my food choices other than Top Ramen and PB & J for every other meal</li><li>Ice</li><li>Carpet</li><li>The convenience of having a car, cell phone and wireless internet</li><li>Minimal mosquito bites! I'm getting eaten alive!!!</li><li>Not being stared at because of my skin color</li><li>Having a wide assortment of clean clothes to wear</li><li>Getting used to doing my hair and makeup every day, not to mention getting used to seeing myself with bangs again...</li></ul></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Tonight I took a 5 hour bus ride back from Suva where I blew my last 2 vacation days and $400 FJD on zip-lining through the jungle, swimming under an incredible waterfall, taking a scenic boat ride on the Navua river, and blowing a big chunk of that money on souvineers and travel. It was such a fun trip and so worth every penny. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>However, as I was leaving Suva, it hit me that I'll probably never come back to Fiji. Realistically, I'll never have the time or money to come here for as long as I've been here and this breaks my heart. I love Fiji - SO much. This culture is so unique and loving that I'm trying to capture everything I can about it. I'm going to miss the people here and their friendly "Bula!"'s on the street as we pass. I hate knowing that I'm leaving this place indefinitely - sure, I could come back when I've got some money but I think I'd want to visit somewhere new, go somewhere else in the world. There will always be a place in my heart for Fiji. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>As a taxi driver told me today in Suva when talking about the size of Utah in comparison to Fiji, "Fiji is like a peanut in the world". Yes Mr. taxi driver, Fiji is a peanut and a special one at that. ;)</div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-46917623007062866632011-08-02T18:48:00.000-07:002011-08-02T19:10:59.409-07:00I Love My Life!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK_3LKkKk_Y5hgY2Dqp8fF-JGvO-3y2dVlZbaZ8Sx5SrFzUkuzcBi3_C82mkesN9-0EahSmSq78N1ZUF2tADqA6iB1I__tTd0BPETJvJQ3OOOndp1_TROF2ZVsXQP3OQu-AnzpniKlfg/s1600/DSC05475.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK_3LKkKk_Y5hgY2Dqp8fF-JGvO-3y2dVlZbaZ8Sx5SrFzUkuzcBi3_C82mkesN9-0EahSmSq78N1ZUF2tADqA6iB1I__tTd0BPETJvJQ3OOOndp1_TROF2ZVsXQP3OQu-AnzpniKlfg/s320/DSC05475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636445176460903586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This picture says it all! </div><div><div><br /></div><div>This past Monday we had the day off because we worked on Saturday doing the Walk-A-Thon for the Ba Special School. So I had Monday off to go play.. and play I did! Carlee, Taylor and I got up early Monday morning and headed off to Nadi to meet up with Adam and head off on our day cruise to South Sea Island.</div><div><br /></div><div>For only $50 American, we were able to take a yacht out to this TINY island, get fed like kings and do various things on and around the island. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYERSE6tybawVzjxXlaH_5h3zAVzzhHi6NZqnFn2v9YNJk26zWrq5BvIs7fPwMs_fw1pnIqHXk1Sqdw5ELuCeBFX5COk2QS_JYa1JcXROeXsWN5rzLorfRavcD3nQ3I3DRHK4iLH5uFk/s1600/DSC00027.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYERSE6tybawVzjxXlaH_5h3zAVzzhHi6NZqnFn2v9YNJk26zWrq5BvIs7fPwMs_fw1pnIqHXk1Sqdw5ELuCeBFX5COk2QS_JYa1JcXROeXsWN5rzLorfRavcD3nQ3I3DRHK4iLH5uFk/s320/DSC00027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636445167646992562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVSrdHnkQwg86MEsldW0wqGkIPQq3lumi11aGj2sAjppq8OjeLEqZOc4zkjPi3ncGon1MCgLpyqlQXt8Bz1MLG1QoVqrucU7Dz1F5_QIZE7Ood1TEmXjnzWhIh5_T5qpxxM_8iFV03CY/s1600/DSC00039.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVSrdHnkQwg86MEsldW0wqGkIPQq3lumi11aGj2sAjppq8OjeLEqZOc4zkjPi3ncGon1MCgLpyqlQXt8Bz1MLG1QoVqrucU7Dz1F5_QIZE7Ood1TEmXjnzWhIh5_T5qpxxM_8iFV03CY/s320/DSC00039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636445166312004258" /></a><div>When we arrived, we were welcomed by a small island band and then we were fed a buffet lunch with unlimited drinks the whole day. When you're fed rice, curry and fried everything for 7 weeks, any chance you get to eat anything else is like heaven on earth. So we wolfed down our delicious lunch with ample meat and wished for more! </div><div>We were treated with a Fijian Meke dance and some of that wonderful Fijian singing and harmonies - I loved every second of it. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPZxnB-ULQ1GRQ_nmwYhDbR9DsdG7L46ek9Klra6lYEG_A-w7dupTXpgovGuOgCw5c4aFPVbpHP_ixcLRteegIlpNnpPcpz2pu_3_HY2XQnSWrK0FSUdvI2i6QpswsA6lss-Jfo7W1k8/s1600/P1020620.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPZxnB-ULQ1GRQ_nmwYhDbR9DsdG7L46ek9Klra6lYEG_A-w7dupTXpgovGuOgCw5c4aFPVbpHP_ixcLRteegIlpNnpPcpz2pu_3_HY2XQnSWrK0FSUdvI2i6QpswsA6lss-Jfo7W1k8/s1600/P1020620.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPZxnB-ULQ1GRQ_nmwYhDbR9DsdG7L46ek9Klra6lYEG_A-w7dupTXpgovGuOgCw5c4aFPVbpHP_ixcLRteegIlpNnpPcpz2pu_3_HY2XQnSWrK0FSUdvI2i6QpswsA6lss-Jfo7W1k8/s320/P1020620.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636445159326813698" /></a><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijn-6J22O3p0zym6rmItdBg6Y_xGkKE29wiDbDrbeFNnNn3Jh8rhwnbW7DF3nSD1Ss6ZSwLGK7zcfJaj8C3eVK_XWePSMzk91Rp58pwYtVfimY2IBEVbvCwbcbgE1PGHFzRUBnGHuueGw/s1600/DSC05486.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijn-6J22O3p0zym6rmItdBg6Y_xGkKE29wiDbDrbeFNnNn3Jh8rhwnbW7DF3nSD1Ss6ZSwLGK7zcfJaj8C3eVK_XWePSMzk91Rp58pwYtVfimY2IBEVbvCwbcbgE1PGHFzRUBnGHuueGw/s320/DSC05486.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636443340998997986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I took a picture of the food....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Then we went exploring around the island - yes it took us only us 10 minutes to walk around it - and just took in the beauty of it!</div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcooMq_63o__dAvfnnuE452vqhooiWuUZBEsZ1XUJbbVhyzXNmLhwHPtcPOl2jpl5xlatMUMVZ_qhvhboqi48SIOaWl9f8jsT_zoR1szdVpjkzPbdGu4oIXnvlQx_fcv7_aeVNfly45g/s1600/P1020640.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcooMq_63o__dAvfnnuE452vqhooiWuUZBEsZ1XUJbbVhyzXNmLhwHPtcPOl2jpl5xlatMUMVZ_qhvhboqi48SIOaWl9f8jsT_zoR1szdVpjkzPbdGu4oIXnvlQx_fcv7_aeVNfly45g/s1600/P1020640.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcooMq_63o__dAvfnnuE452vqhooiWuUZBEsZ1XUJbbVhyzXNmLhwHPtcPOl2jpl5xlatMUMVZ_qhvhboqi48SIOaWl9f8jsT_zoR1szdVpjkzPbdGu4oIXnvlQx_fcv7_aeVNfly45g/s320/P1020640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636443332792477394" /></a><div>Then we headed on a small boat that took us out to the submarine where we rode around and looked at the coral and marine life outside our windows! I'm glad this ride was a short one because I was getting pretty sea sick on the choppy water…</div><div><br /></div><div>Then we had tea time but for us Mormons, cookie time! Then we went snorkeling and of course, I got fins that were too big so I snorkeled without fins - it was double the workout. The water was really choppy and the sun wasn't out so we couldn't see the marine life very well but we still got to see some things and just enjoyed being in the warmth of the Fiji water - it was warmer than our showers here in Ba hahaha - how sad. We only snorkeled for a short while and then headed back and just relaxed in the hammocks set up throughout the trees, hung out in the pool, and enjoyed our endless supply of sodas!</div><div><br /></div><div>We attempted to play beach volleyball but the ball was crappy, the wind was strong and our skills were lacking so we all looked like a bunch of idiots trying our hardest to hit the ball over the net while the wind caught it and sent it in another direction having the ball fall just short of the net. hahaha. We felt SO white. People could see how bad we were and jumped in to play. Granted they were 2 7 year old boys from New Zealand and Australia. haha! Then we had an older Asian couple jump in and we had quite the diverse team, yet we still sucked. hahaha. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt8DYe9zMsLEwQLGlPaWWzTKWdPYl3K16xETyQNJ9u2KAtnpnpl6YVfw-bfTnDDIBPNPbOfU4z9zHcYWO5xQXWmZmAgbqToUKY_z-wJp9uYR-NXG1k4NA33dvy6YK-iEQfQ82LgygD2M/s1600/P1020652.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt8DYe9zMsLEwQLGlPaWWzTKWdPYl3K16xETyQNJ9u2KAtnpnpl6YVfw-bfTnDDIBPNPbOfU4z9zHcYWO5xQXWmZmAgbqToUKY_z-wJp9uYR-NXG1k4NA33dvy6YK-iEQfQ82LgygD2M/s1600/P1020652.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt8DYe9zMsLEwQLGlPaWWzTKWdPYl3K16xETyQNJ9u2KAtnpnpl6YVfw-bfTnDDIBPNPbOfU4z9zHcYWO5xQXWmZmAgbqToUKY_z-wJp9uYR-NXG1k4NA33dvy6YK-iEQfQ82LgygD2M/s320/P1020652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636443328825178514" /></a><div>By now the sun was setting and it was breathtaking! Fiji sunsets are simply works of art. We had to leave the island at this time and we were so sad to leave it behind. All that we did was included in the price and it was SO worth it - I highly recommend it if you come to Fiji! </div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp11-0J_jSljcxzvmApkFRcQVTH0cd04lrBy5WoAwB2hLGR16wQb6E24CjwofWo_bm_YOnQbXY4vTprXKEf3MOwoTFVhNHBarYiKzVAQS0IVLjyyGJphcRbDfL1EGMlzxVhmB42J7Mncw/s1600/P1020676.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp11-0J_jSljcxzvmApkFRcQVTH0cd04lrBy5WoAwB2hLGR16wQb6E24CjwofWo_bm_YOnQbXY4vTprXKEf3MOwoTFVhNHBarYiKzVAQS0IVLjyyGJphcRbDfL1EGMlzxVhmB42J7Mncw/s1600/P1020676.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp11-0J_jSljcxzvmApkFRcQVTH0cd04lrBy5WoAwB2hLGR16wQb6E24CjwofWo_bm_YOnQbXY4vTprXKEf3MOwoTFVhNHBarYiKzVAQS0IVLjyyGJphcRbDfL1EGMlzxVhmB42J7Mncw/s320/P1020676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636443325754076066" /></a><div>We headed back to Port Denarau and decided to have dinner at Lulu's right on the water. We had a delicious beef burger and fries that we all devoured - were not deprived at ALL. hahaha. I got surprised when the waitresses came out singing "Happy Birthday" and bringing a hefty slice of chocolate cake my way. Such a fun surprise and I thank Adam, Carlee and Taylor for setting that up! </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdKWcXFEy_emrjaDn-XHSIK1WhPDzi6jpBGM-Ih4IEd7q2nXe2oXEn9_Hzdhuv1GnVgUA3c9oW7edJEnDC3xDyH6Mwjpg594CvyV8ZJAgMqq2_XkAhQrDncVT4PuSz6NAiuiIWTj7eKw/s1600/P1020704.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdKWcXFEy_emrjaDn-XHSIK1WhPDzi6jpBGM-Ih4IEd7q2nXe2oXEn9_Hzdhuv1GnVgUA3c9oW7edJEnDC3xDyH6Mwjpg594CvyV8ZJAgMqq2_XkAhQrDncVT4PuSz6NAiuiIWTj7eKw/s1600/P1020704.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdKWcXFEy_emrjaDn-XHSIK1WhPDzi6jpBGM-Ih4IEd7q2nXe2oXEn9_Hzdhuv1GnVgUA3c9oW7edJEnDC3xDyH6Mwjpg594CvyV8ZJAgMqq2_XkAhQrDncVT4PuSz6NAiuiIWTj7eKw/s320/P1020704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636443320511878306" /></a></div></div><div><div>Top that off with a hot shower at Adam's hotel in Nadi and the best nights sleep since arriving in Fiji because I was on an actual bed and it was a fantastic vacation day. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy Birthday to me, from the Fiji Islands!</b></div></div><div><br /></div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-26071362358134616372011-07-31T01:19:00.000-07:002011-07-31T01:29:12.837-07:00They say its your Birthday...<div><br /></div><div>I had a memorable birthday this year and its mainly because I was in Fiji and did nothing traditional - haha.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GsuqlRpvHdn_i5WC5ax6yTDNPsqyHXtkTvOiNquT1lFyr_ojZDMiEa2z3yNjSKe8T8gV5JK5LTvVyOyQKlF50uWlINSG3jgHbLXOkRSc5z0IYcP4aKn0QPn4jR3kyNyRkSAkQCXxwPg/s320/DSC05469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635429239230385218" /><div style="text-align: center;"><div>We put on a Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser for a Special School here in Ba yesterday and so I spent most of the day behind a fishing pond game that i was in charge of clipping on prizes and candy to a clothespin fishing line. hahaha.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTG-sTh1sYnxifS-ULGK9jhefwmf14sdgDaqViwNX_yY4J2MPMKhUup1rmDuhVzHKnIsQbCD6crJRUVJuKcolpw-iAeKd9vxJXziMIJfHG5OBFOPfPAFqUEzj0Ta5FTsZL0E1NbLaCz4/s320/DSC05473.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635429245840793042" /><div style="text-align: center;">Adam and my 2 friends from Suva came to visit me and we bought a box of passionfruit ice cream, some "teaspoons" and they sang "Happy Birthday" to me in the middle of a parking lot. It was so white trash but so wonderful. I kinda got teary eyed when they were singing to me - it was so sweet. </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFB4VXFIakjYXEhXZeZtA_PEn9qrKKNdJWa4ZmFnxQXqwyL_AjcwvbJDSy1dLYsK-VtZv3pjqMNNMnDPXicMw6uH-rS5Tu2J2nh9gHq2uxTHQMH2v_nzVoO_xvNvASkyCrFgfr7_Ib3o/s320/DSC05475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635429250058678274" /><div style="text-align: center;">That night we went to the Lautoka Carnival and I ate my first Fijian BBQ. It was packed with food but it wasn't that flavorful - dang it! 5 bucks for a fried egg, chow mein, a sausage, steak, and 3 hefty pieces of Kasava (somewhat like a potato). </div><div style="text-align: center;">The best part of the night was when we got dumped on in the Fiji rain. We all huddled under a tiny umbrella at a nearby food stand and watched as the food vendors tried to hurry and cover their stalls - some of the guys were standing on the food counter, bare footed to help hold the tarp over the food and cooks. hahaha only in Fiji is barefoot the norm. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was definitely a memorable day and thank you THANK YOU for all the wonderful birthday wishes! i love you and miss you all!!</div><div><br /></div></div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-85809364065540768082011-07-28T17:41:00.002-07:002011-07-31T01:33:24.500-07:00Koroipita "Reality" Youth Group<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwug_QQnyHuk95A6h4LoQ_MiOt8osyNahYu1CJ5gnRHWFyX0RA2drTapH4lncF93AQcerWWArPf96fiGqKRkk_5RG98hgrNJfPOawIRvLbSE_OVobF69qVzYemQhN_FwdRZ4tDJES4ccY/s1600/DSC05466.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwug_QQnyHuk95A6h4LoQ_MiOt8osyNahYu1CJ5gnRHWFyX0RA2drTapH4lncF93AQcerWWArPf96fiGqKRkk_5RG98hgrNJfPOawIRvLbSE_OVobF69qVzYemQhN_FwdRZ4tDJES4ccY/s320/DSC05466.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635431577493238146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiINPxCQsPA2qtWX11N-Lxsgdet6Iha-PeeeGDd55V2V3DdAzWHNRY0_Kp1FoKG-7rjlujpC1ta8o12B24CGr2fvXPafgbTyis6NIUCJGXTlj4hzAXnOG7kWZys_LfH1rjWL1zaQ1oefc/s1600/DSC05460.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiINPxCQsPA2qtWX11N-Lxsgdet6Iha-PeeeGDd55V2V3DdAzWHNRY0_Kp1FoKG-7rjlujpC1ta8o12B24CGr2fvXPafgbTyis6NIUCJGXTlj4hzAXnOG7kWZys_LfH1rjWL1zaQ1oefc/s320/DSC05460.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635431572239254882" /></a><br />So I figure its about time I write about the project that I'm involved in. Last week, Alex and I headed out to the village of Koroipita to have a weekly class with the young women in that village. We absolutely love the class - these girls are so awesome. They range from ages 11-29 and we discuss topics that they face at this time of life. <div>Our first day we talked about trust and how we want this class to be one where we trust each other enough to share our thoughts and feelings in confidentiality. We did a few games involving trust (ie: trust fall) and then we just talked about trust while also discussing the different things we will do during this 5 week class. </div><div>We first asked the girls what they want to name the class. One girl spoke up and said "What about the Reality group - because we're talking about issues that we face each day". Brilliant. We were thrilled with the name and the fact that one of them came up with it! </div><div>We passed out little diaries for the girls to write down their thoughts and feelings that they might have during the week. We then presented the "I Am" statement - we kinda stole this idea from a campaign that BYU did a while back. We passed out a piece of paper that had "I Am _______" on it. We ask the girls each week to write down an adjective that describes how they feel about themselves each week (ie: I am strong, I am confident, etc). As an incentive for the class, if they attend 4 out of the 5 classes, we will make t-shirts that have their favorite "I Am" statement on it with the name of the Koroipita "Reality" Youth Group on the back and the quote "Be proud to wear you" listed on the back of it. They got super excited when they heard they would be getting t-shirts and I'm so excited to design them! The first class went SO well and Alex and I are always so pleased after each class and excited that we have this chance to do this class - even if it is only once a week for 5 weeks...</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night we had the class again. We talked about peer pressure. Alex talked about 4 steps to use when faced with peer pressure and then we split the girls into groups to role play different scenarios and use the steps to get out of that situation. Some girls were very shy about getting up in front of each other while others were very sassy and just loved being front and center - haha my kind of girls :) </div><div>After the role playing, we discussed how it felt to be pressured, as well as positive peer pressure and how much worth you have that other peoples pressure shouldn't define what you do with your life. Minutes before the class started, I was looking over the agenda and a quote by Brother Eggett - my choir director - popped into my head. He would always tell us the quote "In a moment of strength, prepare for your weakness". I talked about how when you're not in those moments of pressure, make you decision to do what's right so your choice will be easy when put in those situations. When I said the quote, the girls' eyes got big and they all wrote the quote down in their diaries! I loved it! </div><div>Alex and I feel like this class is so worth it and we feel so lucky to be able to do this class, even if we only have 3 weeks left. </div><div>(I'll try and post pictures from class last night later - the internet is being super lame today- of course). </div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-63600532570467552092011-07-25T00:09:00.000-07:002011-07-25T00:39:31.214-07:00Room to BREATHE!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECFKvGLWV67a7MwFtUHZCgfKPvtxqgXTZY8hBvxr_TP8-Lj8Esr0WjjfO36bdG6bqMJIsQptORQUpwMx7GQ5vDrEytWQRnOiwXD9L-9UXRDxqRfODtp8qwssSi65iu3iu2a2BQ2oUr6Y/s1600/DSCN0698.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECFKvGLWV67a7MwFtUHZCgfKPvtxqgXTZY8hBvxr_TP8-Lj8Esr0WjjfO36bdG6bqMJIsQptORQUpwMx7GQ5vDrEytWQRnOiwXD9L-9UXRDxqRfODtp8qwssSi65iu3iu2a2BQ2oUr6Y/s320/DSCN0698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633188540760971106" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR2LaD5DQbG8k_MATIgl6nmDlPM9uOsq9CG-Wr9__pO0360xzguixLqyOt5G3OPU7tR9NXrHU0JkSMTjOp4urzo_VDEwVorE0BnV_CvZGBLRDNCREWkQzRq-IK8wUDZYom_t-dUcfgJA/s1600/P6120355.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR2LaD5DQbG8k_MATIgl6nmDlPM9uOsq9CG-Wr9__pO0360xzguixLqyOt5G3OPU7tR9NXrHU0JkSMTjOp4urzo_VDEwVorE0BnV_CvZGBLRDNCREWkQzRq-IK8wUDZYom_t-dUcfgJA/s320/P6120355.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633188531279227074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgK41HJykoPLB8AfOGtIsyYh4D-M1bxPht7Gj7xLEdxD9o3eCmXpD4Og-jWVDR8EVZ0f9az2DlRvMP3zO5gI9Ya822XFkF70JWMBd0kVjAGbrtmbNOIT0n_u_UNhNwzK610EJkH3hiK8/s1600/P6120353.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgK41HJykoPLB8AfOGtIsyYh4D-M1bxPht7Gj7xLEdxD9o3eCmXpD4Og-jWVDR8EVZ0f9az2DlRvMP3zO5gI9Ya822XFkF70JWMBd0kVjAGbrtmbNOIT0n_u_UNhNwzK610EJkH3hiK8/s320/P6120353.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633188526940638322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLPPVsG_TdoLKL7ylxTy7MGP7VMcMR0G3YqaCJPrUhtSdbvZyl4GpDK7bLdyunGakIY-WqfvOBQlxhQDfEaLwhCkhfY4zu7OySOUlHMLDmkJW9be1uAylOrTSYzAGFkAXmSc9DvrgHeA/s1600/P6120352.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLPPVsG_TdoLKL7ylxTy7MGP7VMcMR0G3YqaCJPrUhtSdbvZyl4GpDK7bLdyunGakIY-WqfvOBQlxhQDfEaLwhCkhfY4zu7OySOUlHMLDmkJW9be1uAylOrTSYzAGFkAXmSc9DvrgHeA/s320/P6120352.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633188521938679682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5pngxNBb8Yw7nS1FE7YziEfUOnOFlX7BlEJ2QpgxtDbE_aTD7JLsvr5kU6-Lig-dvgbCPP-11QDOyssSu0qqLpkuMbO7vqrEs36yMkRJN2Bs8d_-O4_0HAogN8v4a1BvjhmbyPzTgJY/s1600/P6120347.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5pngxNBb8Yw7nS1FE7YziEfUOnOFlX7BlEJ2QpgxtDbE_aTD7JLsvr5kU6-Lig-dvgbCPP-11QDOyssSu0qqLpkuMbO7vqrEs36yMkRJN2Bs8d_-O4_0HAogN8v4a1BvjhmbyPzTgJY/s320/P6120347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633188517605839090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oOVzJmqs_mtrDaN23qYUVevccELexn_gZXQaQYX30pOsxDkjb5ZIH1Em5HiXF8_gR3VPESZ-maJX-zU6TBjjfHsclOrdy5gCvuZVhB8Iyy_YP5OGm1ACM-ABIYJTFBy5bEvj8vPLNqU/s1600/P6120354.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oOVzJmqs_mtrDaN23qYUVevccELexn_gZXQaQYX30pOsxDkjb5ZIH1Em5HiXF8_gR3VPESZ-maJX-zU6TBjjfHsclOrdy5gCvuZVhB8Iyy_YP5OGm1ACM-ABIYJTFBy5bEvj8vPLNqU/s320/P6120354.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633186628841643954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXY3-0ZWRRBA8ShfToVlMVnzLeT4D9oTpWVpx68zWXkzqJQcSRSgkuRaMTsYQQ3Z5bxh1Rk_2k3Ut9v8vbXS-JZFlD5GBl9Qpkn2kivp036UdmxTsORa-65CFToA0HGcfdP5HTD4AKHzw/s1600/DSC05460.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXY3-0ZWRRBA8ShfToVlMVnzLeT4D9oTpWVpx68zWXkzqJQcSRSgkuRaMTsYQQ3Z5bxh1Rk_2k3Ut9v8vbXS-JZFlD5GBl9Qpkn2kivp036UdmxTsORa-65CFToA0HGcfdP5HTD4AKHzw/s320/DSC05460.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633186629227358034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBLrt2dmoVb0j96OnjrQzVJfxdUfkczvIJK-Sz5kq1lGa2Ecr2v1P1F9TBgOzM7aTOrMtz5ls6CxAcDcLYpO8sHxq7fBk7qKovuadcmSWzcXAGsIXFv2d4o4OTwPpM-yb93gb0MMXByw/s1600/DSC05464.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBLrt2dmoVb0j96OnjrQzVJfxdUfkczvIJK-Sz5kq1lGa2Ecr2v1P1F9TBgOzM7aTOrMtz5ls6CxAcDcLYpO8sHxq7fBk7qKovuadcmSWzcXAGsIXFv2d4o4OTwPpM-yb93gb0MMXByw/s320/DSC05464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633186619558269650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-fUv-BmdH3AaaXr0xr4Kyr0G2WWM-O93EtZaj3jW9ItoElYCdG6VL8r4C5k-7DbbKeKcSF1I7v6dgtlOp7uRtl0VCZWJl1hgdBHPLfl3X8Pfi4zYjd4mWqlk48ymc5VHVNT62jj3anE/s1600/DSC05465.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-fUv-BmdH3AaaXr0xr4Kyr0G2WWM-O93EtZaj3jW9ItoElYCdG6VL8r4C5k-7DbbKeKcSF1I7v6dgtlOp7uRtl0VCZWJl1hgdBHPLfl3X8Pfi4zYjd4mWqlk48ymc5VHVNT62jj3anE/s320/DSC05465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633186614697851234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1GwV28G9xXYSr9IehJd7hQYyX1QFGvcgYlhfhAngpAAOr03IqGdEnPqO1cRJbKDgvWiaVmNi6Bb38VD4sHHIByOhM3j6_yqvsUSNj6klMrDNwtiy5XNwuVx41kb55vh83VVQgohTaJo/s1600/DSC05467.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1GwV28G9xXYSr9IehJd7hQYyX1QFGvcgYlhfhAngpAAOr03IqGdEnPqO1cRJbKDgvWiaVmNi6Bb38VD4sHHIByOhM3j6_yqvsUSNj6klMrDNwtiy5XNwuVx41kb55vh83VVQgohTaJo/s320/DSC05467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633186613264658834" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to Ba, Fiji - my hometown for the past 6 weeks. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to my house in Namasau, Lot 5, Caleb Crescent. Its the pink flat on the bottom. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today was a glorious day.... we deep cleaned/de-cluttered the house. I was in heaven. We spent the morning taking down some bunk beds, changing sleeping arrangements, and throwing away crap that has sat in this house for the past 3 months...<div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the clutter and bunk beds in the front room in the pic above.. I guess you could say we've been "cramped for space"...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We took down those 2 bunk beds in the sitting room b/c we only have 14 people in the house now - its such a difference! And we hung our "HELP INternational" banner that I made for the Tavua Carnival! It's officially the HELP house!</div><div><br /></div><div>Above is Ian and I cleaning out the freezer - I dont think that thing had ever been defrosted...a few good inches of thick ice...its clean now! Our landlady was so pleased with our work and so are we - everyone enjoys being at home now which is always a plus. :) </div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-39618894552070925882011-07-24T23:40:00.000-07:002011-07-25T00:03:56.123-07:00Mt. Victoria<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K1iNWoUGMLb8lJX9qisvD6nZ9ATD465I3qGpFMjrdAKJYzgsD27182TUMRf8vhZ0-wtEiPIvxMesRCL8qlSyxg_xDmbvleB2_9Kg0mLx8JGlvmIAaRBoY8iqadmbNRXurkkfHLDnXHo/s1600/P7220530.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K1iNWoUGMLb8lJX9qisvD6nZ9ATD465I3qGpFMjrdAKJYzgsD27182TUMRf8vhZ0-wtEiPIvxMesRCL8qlSyxg_xDmbvleB2_9Kg0mLx8JGlvmIAaRBoY8iqadmbNRXurkkfHLDnXHo/s320/P7220530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633181216714270514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXKrva-s2anIBse1Nv2PGrXi19-jXx1_D98hL-ntqKgOWVYpAuuR-wooRugg7X5PC86-KRxy-8pZmpLxgx9XVVkl3Vp2NGigRYieG-BN7PcjRG54J2N19ESgDR64BNgCw8LnxCr7wZdU/s1600/DSC05455.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXKrva-s2anIBse1Nv2PGrXi19-jXx1_D98hL-ntqKgOWVYpAuuR-wooRugg7X5PC86-KRxy-8pZmpLxgx9XVVkl3Vp2NGigRYieG-BN7PcjRG54J2N19ESgDR64BNgCw8LnxCr7wZdU/s320/DSC05455.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633181212175762930" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3UJB-vdPAzRuWSMEDwm4Rnt7PzXNwmzQ6skiiQ6tDx-D2hNNnNoaLmRBhwXsvDpmC-FfCx3Lcly27yipUpbEkGeQUwDHNNtHIT5HrDFevQ-wIacI3ZnjvqjH02tGQQ_H4vQq0yp9J2U/s1600/P1020465.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3UJB-vdPAzRuWSMEDwm4Rnt7PzXNwmzQ6skiiQ6tDx-D2hNNnNoaLmRBhwXsvDpmC-FfCx3Lcly27yipUpbEkGeQUwDHNNtHIT5HrDFevQ-wIacI3ZnjvqjH02tGQQ_H4vQq0yp9J2U/s320/P1020465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633181207050519506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fYQ2obdpP_H6B4G3XlaNGeWkOJzDrWUzx-74l7pl8xTFjYtXcM2iJPJXS9HaijdcF9-ff5DRfbjjYN6MekFMq9sbVFkwMDB4-LE5FxJQ1H4XJQ0K4pPU4x-7LbyBbl2O2Px3o5h1B6w/s1600/P7220520.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fYQ2obdpP_H6B4G3XlaNGeWkOJzDrWUzx-74l7pl8xTFjYtXcM2iJPJXS9HaijdcF9-ff5DRfbjjYN6MekFMq9sbVFkwMDB4-LE5FxJQ1H4XJQ0K4pPU4x-7LbyBbl2O2Px3o5h1B6w/s320/P7220520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633180055130664178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHVHdW6DG-n3Z-AzD5tmz225LRntG0PLQA02xdBFf9gaNmkF0dseMaRDKStSUjZDfH9nFBA96ehk4s0I8a7gR_B004W_yfqG6US_AGdq8unecGMaAKzXaushMakO_FD-YAAO2bYvgkgU/s1600/DSC05450.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHVHdW6DG-n3Z-AzD5tmz225LRntG0PLQA02xdBFf9gaNmkF0dseMaRDKStSUjZDfH9nFBA96ehk4s0I8a7gR_B004W_yfqG6US_AGdq8unecGMaAKzXaushMakO_FD-YAAO2bYvgkgU/s320/DSC05450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633180050618766930" /></a>HELP International representing on the highest point of Fiji - Mt. Victoria.<div><br /></div><div>A big portion of the hike was straight up - it was SO hard on our legs and knees. We all woke up SO sore the next day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe9oiPitzRR65pDnwSJ54Ew3bH1ixfHlrpUm1mKkYTJh5_fBzOuMCktUHfJrn7_vuAnmlC0BlM5U93E7e3_Uw3f16t3UnnV3b6W53DptLMMsDEZ92vUGfkukSAk-mo_tgqqIi16s4WFY/s1600/P1020437.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe9oiPitzRR65pDnwSJ54Ew3bH1ixfHlrpUm1mKkYTJh5_fBzOuMCktUHfJrn7_vuAnmlC0BlM5U93E7e3_Uw3f16t3UnnV3b6W53DptLMMsDEZ92vUGfkukSAk-mo_tgqqIi16s4WFY/s320/P1020437.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633180049910802498" /></a><br /><br />The view was incredible even though it was a super overcast, rainy day. We reached the top of the mountain and ate lunch and then quickly left because it started raining on us.<br /><br />We started down the mountain in the rain slipping, tripping and falling down the path we took up the mountain. All we could do was laugh about the situation because we were soaked head to toe in rain and mud and our bodies were exhausted. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though it was exhausting and long (4 hours round trip) and I'd probably never do it again if given the chance... I'm proud of myself for doing it. I can do hard things!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5YGV5zE_VOktecy_rCzyuNfe6St7gklbW7lZtpPEapATdlwIykP4sfnTXSTqmES5HuZI8Dok5rKaFd4GjGpBH74TAHxx_F_W24EMpDwBu-iCR1Pl5LdpwCwV2DXZZh42cPjOGsG1x1w/s1600/DSC05443.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5YGV5zE_VOktecy_rCzyuNfe6St7gklbW7lZtpPEapATdlwIykP4sfnTXSTqmES5HuZI8Dok5rKaFd4GjGpBH74TAHxx_F_W24EMpDwBu-iCR1Pl5LdpwCwV2DXZZh42cPjOGsG1x1w/s320/DSC05443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633180039957087570" /></a><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBx59ZJOrbz58Dyt-oWQ_rfyK5v1rI5zNhIS_uQlDST5eKqWzasrVZff9jMdpuDyNF58B4H5RwNYPpUrIFO36-hltVGHTk1orfzD9kVoER7xrC1UxgQFyzOwiZydwUUEw_lafndQVBgY/s320/P1020424.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633180043277732098" /></div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-80685741460712764212011-07-20T13:25:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:57:11.358-07:00Suva Photos!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>These are backwards somewhat...sorry!</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS__6AC78xbilVsxtdWqjYaNxbakSSUMxRESm_0lIjcGpb4QBS9Pqr0zJWTKDvSxUtAZ9XQ03Rx-jdVXZp0lxw4B7KibgVt1Vazuy_ODP3VF1WERO4gp2I-qf0q_xg4FDONqCJWiaqL2A/s320/DSC00034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631538902410142514" />This is the Ratuvukivuki family I stayed with - minus the older kids - I love this family SO much - such an incredible family so devoted to the Gospel.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgHeNe72uHM0Q_9cuWNxL_cImNdGb8NYaWgu4Km7C_gQ_PAA4onTt9tMpN4lsOe2p09iKT6MRFhYsoyDfTpXMS_cfKk4CSW3XTl6QqrFe3yyzr2tyz88qBipBsoJi2uhP_kZ3kaC_vk4/s1600/DSC00025.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgHeNe72uHM0Q_9cuWNxL_cImNdGb8NYaWgu4Km7C_gQ_PAA4onTt9tMpN4lsOe2p09iKT6MRFhYsoyDfTpXMS_cfKk4CSW3XTl6QqrFe3yyzr2tyz88qBipBsoJi2uhP_kZ3kaC_vk4/s320/DSC00025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631538898079490578" /></a>Hittin up the nightclubs of Suva!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyORB3cRQxq7quWUOdD9oDSYto3YGlVB6h9Glo7loGwqKmaMAOjRD2cH9E5QW0W9CppEilSq56HhTWchFmajrtEDs4v6lB0AkUmsI9v3QTeWrAWF9OTUSq8i_xKsoFfI0K2xDp7O1Ot7o/s1600/DSC05438.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyORB3cRQxq7quWUOdD9oDSYto3YGlVB6h9Glo7loGwqKmaMAOjRD2cH9E5QW0W9CppEilSq56HhTWchFmajrtEDs4v6lB0AkUmsI9v3QTeWrAWF9OTUSq8i_xKsoFfI0K2xDp7O1Ot7o/s320/DSC05438.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631538891138099058" /></a>Adam and I at Matesuva<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82-POnrUrRY3VnoushbEW-LwL60vI_lDaQHOrmXwYxB4jom8bqYcoATp1KS2qsGVpF3GfBQPZ7c5QeCVLmBOrxV2bC9In6Dxw5vJan4DVVFs_djF5l5Yw546u7AVI8x5mNZez58HcGdU/s1600/DSC05435.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82-POnrUrRY3VnoushbEW-LwL60vI_lDaQHOrmXwYxB4jom8bqYcoATp1KS2qsGVpF3GfBQPZ7c5QeCVLmBOrxV2bC9In6Dxw5vJan4DVVFs_djF5l5Yw546u7AVI8x5mNZez58HcGdU/s320/DSC05435.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631538886618424162" /></a>Matesuva - Private island.. no biggie.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4fw31-N9bAIbzRUe4k0xVJzfvB4HDHJxMEXzoLYroEXCScq2rw-bIT91yTvg9hEx9Rg1j_ON7eQHW01DmU7JoijSeTTp69dlbiKIQBqGPWkWPWc6Fy4kcDR7qA8qSBn93m1QRcI0AqA/s320/DSC05421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631538883242615922" />View from the watertaxi going through the brush to get to the island. Felt like the Disney Jungle Cruise.. but for real.<br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpu67wtZpzKWa4GIGFP4TwtAnY0J1vk3Z9VSkh851yEyp-SdTE_W2G0EWnydnCwaUai8g5pX3fQo9HAmjjskSfVIMQ8f2vf_t7TI9PGsHa-wD0W8t9Q6-yaikbMkfbQcIMkMSC8OTfhs/s320/DSC05333.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631535184743859810" />On the bus from Nadi to Suva</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVM-O8gLnpxjpFVNVes7k54TncIsZBoqsyou8wsPmIvx1-NBTlQgZlnIznpckqXAcyTK4u8P4Gu2WCiVanlGEAvWixmy72H158G_nuqZQip9d1kNk0ZIVbhbk2AcE3pzHcQWO00Hvmj8/s320/DSC05347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631535189345161090" />The view from the bus on our way to Suva - the road follows the coastline - no biggie. </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RyHialyi5yCdUXVTeD5lVHWAyzxvxTOAnFQX9yQdZ33PM5thV8NVzER-NUeLmnLb7_nbWzV3Yi7b2SCKchcXL-gJ0S-PcB-VwnB5h6tbnQBg8ki-jrESgwctXNqPPKP9nIRHrRosV_c/s320/DSC05348.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631535195534257218" />A bure - a traditional Fijian hut</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWQYzyNZqy4w2l33yU_sUjlArQ2MDZFM6O5X4DQGxAjE-ey9G2ZPPPDh7N0oZk82n5p8dN2hJThNFRUB5ZdFTbfh92uskSByVANzYilZCoESwgFYvx2egyK8XUaX5cxPZJm7sEcqcpvo/s320/DSC05361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631535201719957410" />The waterfalls of Coloisuva - we went swimming in these - so cold but so fun!</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIraQdfxRgA0GXMGrZrsx0JUoiijRTq1eP81I5aqvpTFAaGnh64rac8DU2I63plHDfQdIc4UHYUVX0W4uL1143VFw7UHGWOeWA1MenGN4GiD43oRHtyqoF-ER35eY1o8ZekOnI0xJ0Xk/s320/DSC05376.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631535207101309058" />Church in Korovo - this Chapel is on the top of a hill in the middle of the jungle. Everything was spoken in Fijian - we were asked to bear our testimonies in Sacrament meeting and 2 investigators were there than understood english said they loved church and they've committed to baptism! </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg4rBiyA4cBixeb7UqQyc_41rcWggcHB5ky0TwTY6KWU8VbT5hdAf8q4nY83mKZ_IC6YyP0BVGHii-RQ9FW1C6kqVGlAupRgzTv9ILFVT5dPV1NhmUSyLPMBJwnwYIXHagpUy7DsLXYE/s320/DSC05374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631536939496604034" />View from the Korovo Chapel</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-T19qdPHhNHnXCRsfTB8hMB_Dn6VloYJlyV1IUBFRnj6cdnIjDFnviKEtfKuzxLq7VQBAjwWbpfIEdZ4de3zqk7D5Gp8OxCYRJwfkeEzEJ23clpkHrOUX3EPrNi7NRyDARnUF5mbR2yk/s320/DSC05394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631536943437383490" />These rules are funnnnny. </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wFCj3ffmbRyKRQFC1-mZmjM2ApFVpwJoyJHnobLq3LPHj1Wthzz8MsTBA9C5yohwVzlk7_M7GjlISjA0AO9vs8ADDDsulCNseCxAtVgm7EPA4JsOKaV-aJ_lanuQ0dCyioT3fEgbsx0/s320/DSC05397.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631536946701286498" />On our way to Matesuva<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlfMr8KGDCTjfVpSSik23vlxtVvV7PUD9hbzgr-hr9gFjs8erS9NKBN7WQHLDMYpAPtngAX2-BKwagnebwEnKpK3DJrWK124Gt_gyJOU8RPMw4_eD471drpw64lbjNM4FPeUPzLNnyz8/s1600/DSC05407.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlfMr8KGDCTjfVpSSik23vlxtVvV7PUD9hbzgr-hr9gFjs8erS9NKBN7WQHLDMYpAPtngAX2-BKwagnebwEnKpK3DJrWK124Gt_gyJOU8RPMw4_eD471drpw64lbjNM4FPeUPzLNnyz8/s1600/DSC05407.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlfMr8KGDCTjfVpSSik23vlxtVvV7PUD9hbzgr-hr9gFjs8erS9NKBN7WQHLDMYpAPtngAX2-BKwagnebwEnKpK3DJrWK124Gt_gyJOU8RPMw4_eD471drpw64lbjNM4FPeUPzLNnyz8/s320/DSC05407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631536961011914754" /></a>View from the watertaxi<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXWvOo1Zxn89nZ_dGrLiM_SdIrXrVfEmvtzba13qPiyZo1uLlyhzc0hqJIcTwFMAOFpAvQ52pBpbV8gZcap1EhvohN9BgWZxJdsjdNfFGV1DK4RO70ksetCKKMyF1xeWxqVQCG0qiehE/s1600/DSC05400.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXWvOo1Zxn89nZ_dGrLiM_SdIrXrVfEmvtzba13qPiyZo1uLlyhzc0hqJIcTwFMAOFpAvQ52pBpbV8gZcap1EhvohN9BgWZxJdsjdNfFGV1DK4RO70ksetCKKMyF1xeWxqVQCG0qiehE/s320/DSC05400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631536958188065922" /></a>Hooray for watertaxis!</div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-1241024181155898342011-07-19T15:05:00.000-07:002011-07-19T15:19:53.563-07:00A change of sceneryBula from Suva! I tried to post earlier this week but it got deleted right as i published it - darn internet, oh well.<br /><br />I'm in Suva with Adam and I've been here since Saturday. Weve seen some really cool places like Coloisuva's amazing jungle and waterfalls, Matesuva's private island beach and none other than Suva's hoppin night clubs! Its been such a nice trip to get out of Ba and make some friends here on the "wet" side of the island. I'll post some pictures when I get back to Ba. :)<br /><br />We've been staying with such an incredible family - the Ratuvukivuki's and they live in Wailoku (aka. the Jungle...no joke). There are 11 people in one house (2 of which are grandchildren and 4 are relative children) and then you add Adam and I into the mix and you've got a full house. This wasn't any different really than my house in Ba with 20 people except for the change of scenery and faces.<br /><br />I fell in love with this family. They are so loving and charitable to open up their small home to Adam and I (2 kids and the father slept on the floor in the sitting room just so adam and I had a place to sleep), they fed us delicious meals (they made a delicious Fijian BBQ as a goodbye dinner for me) and just made us feel like part of the family.<br /><br />I was most amazed by their devotion to the Gospel. They have family devotion (scripture study/discussion) at 7am every morning as well as at night. They show such faith and love for the Gospel that it is something I want to have in my own family someday. This family has made me feel so at home and I'm so sad to leave them. I'm hoping I can make one more trip to Suva before I leave so I can see them again.<br /><br />I head back to Ba later today and get back to work with HELP International. I can't believe I only have 4 weeks left in Fiji - this is crazy!<br /><br />Hope all is well in the great U.S. of A and that you're all hapy and safe!Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-41307360393837294632011-07-14T02:48:00.000-07:002011-07-14T02:59:54.779-07:00A Familiar Face...Today was an exciting day - Adam Steele came to Fiji! Wahoo!!!<div><br /></div><div>It was so strange to see a face from home in Fiji - this is MY getaway! haha. We were both so weirded out by the fact that we were seeing each other in this 2nd world country. hahaha.</div><div><br /></div><div>7 other volunteers and I met up with Adam in Lautoka and saw the new Harry Potter movie!</div><div>We saw it before America - haha suckas! </div><div><br /></div><div>We kept laughing during the film because in the silent moments of the movie, we heard a symphony of popcorn bags rustling, candy wrappers crackling, cell phones ringing and hacking coughs galore. It totally got us out of the moment of the film WHICH I recommend if you're a Harry Potter fan. However, the ending scene of the movie is a little, nope, a LOT on the cheesy side. Other than that, it's a great film and a nice conclusion to the end of the HP saga. :( </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so stoked to this weekend because Adam and I are heading to Suva and just doing various things, meeting his Fijian friends and seeing some sights! I can't wait!</div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-10566778670464799202011-07-11T21:15:00.000-07:002011-07-11T21:17:29.886-07:00It's Not Polite to StareThat phrase has a whole new meaning - especially when you're the fish in the fishbowl.<br /><br />I wish our eyes could take snapshots of events. Pulling out a camera is sometimes too obvious and the moment is passed by the time you pull it out.<br /><br />Today was one of those moments I wish I could have captured.<br /><br />Four of us girls were coming home from Lautoka on a stopping bus and what started off as a boring ride, cramped with people, turned into a hilarious ride.<br />The bus slowly emptied out people on its way to Ba and then the bus started picking up primary school kids.<br /><br />Kids in Fiji make you feel like a celebrity.<br /><br />The kids got on the bus, saw us "pelanqes" (White people) and just stared us down on their way to their seats. They continued to stare at us until they hit their stop. I'm not exaggerating when I say, everyone was staring at us. Some girls in front of us, turned in their seats and just looked at us straight faced. It got kind of uncomfortable not doing anything so we smiled at them, waved and laughed to ourselves.<br /><br /><div>Then we saw a totally dead, bloated, rigamortus dog on the side of the road which kinda killed the moment.. but we still laughed at the sight and wondered why we don't see that more considering the amount of wild dogs here...<br /><br /><div>Then we got another bus full of kids. Same thing happened. This one boy got on and when he saw us, he physically rose up on his toes and his eyes widened. It was hilarious.<br />We passed other school kids on the side of the road and they all waved at us, then got shy and laughed when we waved back. There is a scene in the movie "Evita" where she is arriving in Argentina on a train and she stretches both arms out of the window overcome by excitement waving at people she passes. So many times i've wanted to do that here in Fiji. Just hang out the side of the bus and wave with both hands to those we pass on the road. I'd look like the biggest idiot tourist but thats how much I love this country and its people.<br /><br />I've accepted the fact that when I return to the U.S. I wont get this much attention from people I pass by simply from the color of my skin. Be grateful you're American, cause I sure am! </div></div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-86764937734274936882011-07-10T22:36:00.000-07:002011-07-10T22:48:58.256-07:001 month!I've officially been in Fiji for one month and I can't believe it! Time has flown by.. but it hasn't. I feel like its taken me a long time to get into the swing of things and stop feeling "America-sick" but I've arrived at bliss. I really do love it here. The people continue to amaze me, the food is great, the weather is hot again, the projects are picking up and I'm enjoying living with 20 people.. honest. There is always someone home, someone to talk to and something to do... sort of. :) <div><br /></div><div>Today I went with my country director, Emily, to Lautoka where we presented the importance of hand-washing to some restaurant owners/managers from the Lautoka Town area. We taught them of the importance of washing, shared some statistics, and showed them how to wash their hands properly. We passed out some cool hand washing signs to be put up in their establishments and we gave them a bar of soap to put in their washrooms as well. 2 other volunteers were in Lautoka today and they used a washroom of a restaurant and the sign was in the washroom - it wasn't up on the wall - just lying nearby - but STILL! We made some sort of impact on these people! I felt like it was a successful day and I was very pleased with how it went. We may even have our picture in the newspaper showing how to wash your hands! Sweet!</div><div><br /><div>In other news: my friend Adam Steele comes into town this week and I can't wait to see someone from home!! Its going to be so fun to take a few days off and go travel Fiji with him. </div><div><br /></div><div>We also have 2 girls leaving the house this week and 2 new girls to replace them. Then, on the 20th, 5 more people will leave. The house will feel empty.. its going to be weird getting used to. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I seem to have run out of things to say. haha - thats odd. Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful month of July!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sota Tale! </div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-47760935198924962552011-07-09T23:00:00.000-07:002011-07-09T23:06:06.700-07:00Carnival Queens...<div style="text-align: left;">Boy, Oh, Boy. What a week - I'm glad its over because it has been a crazy one. This week was the Gold Town Carnival in Tauva! Chanae and I have been helping the Gold Foundation for a few weeks now to prepare for this carnival and we spent every day in Tavua - hence the long week. Every year this carnival has young women vie for the Miss Gold Crown in the carnival pageant. However, the only thing you have to do for this title is raise the most money to be donated to the Gold Foundation. There were 5 girls in the running this year, but 3 of them dropped out last minute. So, naturally, they turned to the 2 white girl volunteers to fill one of the positions. They asked Chanae to do the job and they called me as her "manager". We both thought this was an absurd idea - an American girl in a Fijian town carnival? No way.</div><div><br /></div><div>They said they needed "help" and we were from "Help" International so this should be in our nature to lend a helping hand. Nice… they pulled a fast one on us… So what was expected to be long days of manning a HELP International booth at the carnival grounds, turned into pampering with the contending "Queens". We had delicious meals paid for us, got a tour of the Fiji Water Plant, were forced to wear makeup and do our hair (which is weird when you haven't cared about your looks for a month) and were given special attention from the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did I complain about the change of events? Not one bit. It was like a week long vacation.</div><div><br /></div><div>The week was filled with lots of laughs between Chanae and I because of how chaotic it all was especially with everyone on "Fiji Time" (ie: the walking parade was supposed to start at 1pm on Saturday. It started at 2:30pm). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Carnivals in Fiji are very different then in America. </div><div>Example 1: Their Ferris Wheels are like Ferris Wheels of Death. They are the fastest machines and they look like they're made from match sticks. You get on and you can ride the thing till the cows come home. We had to yell at the operator to let us off b/c we were starting to feel sick…yeah, it was bad. </div><div>Example 2: There was a "Best Breast-Fed Baby" Contest. Not kidding. </div><div>Example 3: They had a whole nights entertainment dedicated to the Priscilla's of Tavua. Priscillas here in Fiji are commonly known as "cross-dressers" in America. Yup, a night devoted to the trannys - and this was a paid event too! $2 to see 7 "shims" prance around on stage, dance to their hearts content and flip their wigs back and forth. The best part about it - I was asked to be a judge. Did I laugh the whole time? Yes. Did I feel uncomfortable at all? Yes. Will I ever forget that night? Never.</div><div>When the scores were tallied, I was summoned on stage where I put the sashes on the winners. I felt so awkward because I was the only "true" girl on stage and I had to fake a smile and tell them "good job" as I gave them their consolation prizes and draped a sash on them. The winner of the night was so overwhelmed with joy that he/she asked to hug me. Yikes. Truly, an unforgettable night.. sadly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>At the end of our stay in Tavua, we were very impressed, once again, by the generosity of the Fijian people. People we had met just days ago were offering up their home for us to stay in, offering Chanae outfits to wear for each evening Ceremony, buying us food throughout the week. We were overwhelmed with kindness and compassion from the people of Tavua.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish American's were this open and trusting of others. People here talk to you to be friendly and to get to know you. I feel like in America were trained to question the motives of everyone - there must be something they're wanting from me… Here, its different and I love it. Everyone needs a trip to Fiji to see what I mean. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh and in case you're wondering, Miss Help</div><div>, as she came to be known, took 2nd runner up. We were expecting that seeing as she was white, raised no money and had no desire to be in the contest. hahaha. Also, we won for best "Float" in the parade (got a trophy!) - probably because we had about 50 Fijian kids walking with us shouting out "HELP International!" on my count. It was an awesome sight.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWXAbVO5W5Gel6e6Xcr0X8O5tDkI9HNn4JEvK2uUcdvNxSdh0MWTmbu1X5FAfpmmNKZeOhEOjmZkX0tVKakmmaS4totstM1UkYjL-owNHfn8QFzGAnp1UDkrHl2DxK5guf7qNb1z-s8g/s320/DSC05275.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627600549130158018" /><div><br /></div><div>Sota Tale! </div><div>(See you later!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Miss Helps Manager</div><div><br /></div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-81527457467456606312011-07-02T19:16:00.000-07:002011-07-02T19:43:32.765-07:00Weekends keep me sane...<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Weekends here in Fiji are THE BEST. Its like a mini vacation every week and it helps us all with our sanity knowing were getting out of sleepy little Ba Town. <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>This week we went to Sigatoka (Pronounced Sing-a-toka) Sand Dunes National Park. We went on this stunning 30 min hike up hill to this outlook on top of the hill that looked out over the Pacific Ocean – it was breathtaking. Then we made our descent down to the dunes and the ocean. We were blown away by the coast and the huge waves breaking onto the shore. We stood on the shoreline taking pictures, laughing and screaming when the waves crashed into us and just took in the beauty that was there. Of course this was a “no swim zone” which was understandable considering the size of the waves were like 6-9 ft tall…so, we walked along the coastline to the “swim zone” further down the coast. We set up camp and jumped in the water as fast as we could – we were all so hot and anxious to get into the water!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>We built a sand castle “city” with a capitol, hospital, squatters land, and 2 major rivers. Hahaha. We got a little carried away. We also laid on the beach and took naps, read books and just enjoyed the distant sound of the waves crashing onto the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I dozed off and when I woke up, I forgot that I was in Fiji until I heard the sound of galloping horse hooves on sand. I looked up and saw some little Fijian boys riding their horses along the beach. It was so picturesque and I wanted to join them SO badly!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>It was a fabulous “vacation” day even if most of the day was overcast! I hope you enjoy the pictures (that I'll eventually put up when the internet is strong) – they don’t do it justice though! Guess you’ll all have to make a trip out to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes to know what I’m talking about!</p> <!--EndFragment-->Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-62903753021146680252011-07-01T02:12:00.000-07:002011-07-01T02:21:11.080-07:00A new kind of poverty....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiC73uYoX3ViLvYWseNI4LI1e3cacPBdYWEXO4_cBn_WVmGmmOe4zxgqhBTtXbBxxmhzwjuURJZWGxOOLpmKIA0QqThDBnB0lVdRHlfkmTY60pMyDfNVxnlmuIevBXWQhGM8YCIvfbhU/s1600/DSC05050.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiC73uYoX3ViLvYWseNI4LI1e3cacPBdYWEXO4_cBn_WVmGmmOe4zxgqhBTtXbBxxmhzwjuURJZWGxOOLpmKIA0QqThDBnB0lVdRHlfkmTY60pMyDfNVxnlmuIevBXWQhGM8YCIvfbhU/s320/DSC05050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624310594396679794" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">When I first signed up for this Humanitarian Project in February, I was expecting that I would come here to this poor country, do a lot of good through health programs that bring new educational insight to the people here. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I was wrong.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The poverty here is COMPLETELY different than I was expecting. These people live in houses, are very family oriented, live very religious lives. Education of nutrition, STD’s, hygiene and diabetes maintenance are already taught in the schools. These people are aware. Their problem is, they’re lazy. Their poverty lies in their laziness. Therein lies the difficulty.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>As volunteers with HELP International were trying to create self-sustainable programs to better these peoples lives. How are you supposed to create a program that a) already exists in some form, b) will be kept up after you leave and c) that is teaching something “new” to these people? My expectations differ 100% from my reality.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Developmental work is HARD. We don’t just enter a village, build a house, hold some orphans, and/or teach about STD’s. We start from the ground up. We start with nothing. We figure out what the community is in need of, we figure out how this program will last long after were gone, and we try and “re-invent the wheel” when teaching basic concepts. This work is HARD – and I’m struggling to accept it. With developmental work, you also don’t see the immediate results of your efforts. You may never see them. They are results that take time. I knew somewhat, what I was getting myself into when I signed up for this. I liked this idea of creating self-sustainable programs. I just didn’t realize how hard this would be – especially in Fiji where poverty is so different.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I just wanted to let you all know a little of what I’m doing here – not what you’d think of when I told you I was going to do “Humanitarian work”. I knew this would be hard, but not this hard. </p> <!--EndFragment-->Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-44549482007770663022011-06-28T00:58:00.000-07:002011-06-28T01:14:03.156-07:00Suva Pictures<div>Here are some pictures from my short weekend trip to Suva. </div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjal6R3K2nlN2U2Y22FknF1F7iH8jznxIEJVV3PkYocv47ZWgtaAttnj7YlUmKThYy5QOivlXXPcjQBcsyg2u77mhrwkgGWyyw-6PRlO_zzPfO5sWMoK87Gh65wDbLC7FbkvDejOzsPmw8/s320/DSC05082_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623178985263352274" />This is Mallory and I in the back of the "hell on earth" bus. We were happy here cause we had only been in this van for 10 minutes. Were doing the "Suva Slump" as I called it - the seats sat too high so you couldn't see out the windows unless you got into this really comfortable position.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAHOFNTn8FBHwMaSRKXwmR3MglLhMDT7LajUKB4iZgDWMDyTCEcCZUDTUY19aF8PrmjaMMaBubdLIdutOmb7XNUlJ-pAlJtsvqWBcAZUhqmJkQgef9C4rjM-035SJkapBv3hVQE6q0jw/s1600/DSC05139.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmr5jmPl1HX3MOIqEmrNzvSYzRTcnbImvM6FMeWyMT0wHAczQYzQ8le4XfQe0qy_zIlNJYtEQG7OwDbPuHl-6squhfs_OCIhdLFh6kELVYgnmWYCVrD6ZXN7XkkyG1dCAO4GGzL5adyus/s320/DSC05109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623178989266797618" />This was our view for lunch. We had some delicious Chinese food from a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Suva was overcast all day and it was perfect sight-seeing weather. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAHOFNTn8FBHwMaSRKXwmR3MglLhMDT7LajUKB4iZgDWMDyTCEcCZUDTUY19aF8PrmjaMMaBubdLIdutOmb7XNUlJ-pAlJtsvqWBcAZUhqmJkQgef9C4rjM-035SJkapBv3hVQE6q0jw/s1600/DSC05139.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE7GRiFoZJg_NMUKh0ZnrhNJuS7Cj8XxzYrSu7Y2D4uw0B6MCZizc75QAXAW1tk9lh5vohQLS5h2XbHV04gWx-0KRnly1YNf5El8Klq6T2kKhLxvrcEx3TLJz8fgGDF0gNfk3cENXPBc/s320/DSC05135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623178997709426514" />Mallory and I after going through the Fiji Museum. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAHOFNTn8FBHwMaSRKXwmR3MglLhMDT7LajUKB4iZgDWMDyTCEcCZUDTUY19aF8PrmjaMMaBubdLIdutOmb7XNUlJ-pAlJtsvqWBcAZUhqmJkQgef9C4rjM-035SJkapBv3hVQE6q0jw/s1600/DSC05139.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAHOFNTn8FBHwMaSRKXwmR3MglLhMDT7LajUKB4iZgDWMDyTCEcCZUDTUY19aF8PrmjaMMaBubdLIdutOmb7XNUlJ-pAlJtsvqWBcAZUhqmJkQgef9C4rjM-035SJkapBv3hVQE6q0jw/s1600/DSC05139.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAHOFNTn8FBHwMaSRKXwmR3MglLhMDT7LajUKB4iZgDWMDyTCEcCZUDTUY19aF8PrmjaMMaBubdLIdutOmb7XNUlJ-pAlJtsvqWBcAZUhqmJkQgef9C4rjM-035SJkapBv3hVQE6q0jw/s320/DSC05139.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623179003473466226" /></a>This was an incredible sunset after the all-day rain yesterday. This is just outside our front door. Fiji sunsets are like paintings. They are so picturesque and breathtaking every night!</div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-1504579951405555592011-06-26T22:59:00.000-07:002011-06-26T23:00:43.542-07:00A Rare Occurrence..<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s the rainy season here in Fiji – and it downpours when it rains. However, its usually warm when it rains or the rain comes after a really hot day making it feel really refreshing. Today is a different story. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was… cold. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Who would have thought that we would all be sporting long pants and sweatshirts throughout the whole day. The joke around the house today is “I love seeing everyone in new clothes!” hahah. Its nice to see different items of clothing on people and its nice to wear something other than a skirt!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve loved this cold rain though – if a chunk of my time here was spent in the overcast days, I would be content. I love rain and it makes me happy! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, it makes me want to sit at home and watch a movie – not the best motivational factor to get projects done. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today I went to Tavua and went and helped out at Gold Foundation. It was delightful – we had great conversations and actually enjoyed our hot Milo (aka hot chocolate) during tea time while the rain pounded on the windows.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Sounds like Utah and Fiji swapped weather for a week! Enjoy the heat while I take a break from it and enjoy the rain. </p> <!--EndFragment-->Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-63338284701944453592011-06-25T03:08:00.000-07:002011-06-25T03:22:04.873-07:00Random Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkTlxx6YhOeQKcPaKOqXj1p6ODI3ByQk1jTtq3MRgcOKv9FO9EyqaY3waRopZAqwhhCxlkWg99vTBtq6PR7xvD2y7gmql72IidjRep1gdJqfZoPFV3Y7-p6mazqnE9aTgvvRiy3cTWik/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkTlxx6YhOeQKcPaKOqXj1p6ODI3ByQk1jTtq3MRgcOKv9FO9EyqaY3waRopZAqwhhCxlkWg99vTBtq6PR7xvD2y7gmql72IidjRep1gdJqfZoPFV3Y7-p6mazqnE9aTgvvRiy3cTWik/s320/DSC_0151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622100066732701202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jpEC4wU3lLr383lRzc4Wk28Z5weeVqFwtLl_l-OmYdjpJ3CYF36BHHyjIG23skzPuJF4hqxy183b_PyF1W7pW7Q7a7e1VeRWP5kLeYDf6hyLwHUFWqa3l9ZLvyNRzeSvbqzEFYSg17k/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jpEC4wU3lLr383lRzc4Wk28Z5weeVqFwtLl_l-OmYdjpJ3CYF36BHHyjIG23skzPuJF4hqxy183b_PyF1W7pW7Q7a7e1VeRWP5kLeYDf6hyLwHUFWqa3l9ZLvyNRzeSvbqzEFYSg17k/s320/DSC_0150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622100061698804050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmKEU7b_9LwS63HzNiAfr82FE0zQtJzC1iyZlJoif0_xlt_0R2uqW7C9jdqTaMBQKZMcIG1Uhg0BcdL5FKoNYaEQrqtyRVSVyM4lNcDmE4CadWJFeVSWmbE40cBTqQcDIhjjE4ty02No/s1600/DSC_0149.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmKEU7b_9LwS63HzNiAfr82FE0zQtJzC1iyZlJoif0_xlt_0R2uqW7C9jdqTaMBQKZMcIG1Uhg0BcdL5FKoNYaEQrqtyRVSVyM4lNcDmE4CadWJFeVSWmbE40cBTqQcDIhjjE4ty02No/s320/DSC_0149.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622100053135817794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSCQxUwv1rKjDkpr8UkOad8Jq7W-OxKblqqf7SgMA6rPSk0gYHqUho47V1UzPT8JEWO0G_Eg2X-yzwq3-MFC-ee3UnQsuPj4tdyw0pIrhI-K0zXjNNV2EOFaMmBNlqjsDNTS6rQ_63QQ/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSCQxUwv1rKjDkpr8UkOad8Jq7W-OxKblqqf7SgMA6rPSk0gYHqUho47V1UzPT8JEWO0G_Eg2X-yzwq3-MFC-ee3UnQsuPj4tdyw0pIrhI-K0zXjNNV2EOFaMmBNlqjsDNTS6rQ_63QQ/s320/DSC_0156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622098538741599218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLggJrvfdpbSUiXYXldkWTVxqLK_kz5dzaxuFY9b7s9MR5_yLGYQ97-6eWags9QRcwNF46geZLE31U3gh1iPHNicw1FWqo7ksoU9SuOWIqg_dGehwXBHhERbHsxFygGIE2Qp0c44fBEzA/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLggJrvfdpbSUiXYXldkWTVxqLK_kz5dzaxuFY9b7s9MR5_yLGYQ97-6eWags9QRcwNF46geZLE31U3gh1iPHNicw1FWqo7ksoU9SuOWIqg_dGehwXBHhERbHsxFygGIE2Qp0c44fBEzA/s320/DSC_0155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622098534465570434" border="0" /></a><br />Here's some<br />pictures from this computer I'm on that I found.<br /><br /><br />Don't mind the funny face, but I'm teaching these kids how to make a duck noise by blowing on a piece of grass at the Family Fun day 2 weeks ago.<br /><br />The other pictures are of our cozy little flat. Add one another bedroom and a tiny kitchen and you have our house! Going from 25 people to 19 is such a huge breath of fresh air. :)Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-26119265402344532692011-06-25T02:43:00.001-07:002011-06-25T03:08:43.686-07:00Suva !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpXSWCzjTYFapUpxfeKJFO9uypMjzowT9Na7mdd_c3aa7QSE3zc8JKwEjme4m-YTGbY9yxq-b3BRhcIw5RiWejPsU6uNWE3H2kQ8ZbsFTuhXYQHkB6D8fTsk1TLsgDMVY-N6mza_5ZDs/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpXSWCzjTYFapUpxfeKJFO9uypMjzowT9Na7mdd_c3aa7QSE3zc8JKwEjme4m-YTGbY9yxq-b3BRhcIw5RiWejPsU6uNWE3H2kQ8ZbsFTuhXYQHkB6D8fTsk1TLsgDMVY-N6mza_5ZDs/s320/IMG_0649.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622096807001428098" border="0" /></a><br />So I'm writing this post from the Temple housing in Suva, Fiji. Last night I made the sudden decision to come with our country directors and 5 other Volunteers to Suva for the weekend. We rented a car and our Director Chuck drove us all the way there. I was at first excited that we were driving our own van and we didn't have to use the slow, uncomfortable buses. Little did I know this ride would be "hell on earth"...<br /><br />Just picture an 8 passenger van with really high seats so you can't see out the low windows, pot-holed roads the entire way, speed bumps the size of large rocks every couple miles, and a jerky stick shift car. I was sitting in the back of the van and it was a horrible decision. As we were driving and I was trying to get my mind off the fact that I had 3 hours of this ahead of me, I related the drive to some Disneyland rides that you all could relate to.<br /><br />Imagine this....<br /><br />Mr. Toads Wild Ride for the windy roads and sharp turns.<br />Indiana Jones for the bumpy, jerky ride.<br />Disney Jungle Cruise for the "island" look of the environment.<br />Star Tours for the car sickness.<br /><br />aka. worst. ride. ever.<br /><br />I'm dreading the drive home tomorrow - this trip wasn't long enough...seriously.<br /><br />Today we went to the Suva Temple and it was such a neat experience to be surrounded by Fijians and Hindu members. The temple is so small but so gorgeous! I love the way the church is the same no matter where you go - especially in buildings!<br /><br />We went into town and hit up the Flea Markets, ate at a delicious hole in the wall Chinese Restaurant which we sat and ate on the water front, walked around town, went to more Flea Markets, ate at more restaurants and then came back to the Temple Housing and had real chocolate cake for a girl's birthday tomorrow! I love Suva. Especially because this Temple housing has hot water. :) It wasn't the most exciting trip, but I know I'll be coming back here again before I leave. Its been so nice though to just get out of the house and to get out of Ba. When people have asked us where we are "from" in Fiji and we tell them Ba, they respond by saying "Boring Ba", or "Suva's backyard". Its so true. Ba is so sleepy, boring and HOT. It downpoured tonight in Suva and I was loving the rain - Suva's on the "wet" side of the island and Ba is on the "dry" side. Of course. Haha.<br /><br />Well, that's enough rambling for one post - Thanks for following my blog - I love hearing from those of you who care to read this!<br />Moce!Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-45155795483480161042011-06-21T03:00:00.000-07:002011-06-21T03:14:26.517-07:00"Forget about yourself, and get to work!"I made it through my first week here - and, I'm not going to lie, it was HARD. I struggled so much with getting used to the fact that I'm living in poverty for 2 1/2 months. We had 4 girls from the house leave shortly after I got here, which made me want to go home with them, I struggled to accept the fact that I'm eating carbs for almost every, single meal, The house wakes up at 7am every morning, I hate the public transportation here with all the different buses, carriers, taxis, mini buses to figure out, and the weather is insanely hot. All the while remembering back to America and how blessed we are to live there and missing it even more. I also felt like I was useless with the Projects that HELP has or is partnering up with other NGO's here. To sum it all up, I felt lost and unmotivated. And I hated it. <div><br /></div><div>I emailed my mom about this and her response changed my attitude. She reminded me of the phrase President Hinckley's father told him when he was on his mission - "Forget yourself, and go to work!". This has since become my catch phrase and I tell this to myself every morning as I head off the a project. </div><div><br /></div><div>Forget yourself Lauren, and go to work helping the Fijian people. That is why you are here. </div><div><br /></div><div>My outlook has changed 360 degrees. I'm loving it here. I find joy in the beautiful scenery as I take the rickety bus home everyday. I just accept the fact that the food lacks protein and that staying clean and cool is not an option. I've also gotten involved in a program here that involves helping with a town Carnival. This is right up my alley and I finally feel direction. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, heres to forgetting myself and getting to work!</div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-85331938232338458372011-06-20T00:59:00.000-07:002011-06-20T01:29:13.221-07:00A day in Paradise<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I had my first "real" weekend in Fiji this last week and Friday we just relaxed, watched a movie and enjoyed being together - all 18 of us. Saturday, 8 of us went north up to RakiRaki to go snorkeling. Fiji has some of the worlds best reefs and that is very well deserved. I've never been snorkeling before and it was quite the experience! I loved it. Having those flippers on, breathing under water and watching "Finding Nemo" in real life was so incredible and it made my childhood dream of being a mermaid more realistic! <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After snorkeling in a reef in the middle of the ocean, our guide - a retired Peace Corps officer who retired to Fiji - took us to a nearby island. The tide was so low that we had to snorkel onto the shore - scariest experience snorkeling 1 foot above coral, fish and sea creatures. We all hyperventilated a little bit until we got to land. </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IWmVUalAuXlXvxL0Q5Fbj0k0oXl6m1XJdUsIB98pAVDnD68lDq8FXXdre5V14978TVzLPEtvWttUokOB4w6mJGuBD0mXuaxKM8B4b4dGurVFGCMArZo-FI7-UZc6NgCKm4a8E0i5YIY/s320/DSC05028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620210912040994898" /></div><div>The beach was gorgeous. I felt like I had been dropped right onto "The Pirates of the Caribbean" movie set. We stayed on the beach for a few hours to wait out the low tide. We ventured into the jungle that bordered the island where we found coconuts and were taught how to open them by using rocks, or a sharp tree branch. Very informative if I'm ever stranded on an island. :) We treated our guide to dinner at the VoliVoli Resort nearby and I got a hamburger to satisfy my craving for beef! Its impossible to find beef here in Fiji because the cow is considered sacred to all the Hindu's here. So we walked away from the day, tanned (some sunburned), satisfied with a coke and hamburger and the experience of a lifetime! This truly is paradise. </div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-89916167869347626932011-06-16T02:49:00.000-07:002011-06-16T02:56:29.153-07:00Geigerrig in Fiji!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4YWxO9Mt7F70d_tLp_lQUnl2fe5oIl0jk9AzIzgmjL5efmQHnDKYI3x8Vy7WjU58zuonfx-gYZDJnyoI1ABiC3FZXwsQ813pKkSmrD9ZOLW_vESNXJmHqTzqqIsxO6doTsTHBP1ddOc/s1600/DSC05019.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4YWxO9Mt7F70d_tLp_lQUnl2fe5oIl0jk9AzIzgmjL5efmQHnDKYI3x8Vy7WjU58zuonfx-gYZDJnyoI1ABiC3FZXwsQ813pKkSmrD9ZOLW_vESNXJmHqTzqqIsxO6doTsTHBP1ddOc/s320/DSC05019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618754039997311618" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QYV1tNVw8OSny2ntTmHPtVq-_p92qQvfIoS9TZFnVE_fMTe28SGbp_Uy8OYerYJZkT-UcVvTYdd6x9ah1AYhKCngltwF06FPNDudPwUg-j6Ra1aVKmami29mS1BJmkoblEf487-c0kc/s1600/DSC05023.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QYV1tNVw8OSny2ntTmHPtVq-_p92qQvfIoS9TZFnVE_fMTe28SGbp_Uy8OYerYJZkT-UcVvTYdd6x9ah1AYhKCngltwF06FPNDudPwUg-j6Ra1aVKmami29mS1BJmkoblEf487-c0kc/s320/DSC05023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618753538227646962" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So my sister-in-law and her dad are partners in the making of this cool bag called Geigerrig - its like a Camelback but it sprays! They were kind enough to give me one of these as a graduation present. I was excited to try this bag out in Fiji - the kids here are OBSESSED with it. Everywhere I go, they come up and ask about the bag and want me to squirt water into their mouths. Here are some picts from the "Family Fun Day" that the ward had on Monday. I love their "Peace" signs they throw up in every picture!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-29595895187999314152011-06-14T20:36:00.002-07:002011-06-14T20:45:21.843-07:00Sllloowwww<div>The internet is SO slow - I only got one photo uploaded. Not cool. I'll keep trying. :)</div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7377419868415014107.post-46793322573670751392011-06-14T20:36:00.001-07:002011-06-14T20:45:04.433-07:00Sllloowwww<div>The internet is SO slow - I only got one photo uploaded. Not cool. I'll keep trying. :)</div>Lauren Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16166699774955013289noreply@blogger.com0