We're here on Fiji! This is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen! This whole island is one great big mountianous tropical garden. We left LA on Thursday night, and arrived in Nadi Saturday. Then, we took a long scenic drive part way around the island to Suva...the place where we'll meet our missionary.
Today is Sunday...Carlsbad's Saturday...March 1st. We went to a Fijian ward. Although the language was different, I got so much out of the meeting. Because they didn't have a pianist, the chorister stood up in front of everyone and sang the introduction...then everyone joined in. I loved it! They all sang out with their beautiful Fijian voices, in all their harmonies. The hymn? How Firm a Foundation. I didn't understand a word, however I knew every word they sang. It was absolutely beautiful. In the middle of the hymn one of the sisters came back to us, and gave us her book of hymns which had all the words in Fijian. We were able to join them in their own language. For testimony meeting everyone stood up and spoke their own Fijian language. Again, although I couldn't understand every word they were saying, I picked up a word here and there...Jesus Christ, Thomas S. Monson, Relief Society. They poured their hearts out as they bore their testimonies, and we could totally understand their hearts. They loved the Savior and His Gospel.
The children were adorable. They happily ran up and down the isle during the meeting. They ran around in their sunday dresses and bare feet. I loved that the little deacons wore their white shirts and ties with their lava lavas on (a skirt), and no shoes. The girls proudly carried their personal progress books which were well loved and used. Many of the people were barefooted. (These are my kind of people!) ...and the men proudly wore their lava lavas. We were all there with one purpose...to worship God. I loved worshiping with these people.
We have found the Fijian people to be quite friendly! On our way to Suva we drove past the little villages. The people would wave at us as we went by. Suva, the main city on the island, pretty much closes down at 1:00pm on Saturday, and stays closed until Monday. We asked a merchant why this was, and his comment was that they like to be with their families. Today we saw many families in their sunday best walking to church. I love being here!
So the highlight of our trip is just 2 days away. We get to pick up our missionary! I can't wait! We will fly to New Caledonia with him, and we will get to meet people he's taught, and see the areas he has served.
It's such a privlege to be here. We have a hotel room overlooking the ocean. The sun is getting low, and it's somewhat cloudy which only means one thing...a beautiful sunset! Gotta go!
