This last week has been a week of preparation, organization and a little frustration at times.
Our #1 goal was to get our work permit from the Fiji Immigration Dept. Without this we could not work. So, on our first visit, we found out we needed a letter of request, which we didn't have. We tried several options, none of which could produce one for us. Finally we went to the Lion's Club, and after what we felt was a tender mercy, we were able to produce that letter and satisfy Immigration. We then met with the LDS college (high school) here in Suva and let them know of our desire to test all of the students. They were thrilled and asked us to begin with their staff next week, and then on to the over 400 students. We will begin on Tuesday. The principal also asked Rick and I to do a presentation to the whole school on the eye, and also on my role as a wife, mother, and how the church also plays an important role in our lives. We have 80 minutes to fill, and one week to prepare for it.
Another goal this week was to secure a vehicle. The best option is to find a used vehicle, a few of these possibilities fell through, but thanks to Frank Stanford (our friend here), we were able to basically rent a vehicle from his mechanic friend, and then give it back to him after six months!
This saved us lots of money. What could be better? Just another tender mercy!
In our free time, one day, when it actually wasn't raining, we took a walk along the ocean front
and came to a beautiful park called Sea Breeze Park. It was so well kept and absolutely
beautiful. The park also had a wonderful playground for children.
I'm not sure how much I care for this sign!!!
Two very sweet Fijian sisters wanted to be our first patients. They came over to our apartment and we tested their eyes. It was good practice for us.
Today (Saturday), we met with the other couple missionaries at a beautiful restaurant, called the Rain Forest. It is actually located right in the rain forest, and is very beautiful. From there we went on a hike that took us deeper into the forest and we crossed over waterfalls; some large, some small. It was about a two hour hike and we loved it. Rick did however, take a couple of spills. Out of all those 20 or so seniors, he was the only one to fall! In his defense, he was trying to get a good picture!
This is Linda Curly Christenson, who is the artist doing many of the murals
and paintings in the Fiji temple before the redidication. She is here,
with her husband, for just a few weeks to help in the installation.
There were some parts of the hike, that were a little tricky,
for us older people, but we made it! It was great fun!
This was the lower falls, at the end of the hike. If you look carefully,
you will see a young boy on the rope swing, fully dressed, but who cares??
During this first week here, we have visited many different grocery stores in search of the foods we are familiar with, it is interesting to know that some just don't exist, or they cost four or five times more than in Canada. This will make for quite an adjustment on our eating habits, as well as how we cook and bake! There have definitely been times of feeling homesick especially this week learning that my dad had been taken into hospital. It is hard to be so far away, knowing you really can't help or be there for your family. But we are thankful for their support, we have the greatest parents, and the greatest children. Thank you all for helping us in our quest to give back just a little.
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