Bula Blog #2

It’s super exciting to be writing to you guys from Fiji! Despite the current 180 degree heat, we are all having an “onenavu” (awesome) time!

When we first got here it was obvious to us that Fiji was nothing like Australia. From coming off the plane and experiencing the immediate heat, to catching the bus to the Sabeto Christian Campsite and seeing excited Fijians on the side of the road screaming “Bula, Bula, Bula”, every experience has been new and exciting.

Some of the interesting learning experiences we have already had with the Fijian culture are:
· Eating our first meal with our hands and trying to capture the art of it (it’s actually harder than you think!!!)
· Constantly learning new words, like Yandra- Good Morning, Vinaka- Thankyou and Onenavu- Awesome, Mandua!- awkward, etc.
· Getting used to Fijian time, where everything is slower and relaxed
· Getting used to cold showers, which are refreshing but C-C-Cold at first
· And (the best experience so far) a village welcoming ceremony, which was at Nalesutale Village.

On the walk to Nalesutale Village we passed through sugar cane fields, rivers and had breathtaking views of Sabeto. On arriving at the village, we all had to put on our sulus (sarongs) even the boys! There we spoke with the village people and met the chief of the village, which was exciting to say the least. He led the welcoming ceremony where we were offered kava (a traditional Fijian drink that tastes like muddy water...no seriously, it does!) They then taught us more about the history of their village and guided us through their old village site where it was interesting to see the foundations still left from long ago and to learn that the chief’s house was on higher ground than the rest of the village. They then prepared for us a lovely morning tea and ended our time there with a farewell ceremony where they performed many dances and sang many songs for us! At one point they got us all up to dance with them, which was a fantastic experience for all of us!

On our way back to the campsite, we stopped at the river for a refreshing swim and lunch. It was great to see the Year 13 boys getting along so well with the Fijian boys that are leading us. They have not stopped playing football since we got here (they are playing as I type hahaha)! It is also great to see the Year 13 boys getting so into the Fijian culture (Damien climbed a coconut tree, and cut down 2 coconuts with a machete. That was ‘onenavu’!)

Although we’ve only been in Fiji for a very short time, we have really enjoyed ourselves and are keen to learn more and experience great things. We’re also looking forward to growing in our understanding of the Lord, and our joy in sharing his great love for all.

We are so pumped because tomorrow we are off to a local church!

Jodie Esera is a Year 13 student from Macquarie Fields

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