I'm HEEEEERE!!!

It turns out that my phone access is relatively limited. This is no surprise but internet is definitely the easiest way to contact me. I'm currently sitting in a little booth in a hot hot room paying about 1.5 Fijian dollars per hour.
The flight to LAX was easy peasy. The flight from LAX to Nadi, Fiji was so long! Seriously. And the worst part was that by the time we got through security to fly internationally out of LAX, there were no restaurants. Therefore, I did not have one "last" American meal. Mak, we should have eaten. I was starving and I wanted to have a nasty hamburger and greasy fries before I wouldn't be allowed that benefit any longer. Too late. Bummer.
Anyway, flying to Fiji was a really long flight! We had little TVs in front of us but they didn't do much. I found myself in some sort of comatose state where I would watch fifteen minutes of a movie and then fall asleep. Wake up and eat something and then back to sleep. When they FINALLY turned on the cabin lights, my heart jumped for joy! Only to be shattered when they announced that they were just serving breakfast and we still had two and a half hours to go. But I was sitting next to this chick from Scotland with a sweet accent so it wasn't too bad.
When we landed (at 5 am, after 13 hours of flying) and walked outside, it literally took my breath away. Not because it was so beautiful (it was too dark to tell) but because I couldn't breathe! 73 degrees at 5 am and so humid that my arms felt sticky and I felt like I was inhaling straight from a humidifier.
I was with nine other girls from my program, some that I took to more than others. Fortunately for me, the ones I took to ended up being my roommates. Sweet. There are twenty five people in one house. With one bathroom. And no mirrors. ha ha. I am really roughing it! But I'm so excited!
They gave us about fifteen minutes to brush our teeth and put on sunscreen and we were out! The first place we visited was a hospital. I literally bit my bottom lip to avoid crying. It was so beautiful to see that in this hot, unsanitary and dirty place that the people were so welcoming and loving. Everyone yelled "bula!" at us, which means hello. I have already learned a few words and not to do some things (maybe I was scolded in public? maybe I've only been  here about six hours? oh well). So many nice people in such a poverty stricken area. I guess that's how it goes though, huh?
We also went out to eat and just toured around the town. My feet are super swollen. I should never have made fun of my sister's pregnant feet because I'm sure mine are just as big. Embarrassing and painful. Sorry Ash. Beyond swollen feet, my legs are oily from some special sort of bug spray, my arms are greased with sweat and sunscreen and I'm happy. I already love it and am excited to work on projects!
Don't worry about me (cough Mom cough) because Fiji is safe! The town that we are living in was just given a crime-free award. We live next door to the missionaries and across the street from a police officer. Our street is basically full of government people. Too bad they can't outlaw BUGS! Word on the street is that cochroaches are around here. Yuck.
I have already eaten things I wouldn't normally in the U.S. such as salami, swiss cheese and onions. I guess this really is life-altering, eh?
Kim just chatted with me on gmail (my first outside contact) and wants to know about the house. It's one story and it's bright green. Four bedrooms. One for the boys (four boys) and three for the girls (twenty one girls). The bunk beds are placed inside that house like a jigsaw puzzle! The shower does not provide warm water and the toilet seems clean. So, no hole in the ground. Huzzah!
I love it love it love it and promise to be safe and smart. That's what everyone keeps saying to me. I don't know why...
ps. I think we're skydiving on Saturday!!! that's safe. and smart.
Love you all!
Thanks to Ambs and Mak for your emails and for both of you sending me self portraits. I knew I loved you fools for a reason.
Have fun you uncultured Americans!!! (just kidding)
me