holidays!

As many of you will know, this past year has been manic to say the least.
Somehow I've made it to the end of the year without taking any holidays. But today, I am on holidays - and I'm very excited about it!!!!!
Sleep deprivation might be impacting the clarity of my verbal skills at this point in time, but nothing a good sleep won't fix. I'm blogging from Wellington airport where I've had a nine hour layover in the middle of the night.
I had planned on sleeping in the airport - I mean seriously, after Fiji, Wellington airport aint got nothing I can't handle. But as I was snoozing in arrivals at about 1am I became aware that the airport was shutting down for the night - say what? You mean it isn't like Sydney airport and they don't stay open all night?!
Thankfully the guards took pity on me when I asked if there was somewhere nearby I could go for a few hours and they let me into the cafeteria section of departures where I was able to catch a 2 hour snooze.
I can't believe how busy this place is at 4am!

But here's to being on holidays for the next 9 days.

the issue of cava

One of the big issues facing the church in Fiji is cava. It is one of those difficult issues where culture and Christianity meet.

It is a mild narcotic drink that is part of the Fijian cultural heritage. It used in welcoming ceremonies (like the one above) and as a general part of life. It is sold 24 hours a day in grog shops and is drunk by many each night. Cava is typically followed by grog sessions which last late into the night. So it isn't the cava in and of itself that is the issue, it is what follows.

Our group experienced its some of its effects first hand. Whilst travelling from Nadi to Suva on a hired bus, we discovered the driver had been out all night on the grog. It wasn't a pleasant trip with several team members having to sit behind and prod him and talk to him during the 7 hour bus ride (that should have taken 5!).

It is an issue that is dividing many of the Fijian churches. Many churches regularly practice the use of cava whilst other groups are raising up against its use.
While we try not to engage in cultural and church politics while we are there, it is easy to see the detrimental effects that cava is having on society - much like alcohol among teens and early twenties here in Australia.

Fiji Shots

Fiji First Impressions

It was an early start. We were easily identifiable, 40 people walking around Sydney airport in blue Year 13 in Fiji T-Shirts at 5:45am.

Meet Wallace Wanawong, he's the one in the photo with a hat on. Wallace had many adventures in Fiji and even has his own facebook page!!

After a pretty non-eventful but excitement filled flight we stepped into the humidity of Fiji. I was overwhelmed with the warmth and moisture. You start dripping the moment you step out of the plan onto the tarmac.

And then we headed into customs....

9 days to go...

There are nine days to go until we arrive home. Our time in Fiji has been wananavu (awesome in Fijian).
There are so many sights, sounds, smells and experiences that I want to share. I have kept a journal (but am slightly behind). There has been so much to absorb and try to understand.
I have had minimal internet access, but you know what - I haven't missed it!!
(hard as it might be to believe that)

We are back in Suva and getting ready to head into some days of getting into the schools to tell them about Jesus. I love the fact that in this country you can talk religion within 2 minutes of meeting someone.

Pray for us in our last week. For the people of Fiji - that many of them might come to know the living and loving and true God. For patience as people feel homesick and we live in close close quarters. For opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. For safe travel as we head home. For our re-entry into a first world western culture.

Getting ready to go

In 2 short days I leave with Year 13 for Fiji. We are going there for a month, on a short term mission. We will be involved in building orphanages, churches, evangelism, kids clubs, youth leadership conferences and school ministry.

Around 2 weeks ago, I was struck with nerves. How will I cope with 36 teenagers for a month? What about eating curry 3 meals a day? Do I really have to wear an ankle length skirt for the most part?
All these questions going around in my head and more. As I was driving to church 2 weeks ago, my heart was racing - anxiety had hit. Although I knew I was anxious about leaving, I couldn't put my finger on exactly what was bothering me. So I started praying.
I knew that God wanted me to cast my anxieties upon him.

And that was when it hit....

It isn't about me!

This trip - it isn't about me. It's not about how I'm going to cope with curry 3 meals a day or even about what I'm going to wear - It's about God!