On Yasawairara - Vakaraubuka ( Friday)

Friday
As the plane engine whirred and I felt the drag of the small wings increase, I had the first of my many "This can't be real." moments.
The flight from Viti Levu was short, uneventful, and in every way spectacular. I have never been so aware of the Lord's hand in creation than I have this weekend. After soaring over (what seemed like) countless pristine islands and glittering turquoise barrier reefs, we finally approached my new home away from home: The village of Bukama. Though, from the air, small and ordinary, this village would change my life. We touched down surprisingly smoothly on the grass airstrip situated between two mountains and were greeted by the resort staff... Or rather, the other two passengers on our plane who were going to the resort were greeted. For us, on the other hand, we waited and watched as the plane took off, then glided out of view. Leaving us just with the sound of the wind rustling through the coconut palms, and the hibiscus trees and the muffled sound of the new Yasawan-Fijian dialect buzzing through the excited locals around me. After what seemed like half an hour (the absence of civilazation-noise makes time feel non-existent) we retrieved some of the fresh coconut not used by the resort greeters and loaded onto a flatbed track racing chariot style behind the cab. This was my second "This can't be real." moment. With new birds large emerald trees zipping past us just inches beside our faces. Chowing down on fresh coconut with the smell of the sea, bananas, and fresh rainfall filling our noses. It wasn't long before we arrived at Bukama and dropped our supplies in Mosese small, but well kept home. With the, now, familiar woven-palm mats underneath me we began the first (family) sevusevu. We gave the gifts of sugar, flour, milk, tea, butter, and a dozen loaves of bread as we shared tea and first introductions.

After meeting Mosese's family and a quick stroll on the breathtaking beach, I sulu'ed up in the business-casual "wrap-around" sulu (as opposed to the suit-and-tie "pocket sulu") and we made our way to the chief's house. Typically, I've read, the main sevusevu service before the chief takes placenta ode the kings home and is very ceremonial. This time, however, we were invited in and I was asked to sit down in Yasawan. The chief, who I had been so nervous to meet, was then wheeled out in his wheelchair.
At first I was relieved and almost all nervousness was gone... Until he looked at me. His powerful gaze made up for whatever weakness his body may have felt. As we proceeded with the sevusevu, Mosese's cousin Sakarai (his English name is Zacharias) spoke on my behalf and said he would be taking responsibility or my actions. He also apologized in advance for if I would do anything to offend the village. After a short speech and introduction, the chief, or Tai (grandfather) as he's affectionately called, said I would be allowed to stay in Bukama. From then, it was all laughs and playing guitar for close to half an hour as Tai gave me some life advice. He asked my companions if I was married then asked, "Why not?!" He said, in Fijian (which Mosese translated for me later), that money will always be there for me (he could tell from my clothing, glasses, etc. that I was American), but that only two things really mattered in life... To serve Kalou (God) and to be married. After all, he laughed, "money won't be there to massage your shoulders later on!" He also gave me a new name. He asked my Enlish name, my Fijian name, and then gave me my Yasawan name for all to call me while I was in Bukama... Stini. Because in Fijian, Ositini means "10 horses" and, apparently, this didn't make muh sense to Tai.
As I was sitting and listening to this man's heart... Even though I couldn't understand his words, I understood his intentions: And they were good. He genuinely cared for me. He acted as if I had been his son for years and years and told me that he is always at his house and that I can come to him for any need at any time. Sitting and listening to the chief I teared up as I received a word from The Lord telling me to open my eyes and see my true "Tai". My true "Chief" sits in his house, always available to be called on by those who He loves. He offers protection, love, and acceptance to those who approach Him, and He gives us a new name for our new life including calling us sons and daughters. What a beautiful picture of my God I've seen in Tai!

After my sevusevu, we came back and took a walk around the beach. We climbed to highest rock between the two village beaches and sang and prayed over the village and our time spent there. After enjoying the sunset from the rock, we climbed down and made our way to the house where we put on our pocket sulus for the youth service at Mosese's church. At church I was acknowledged and welcomed as their guest and was asked to briefly introduce myself and say a few words of encouragement. With lots of singing and a sermon about the impending rapture of the church, the service was beautiful. The church is new and is not much more than wood framing, a sand floor (it is an island, after all), corrugated tin walls, and cinderblock and wood plank benches for seating.

After the service, the electricity was shut off for the day and I was immediately captivated by the brightest moon I've ever seen. I gazed up into the heavens and was blown away as the realization of where I was was beginning to sink in. After visiting with friends and family in their homes on our walk back, we arrived home for a chicken dinner! I didn't realize how hungry I was until we got back. After dinner we took another walk down the bright, moonlit beach and talked about the service and about Bukama and why we might be here. Mosese then I formed me that the pastor had asked me to preach at church on Sunday! What?! I'm glad he decided to tell me then so I could at least be preparing... However, without my ESV bible (I only brought my Fijian-English one that sounds like it was put through google translate a few times), and without the usual online study tools I can access this was going to be up to God. My mind still racing about Sunday, I gladly fell asleep on one of the only two beds in the house. I tried to protest, but Fijians are extremely stubborn when it comes to their selflessness. With the rest of the family sleeping on the mats in the home with myself and Mosese on the beds, I didn't wake up once until the morning.

(This photo was taken at night! A 15 second exposure + REALLY bright moonlight!)

Location:Bukama Village, Yasawairara, Fiji Islands

Cola Vina (Thola-Veena) - Weekend Adventure to the Yasawa Island Group

Bula... Or I should say, "Cola" (Thola) to all!

This weekend SI surprised me by giving me my time-off early due to the crowded scheduling of the upcoming teams... Thus, myself and Mosese, my SI compadre, will be taking an adventure to his island in the Yasawa Island Group shown below on the map!

Mosese is from an island in the Yasawas called Yasawairara. This island is said to be one of the most untouched/unspoiled in all of Fiji. It has one resort on it, but otherwise is only inhabited by 6 small villages--One of which Mosese grew up in before coming to Viti Levu (The big island) for high-school. We will be staying with his family and I will get to see yet another side of Fiji I've not yet experienced as Mosese is from a traditional village with a chief... Who I (shaking, I'm sure) will be presented to upon arrival. They will apologize for anything I may do wrong during my visit and we will give them gifts before they decide whether I am allowed to stay or not. I am SO excited! We will be bringing some gifts with us that are difficult to acquire for his family. Even things like flour and sugar are hard to come by when the island is SO isolated! They now have electricity (as of the last 10 years), though it is only available for a limited time during the day, and the drinking water is only collected rainwater. Even the water taxi we had originally planned to use doesn't run it's same route anymore so, through the Lord's incredible provision, we have charted a tiny plane (for less money than the boat would have been) to take us to and from the island! Vinaka Jisu!

The language, which has just been becoming familiar to me, will also be different (hence the "Cola" (tholah) rather than "Bula"). The Yasawans (who most Fijians refer to as 'westerners' ) use a different dialect of Melanesian which is similar in some aspects to Fijian, but throw in the throaty-"h" sounds associated with hebrew pronunciation, and the breathy-"z'"'s from slavic (russian and greek) languages... WHAT?! I'm so very excited as I've already been practicing the basics of this new dialect for the past few days.

Though this village is small and isolated, it still is, literally, centered around a christian church (not far from Mosese's house) and Mosese's family brought him up in the Lord. The same God you will all be worshipping this coming Sunday, I will be worshipping on a tiny, remote island in the pacific and in a different language! Amen! Or as they say here... Emeni!

Please pray for safe travels, divine appointments, and lots of fun, new experiences on the island!
Vinaka vakalevu ke lomani keida kece! (Much thanks and love to everyone!)

- Ositini (The Fijian translation of my name everyone refers to me as now :)

P.S. Sulus are becoming surprisingly comfortable.

P.S.S. I bought my very own "Nai Ivola Tabu" today! The Holy Bible, though my is a parallel of both English and Fijian! What a blessing! Even if I don't totally understand it yet, the word of God can now break the language barrier and I can now read to the individuals at our sites! Vanka vakalevu Jisu!!!!!

P.S.S.S. You can leave comments on the blow by clicking on the "comment" button below! Have a question you would like answered? Leave me a comment and I'll get back to you! :)

GCU Take 2 - 16 Days in Fiji!

I cannot believe it's already been over two weeks since I disembarked at the Nadi airport, not even knowing if my ride would be waiting to pick me up! Since then, so much has happened:
 - Successfully almost got deported, then was allowed to stay as of three days ago!! (Vinaka Jisu!)
 - Spent hour-upon-hour with "strangers" at the ministry sites, both American and Fijian but laughing
    like old friends just the same.
 - Taught my first few English classes using my "TESOL" techniques, focusing on reading and
    pronunciation.
- Spent a day on a tiny (100m across!) resort island just seeing the sights, snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing in a hammock.
- Tried all kinds of new foods, including the traditional "Lovo" feast where the food is buried with rocks and cooked underground for hours while wrapped in baskets woven from coconut palm leaves.
- Found my favorite local coffee shop.
- Laughed till I cried with the GCU team then bawled my eyes out when they left.
- I've learned enough Fijian to almost follow a church service, and I can ask people various questions about their lives and daily activities.
- I have grown closer and closer with the nationals within SI and the various individuals at each ministry site.
- I am learning how to trust the Lord in situations when I may be of use for His service.
- I am falling in love with Fiji!

The last 16 days have been among the best in my life! The Grand Canyon team was a huge Godsend. I couldn't have asked for a better first team to experience Fiji with! At the end of the week, they all surpassed the SI Fiji leaders by washing our feet. It was definitely one of the most emotional experiences during their time here, and one I won't soon forget.

I will do my best to sum up the last two weeks.
The first week of the GCU Team's outreach was spent with them choosing sites each night then spending the day there, then the next week they selected their favorite of the sites they visited and spent the week really investing themselves into the relationships--and service being done--at the site.
We had 6 sites for student to visit: The Mt. Zion Preschool and Kindergarten, A Women's Ministry for prayer and craftwork (2 locations), The Delana Lautoka Primary (Elementary) School (through junior-high), The Special Needs School of Lautoka, The Golden Age Elderly Care Facility in Natabua, and the Fiji Men's Correctional Prison also in Natabua.
Each day after visiting the various sites, the group would reconvene to share about special experiences or moments that had taken place that day. What an amazing time! Towards the second week we could hear familiar nationals' names being brought up for prayer or to share praise and growth reports. When we weren't at the sites or sharing, we we usually playing cards, group games like mafia, or singing and sharing testimony stories and laughs. Each day got better and better, and it was definitely hard to watch the teams leave their sites and the individuals they had become so close to. What a great season of growth!

Personally, SI Fiji has been amazing! When I get to visit the sites with the teams, more often than not, I will go with camera in hand and will work with the students--then step back and take some photos--work with the students--step back... etc. This means I get the unique opportunity to build relationships within each of the sites and with each of the students! The photography became a bit more demanding at the end of the 2nd week as I had a presentation to edit (I took over 2000 photos total!), put together, edit, polish, then figure out how to show the video to the 30 using a projector, a small portable speaker and a bed sheet! As usual, God saved the day and it all went off without a hitch! Vinaka vakalevu, Jisu!
I loved my first outreach as the media intern, but I'm definitely excited for the 2nd outreach team (a teams of 20 high-school students fro California) when my title will change just slightly... From media intern, to media-site leader! I will be assigned 2 students for the 2 weeks to travel to the sites with me, camera in hand, to document what SI Fiji is doing and the team serving during that time. We will work on photography, and will be shooting 2 small promotional videos during their 2 weeks. I can't wait!

A little about my changing perspective of Fiji..
Fiji is a place of value! Maybe not as most Americans might view it, however. The main export for the entire nation is sugar (easy to see why as sugar cane fields are EVERYWHERE!). Most Americans would think that their visiting and business helps support the Fijian community... How sad! While some things in Fiji are expensive, for the most part, in relativity to American destinations this is an inexpensive place. The basic needs for our SI classroom at our primary school MONTHLY is the equivalent of about $14. There is simply not very much money flowing through the communities here. How much of a difference the 4 million dollar yacht sitting in  the harbor could make 2 miles inland!
Despite the fact that they are, indeed, financially poor... I've never encountered a richer people-group! Rich in culture, raw talent, tradition, values, compassion, and most importantly they are rich in Christ! When my country director wakes up at 5 AM to pray and worship, just to beat the first Islamic prayer to ring out at 5:30, it quickly becomes apparent of the devotion these people feel towards their savior. Can you imagine if our church leaders did the same to battle the spiritual darkness surround American communities?! There are Muslims, Hindus, Buddists, Wiccans, and any other kind of group searching for the truth right in YOUR community, don't think you have to look to far for them just because you don't hear their prayers sounding from loudspeakers over American cities yet.
These believers here are firm in their knowledge of Christ. A true understanding of what is right, and what is wrong. Compromise isn't something they are, collectively, it seems, aware of. The churches are reverent, powerful times of worship and discipleship not coffeeshop-fellowship and fluff to keep the funding coming in. The speech is clean and non-degrading. And even the media is safe to watch with all ages as violence and sex are very taboo in the public setting. I knew that the Lord would give me a season of rest this Summer, but I didn't realize how much my heart needed a rest from the dirt that believers constantly sift through in the states. Wow. I've heard only one curse word during my time here, and it was from an American tourist, not surprisingly.

Daily life is very, very good here. Almost everything operates on something called "Fiji time". This means that, depending on the circumstances, weather, time of day, etc. Things may happen early, close to on time, on time, fashionably late, late, tomorrow, next week, or maybe not ever... But then again, the next phrase you must remember is "saga na alga" (santa-nah-langa)--theFijian equivalent of Hakuna-Matata--it means "no worries!" Everyday we may go to the ministry site at 8 or 9, and may come back shortly after lunchtime or ayeb just before dinner... and it's OK! If we do come back early, I usually enjoy a cup of tea and some fresh fruit while editing photos on the porch, doing teaching preparations for the next day/team/event, reading and journaling, or going into town by walking or by phoning a taxi to walk around and shop/explore. On the weekends when a team is not here, (it's turning out that there may not be many of those after this coming weekend) we are given time off the do our "own thing" within reason. Including cooking on our own, exploring town, etc. The Sunday sabbath, however, is reserved for one thing... Rest! The way things were intended to be when the Lord gave us the sabbath! Sunday is called the Sigatabu (singa-tambu) or the holy-day and is expected to be kept as such. All the shops (in the 2nd largest city in the country) close down, the busses run maybe once or twice rather than every half an hour, and noise within the neighborhood is kept at a respectful level. Often times, playing cards  is too much stimulation and is refrained from in light of the need for rest. Meaning Sunday naps are becoming a thing! Yes!

This coming weekend will be an off weekend and will likely be used for exploring a side of Fiji that I haven't seen thus far with my new friend, Mosese. I will keep you all posted on how our adventure goes! :)

I hope you enjoy the photos included below, and I pray you will continue to keep SI Fiji and myself in your prayers.
Here are some specifics to be praying for:

• Si Fiji
• Please pray for our local staff and site-leaders as we continue the work through the Summer. Pray for endurance and joy as we introduce new teams to each site and develop the relationships with those who are not believers at the various sites.
• Please pray for the sale of our non-running mini-bus. It had engine trouble a while ago, this we are forced to transport the teams around by hiring expensive bus-taxis to haul our service teams to the sites. The sale would mean we could begin looking for a new one to remedy the current situation.
• The next few teams will be large in number. Please pray for details such as bunk-space, transportation, and other details to be divinely smoothed over (as He often does for us) so we can focus on the true ministry of the team and their service sites. 
• Me
• Please continue to pray for growth and for me to be pushed further out of y comfort zone and further into the places the Lord has for me. I know He has me here for specific reasons, let Him use me for those purposes even when I don't understand them in their entirety from the start.
• Please continue to pray for my Fijian acquisition. I will say, this week more than ever, I feel as though I am beginning to "see" the language in the way I have "seen" the others I have tried in the past. It's difficult to describe, but one of the ways I can judge my growth within a language is whether I can begin to see and remember patterns to apply to new vocabulary words... This took place for the first time today--and without me even thinking about it! Yes, it was a simply phrase, but it was an unpracticed, out of the hat style question when I was in a hurry! With proper tense, "conjugation", and pronunciation/stress I might add! :) I almost cried. Haha! Vinaka Jisu! He is faithful!
• Please pray for boldness as I branch out into the Fijian community beyond those who are "definitely" christians, and ito the Islamic and Hindu realm. As I begin my Hindi studies and hope to visit the Muslim school later this month, please pray for the Lord's guidance and light to shine through the darkness.
• The Fiji Islands
• All 332 islands will be impacted by the upcoming governmental election in September. This will be Fiji's first Election, if I understand correctly, as they have been under military rule since the military coup. This is a bid deal for believers in Fiji as there are Christian, Hindu, and even Islamic candidates in the running! Pray, pray, pray!
• I heard today that Honolulu was the present Fiji 50 years ago. Wholesome, clean, and values-driven. I also heard today that Honolulu is now a festering tourist trap with scantily-clad individual (both male and female) promoting the party and LGQT lifestyle and rejecting the truth that used to be so easily found there. The individual relaying this (he just flew in from spending a week there) also  described a spiritually-dark feeling over the place. Pleas pray that Fiji will reject the compromise taking over the western culture and will remember the Lord when developing their future as a country. Vinaka. 

Again, I hope you enjoy the photos posted below, and I am so thankful for each of you who actually chose to read through this entire post ;), and who I can count on to be prayer warriors to lift up Fiji in your prayers for the Lord's hand to act.

Vinaka Vakalevu ke moce!

- Austin 

Day 5 - 1st Video Blog!

Team 1 - Day 1: Grand Canyon University

Wow! Vinaka Jisu! Thank you Jesus! I have made it past the first few days!
He has been faithful in restoring me and reviving me from a busy few days of travel and stress and has adjusted me to "Fiji (island) time" quite well. Here, time moves slowly and, unless otherwise stated, things can be early, on time, late, or none of the above... and it's OK!

Upon arrival, I had a smooth airport pickup and ride from Nadi to Lautoka (where I'll be spending the summer) where I soon met my SI Fiji Country Directors: The amazing Ratu Oska Vuki and his incredible wife Aralai. These two have already ensure my Summer to be one of learning from their wisdom and unwavering trust in the Lord for their needs. Their status as prayer warriors has also brought such encouragement to my heart as well as the other site directors utilized by SI in our outreaches. We currently have 6 sites in Lautoka that we work with. I will list the names of the site directors as you should get familiar with them for the following 10 weeks of blog posts. :) Our service-sites include: A Primary School directed by Master Apenise  (ah-pay-nee-say), a Special-Ed school directed by Sokoveti (Soko), Mt. Zion Preschool and Kindergarten directed by Ase (ah-say), two women's ministry sites direct by Rusila, (Ru) and a prison ministry directed by Mosese (Mo-say-say).
I am quickly learning how flexible one must be to spend any length of time in the mission field... Some days, our sites either won't have children in the schools (because of the water cuts or other social reasons), or we won't be allowed into the prison, etc... We are learning to trust His will for what it is (and the Bible says it is perfect!). Vinaka!

Everyone here speaks at least two--usually three--languages. Fijian is primary, while English and Hindi follow shortly behind. As for myself, the Lord is COMPLETELY blessing my learning of Fijian! I can now read it and not sound like a bafoon stumbling over the pronunciation. I can count to 20, and can ask various questions and can use all major greetings and polite sayings. Praise Jesus! He is faithful in all things!

Arriving to the 2 story, beautiful base camp just 1.5 miles from the sea-wall, it was more than I had hoped for (to be quite frank...)! I have a bed to myself, I have a shower (as of today, as the first 2 days we were under a "water cut" and had no running water or toilet usage within the surrounding province), we have private cooks who cook AMAZING Fijian, American, Indian, and Asian cuisine (and not bad mexican either!), we have a great team jointing us from Grand Canyon University, and most of all we have Jesus to light our way even when we can not see! In some ways, it's hard to believe I've already been here for 3 days... In others, it feels as though I've been here for many years as I am in the comfort of (what seems to be) "old" friends. I've never come into contact with a more genuine, friendly culture. One that not only embraces each other in peace, but also others who are visiting (even just visiting their store of fruit stand in the marketplace!).

The Lord is blessing us greatly here at 6 Ragg St. in Lautoka. We have many things to be grateful for, and yet we can always be in prayer. Please join us in prayer for a few various things:

- Upon arrival to the Nadi airport I was asked to clarify the intentions of my visit. They have placed me on a "time allowance" due to the fact that typical missionaries are only allowed to stay here for 14 days. This should not be a problem to resolve, but it requires a trip to the immigration office and a lot of prayer for a smooth fix and with not issues in that process. Thank you.

- Please continue to pray that if the Lord would like me to learn the Fijian language in this way that He would continue to clarify it in my mind. The Fijian people have been very helpful, but I will need the understanding that only comes through Christ to  get anywhere in these 10 weeks.

- Please pray for our group visiting right now. What an incredible group of people! Pray for safety,  understanding, flexibility, and community as we continue serving together for the furthering of the kingdom. Amen.

Blessings for now,
- Austin

P.S. A short description of the photo. In Fijian culture, the highest attire a man can wear is a "Bula Shirt" and a Sulu (man-skirt). This is considered suit and tie and is very formal and respectful to the sites we visit... Thus it is my new dress code! It's surprisingly comfortable and easy to get used to...Save the moments when a large gust of wind arises. :)

Good morning, good morning!

Slowly stirring...

Melodic sounds coming from new songbirds and parrots outside my slotted windows,

Dogs barking at each other down the street,

The soft playing of "Lord I lift your name on High" coming from somewhere else in the house,

Muffled Fijian conversation drifting in from the kitchen where our cooks are busy preparing Babakua (Fijian Pancakes),

From various sources across the city I hear the muslim morning prayer ring out in arabic, with Hindi close behind.

Finally awake, I feel the plane from LA to Nadi roar overhead on it's approach for landing... Our team will be here soon!

Ni sau bula vinaka! Yadra! 

(A very warm hello and Good morning from Fiji!)

- Austin 

(Bonus!! I wrote this post with this little guy riding on my hand as my assistant! :)

Ready or Not: Fiji Here I Come!

At last, that day is here! My bags are ready, batteries are charged, sunscreen is packed! It's actually happening! I'm on my way to Fiji! I'm actually sitting at my gate awaiting my first plane (from Denver to LA) to begin my journey to Nadi, Fiji! It doesn't feel real yet. In fact, I doubt it will sink in until I wake up on the plane tomorrow about to land on the west coast of the island of Viti Levu! I'm so thankful for the Lord's provision as He has already brought me this far... Now I continue praying that He will smooth out the details of this trip that my mind constantly is trying to plan out.

I will try to keep posting videos and photos whenever possible, so please continue to share this blog with friends and check back jenever you think of it for new prayer requests and updates from the island.
Thank you all for your support and excited attitude you have shared with me as I begin this new adventure.
Please continue to pray for ease of language-learning, the opening of hearts (including my own), safety, and for clarity of the Lord's will in the many experiences to come!
Vinaka!
- Austin

Location:Pena Blvd,Denver,United States