It's raining today in Kadavu

Kristine called today, once she comes home I don't think I will be getting daily updates. It's about $2 a minute to talk. Ben leaves this Thursday and Kristine will return next Monday.

It's raining in Kadavu today, Scott is either in the ocean or visiting the "Village People." He has also been working on the basketball court, the little children like to gather around and watch him. As I'm told by Kristine (their leader) he is keeping very busy:)

I also talked to Alex today on facebook, he said it is so beautiful and the people are great!!! They are working on setting up the computers and hopefully Skype tonight. Grandpa Vance has been waiting every day for the Skype call from Fiji... They have not been able to download photos yet, the computer is very slow and they all left their camera adapters home. I can't wait to see the pictures!!!

These 4 young men are very lucky to have such an opportunity, if they put their whole heart into this the blessings they will receive will be priceless.

Giving is much greater then receiving...

My first report from Fiji- The Adventure Begins

The Adventure Begins.... Saturday, May 2, 2009

I've been waiting for this phone call all day, it was nice to hear Scott on the other end saying how beautiful it is in Fiji, he has not seen anything like it. Last night the village had a welcoming party where they drink Kava-

Kava or yaqona is a central part of the Fijian culture. Yaqona is used in ceremonies of welcome, weddings, funerals and other important ceremonies such as the installation of a chief, though it is also drunk socially. An unpounded yaqona root is the most acceptable gift when you are visiting a Fijian village. If you do get the chance to participate in a yaqona ceremony (in most cases it's a high probability), the correct protocol is to clap once (a deep clap with hands clasped together), then take the cup (bilo) and drink the kava without stopping. Once you've finished and handed the cup back to the bearer, you then clap three times and say maca (pronounced matha).

Dinner was fresh tuna from the sea and fresh fruit off the trees, best food anywhere he says.

Today they have been swimming in the ocean, touring the village and now they have put on their best sulu (skirt) for church and a lot of singing :)

Unfortunately no one packed an adapter to upload pictures to the computer, so we wait until Ben gets there next week to see what Scott is talking about.

A background of Fiji, its people and its culture follow this link-

www.fiji.resortspacific.com/tourism/culture.cfm

Life is good-

Nancy

Leaving on a jet plane...

Does she have a clue as to what she has started...

Kristine Hone

This morning Heinz took Scott shopping for the little necessities he will need in Fiji. Before Heinz went to the office he gave Scott a priesthood blessing, a beautiful blessing if I do say so myself. I am so blessed to have a husband who loves my kids and cares for them the way he does. I spent the day making cookies for the flight, fixed Scott a big lunch of roast beef and roasted vegetables. I'm not sure if he will miss me but I wanted to make sure he would miss my food. I'm very proud that he has committed to this project with the Hone family. I know him and know his worth.

All the luggage full of supplies to last them 4 to 7 months, materials for teaching, books for reading and scuba diving gear for time off.


Adam getting some extra care from his mom before he takes off.


Curt and Kristine came up with one idea and ran with it... Many phone calls to Fiji working on getting started.I wonder how long it will take

Kristine to become the Chief of Kadavu ;)

I'm sure Ben and Scott will have lots of help from the village with mending of homes, building homes, clearing fields for a basketball court and volleyball pit, etc.

The Chief and the people of Kadavu, Fiji are planning a big celebration
for their arrival tomorrow... 5am Saturday morning in Fiji.

Map of the Fijian Islands, Kadavu is on the lower left side.

and off they go....

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS...

BULA BULA

Ashley-Kristine-Adam-Alex-Scott

Saying goodbye to Scott.... on his way to

Kadavu, Fiji

Curt and Kristine Hone, my sister and brother-in-law went to Kadavu, Fiji with their son Alex to explore and scuba dive.... The Adventure Began!!

I will be telling you this story through my two sons Ben and Scott Sorensen, in my words of course and my own experience. The other members of this group that will be in Fiji with my sons are Alex Hone and Adam Clark. Together they will be setting up computers for the school and getting ready to help students with reading. Scott and Ben will be mending homes, building an outside basketball court and volleyball- pit. As they work together each bringing their own special talent to share with the Drue and Navautu villages on the most beautiful of the Fijian Islands.

Kadavu

Today Kristine, Alex, Adam, Scott, Ashley will be flying to

Fiji to start this work. One week later Ben joined them in Kadavu.

This will be our own family Survival...
a new chapter in our lives.

Only God knows what trials we will have,

what blessing may come.

BULA VINAKA!!