New Beginnings

Bula friends,

Well I have almost been in Fiji for a month and am definitely becoming more and more comfortable with my surroundings. In saying that, this week was also a time for change...

First, the group that I got here after left which meant that there were only 14 of us left on base on friday instead of the usual 31. We had a great relaxing night and as usual I fell asleep watching a movie and eating popcorn. Despite the fact that many new friends had left the ones that were left here seemed to bond even more just through that one night.

Second, we got a whole new group of volis to replace the ones that are left. This means making new friends, giving lots of explanations, and overall just waiting for everyone to settle in and become comfortable again.

Third, I found out some exciting news. On Friday (my birthday) I am going back to the mainland to be transferred to the Dolphin Project in the Dawasamu district for 2 weeks. There I will be given much more responsibility as a Volunteer Coordinator and will be given dolphin conservation training as well. It seems like a pretty cool experience and I'm excited to get the opportunity to travel around Fiji more and also to see another prject that GVI is working on. It only happens four times every year so I feel honoured to be the one chosen to take part this round.

Other than those three points there is not much to report. People have asked me for pictures but unfortunately the laptop I have been using is smashed and the one I'm on now has a virus so I cannot post any until I replace the other laptop. But when I can, I promise I will :) For all those of you who have been emailing/messaging me I really appreciate it. It's so nice to hear about what's going on at home and know that I still have some contact with all you lovely people. I'm sorry if I don't reply that often but please just know I love and miss you all!! xoxo H

Ok so this is something I wrote after helping install a water tank for Grandma on top of the hill by our base. It was an unbelievable experience filled with great food, good company, and complete happiness...

After completing the water tank up at Grandma’s house the construction crew was treated to a great surprise; we were invited back for a thank you feast! On Monday evening 6 lucky construction members trekked up the beach, and the hill, up to Grandma’s house. When we entered the house it was clear that a lot of effort had been made in order to welcome us. Weaved palm frawn mats lined the ground and plates were already set out, served with all the starch-laiden vegetables so popular in the islands. Kasava, sweet potatoes, and yams lined our plates and an extra plate was even laid out to put our excess vegetables on. After Tai, another staff member, accepted our dinner in a Fijian tradition Grandma said grace and the meat bowls were uncovered. They held mangrove land crab curried in coconut milk, smoked tuna mackerel, and boiled barracuda; a true seafood feast. As the guests sat down to gorge, our hosts sat back and allowed us the first choice of the meat. Lively conversation continued and many laughs were heard throughout the night. When we had our fill it was our turn to move back from the mat and let our hosts have theirs. The feast continued long into the night and I felt honoured to be a part of such a special event. In traditional Fijian fashion our feast ended with a joyful and relaxing kava circle with the whole community on the hill, even Grandma took part! All of these festivities were brought about by the fact that we gave this woman a water tank to collect filtered rain water. For something that is so easily accessible at home it was so special to see how happy we made someone who had never had clean drinking water from the comfort of her home before. Thanks to the community and hard work put in by everyone, I will never forget Grandma’s house.

One Week Down

Bula Bula Bula!

After more than a week in Fiji I am officially LOVING it. There is so much to see and do and even if things are not going according to plan all I have to do is look around, remember the beautiful place that I'm in, and realize how lucky I am to be here. The five hour boat ride up to the Yasawas was absolutely gorgeous. All the islands look like paradise and the sand is as white as can be with turquoise water washing it's shore. I spent my first week on the project getting used to the parts of Education and Construction that I will become a part of. Everything seems organized but laid back and I'm starting to take on more responsibilities, which is good. I have a room to myself and fall asleep quickly every night listening to the waves wash up on shore. School is so much fun and all the kids are so enthusiastic about learning. We have set up multiple vegetable patches which will serve for education, nutrition, and economic purposes. Everyone is very excited about the newly constructed composting toilets at school as well which will serve many environmental purposes. Day's of the week are busy and full of excitement and to be honest I'm excited for Monday tomorrow. The weekend's are incredibly relaxing as everyone is able to let loose, lay on the beach, and visit the resorts. I'm pretty much in paradise. Last night some of us went across island to take part in a traditional lovo (underground oven). The locals dig a hole in the ground and place warm rocks inside, meat and vegetables are then placed on top covered with palm leaves and sand. The food is then steamed from the heat and an incredible feast of smoked foods ensues. It was absolutely delicious and the festivities continued late into the night.

Just in terms of a general update I'm doing really well and love the people I'm with. The only annoying thing is the mosquitoes but I'm even getting used to those now. I really am loving this incredible experience. For those trying to send me facebook messages I really appreciate it but the internet I get here is not quite good enough to read them. Please instead email me at hmarshall08@hotmail.com ... and Jenna, Steph and Pat.. if you could re-message me on there I would REALLY appreciate it. Love you all!

xo H

Ok, I can't believe I am able to updat this often but there you go! I guess I should take advantage while I can! I am officially in Fiji! I got on my flight and everything worked out just perfectly! Though I have much to say already I want to keep this story relatively short. Before I left for Fiji I asked a Fijian friend of mine (Shane) whether he had any tips for me when I got there... He said 1) Bring bug spray 2) Shop locally 3) Eat a blitz ice cream bar. I saw the first tow which I thought were pretty valid and then got to the third one and laughed. After now having tried my very own blitz ice cream bar I don't know what I was thinking. You can simply not describe them. They are a delicious Carmel, cookie crumble combination and put on an ice cream Popsicle inside which somehow manages to come out perfectly scrumptious. And the best thing? They are served directly on flight! Seriously look it up. I know you won't be disappointed!

Xoxo H

Hello All!

Currently waiting in the Sydney Airport for the next leg of my trip to Nadi Town, Fiji. I'm incredibly nervous and excited which was brought on by finally being alone and with my thoughts. Unfortunately my trusty old iPod is refusing to connect to the internet and there is some question as to whether or not I will get on my flight. Those two pieces of information shook me for a little bit but after wandering around for 2 hours aimlessly I finally found a free internet kiosk which has made me feel much better. Ohh the comforts of home. I hope everyone is doing well and I miss you all a lot. Hopefully the next time I update I will be enjoying a white sand beach on a tropical island paradise.

Until then! Much love! H