Sunday in Fiji 🇫🇯

We woke up this morning to a beautiful day; bright blue skies stretched as far as the eye could see, framed with mountains to the south and rising sun in the east. Walking out of our room, we were greeted with the burning sun marking the hottest day of our trip so far. We went to breakfast and had some amazing chocolate cake. Then we took a short walk down the main road to the local church and we took a seat in the back of the church. It was a wonderful experience, complete with beautiful singing, prayers and hymns. The preacher asked our group to volunteer a chaperone and a few students to speak on behalf of the group to the entire congregation. Jarrad Phillips, our fearless leader spoke accompanied by Sarina Jassy, Nick Miller and Lia Redfern. Jarrad encapsulated all of our sentiments and echoed the discrepancy between wealth in the United States,

and the overwhelming wealth of joy and happiness in the village of Raki Raki. Lia described the village as a second home for all of us, and we left the church feeling like we never wanted to leave.

After leaving the church, we returned to our room and cleared the floor of mattresses and sleeping bags to choreograph a dance for our ceremony at night. Led by Sarina Jassy, we all learned a two minute group dance to "Despacito". 

After learning the dance we went to lunch and then played spikeball and cards for a few hours. After that our entire group joined in with the locals in preparing for the luau taking place that night. We peeled roots and shredded coconuts. We braised the chicken and placed it in palm fronds which we then braided into elegant knots. A huge fire was built and we placed the food in it then covered it in banana leaves and tarps to keep the heat in. 

Later that night we all met for our last dinner together. After some wise words from the rugby coach and the principal, we all dug in to the food. For our nightly entertainment we performed the dance choreographed by Sarina to such excitement that we actually performed it twice! After watching some more dances and singing, we left the school to return back to our rooms. It was a long day, but filled with happiness and laughter. We spent so much time with our new friends, playing games and dancing, and enjoying the wonderful hospitality in Fiji. We are sad to leave the village tomorrow and the love and friendship here, but we look forward to the trek ahead and experiencing more of this beautiful country.