Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Loving it!

Hey all,
Thanks so much again to those who contributed to help me get out here. I feel like you would be proud of the work I'm doing. I have been put as project lead over square foot gardening. That means that I travel from village to village with my new BFF (best Fiji friend) and co-lead Janey to teach the people how to tend gardens. I'm in a town called Tavua on the island of Viti Levu and Tavua is the second poorest town on the whole island. So, these people are so impoverished! Is that a work? My intelligence is deteriorating every day. Did I spell that right? Oh my gosh, I'm so dumb.
So, the people live in these homes with barely any water (let alone hot water) and basically no means to be self-sufficient. They are barefoot and their children walk around with torn up clothes and often nowhere to go. It's very communal so they all kinda raise each other's children. One great thing about the Fijian people (there are so many!) is that there is not an orphange. Why is this? Because when they see an abandoned child, they take it in as their own. Literally. Adoption is huge here and there are just villages with so many mothers and so many more children. And the kids? Oh my gosh, I want to bring them all home. They are BEAUTIFUL. Sadly I'm on an old-school computer and can't upload pictures but I promise that I already have a lot.
I lvoe the people and I love that Janey and I are teaching them that they can garden (we provide seeds) and either grow their own food or food to sell on the streets or in the market. And they are so happy to have us come teach them. I feel like other cultures might be stubborn or offended that people are coming to tell them how to live. But not the Fijians, they are happy to have us teach them what we know.
I love it here. It's hot as hell and that's okay. My hair is nappy and has only been washed twice. Sorry Ash.
Also, to those of you that I gave my phone number, I have to tell you something. We are about 18 hours ahead of you so think of that before you call me. :) Also, Saturdays and Sundays are a great time to reach me. Or after 6 pm my time.
I love you all and often wish that I had the people I loved with me so they could see all the wonderful things I am experiencing.
I'll be safe if you are too.

me

1 comment:

  1. i'm glad you're having a great time! i wish i would have taken you up on the offer! :(

    ReplyDelete