Island Time

Bula! Greetings from Fiji!

Everything in Fiji moves on island time without rhyme or reason. This morning we were abruptly woken up from our bunk beds by a staff member because the boat came two hours early to pick us up. Despite that scramble to pack our bags and run to the departing boat, we have had a brilliant time island hopping and staying on Bounty Island reading, snorkeling, kayaking, playing ping-pong with the locals, swimming and making news friends from all over the world. Some of these people not only gave us helpful travel advice, but plan to meet up with us in other stops on our trip.

We have also been lounging poolside, trying our best to avoid mozzie bites and being hit by falling coconuts and mangoes- which are delicious by the way!

Nick has made friends with a local named Sam, a lovely, toothless old man with an affinity for ping-pong, dancing and playing his home-made percussion instruments. To my amazement, almost every female backpacker I've met is traveling for at least a year, has a backpack the size of Nick's (how they carry them, I have no idea!) and has packed every earthly belonging they own it seems. Watching them unpack reminds me of Mary Poppin's bottomless bag, it's a mystery. Most travelers mistake my pack for a carry-on, the irony though, is that my carry-on weighs more than my pack with all the essentials I am carrying.

Without divulging too many nitty-gritty details, let's just say we've quickly learned to sleep in our own sheets we brought, re-wear dirty clothes and do without luxuries like shaving or a shower. Even still, we still feel rich compared to the locals. It's difficult to comprehend the poverty here when tourism is booming and even the hostels charge relatively expensive prices.

Another lesson learned- don't use 99% Deet- the bugs still eat you alive and it literally melts your nail polish off and any other plastic it touches. It works better than my nail polish remover back home.

All that aside, the islands are magnificent, (400 in total around the west coast of Fiji- all with unique scenic beauty) truly God's creation at its very best! The endless coral reefs, colorful fish, sand sharks, clear, warm waters...are a sight to behold. Fiji reminds me a bit of Hawaii and Costa Rica due to the hot, humid, tropical climate with regular rainstorms keeping the vegetation lush. Men here wear skirts, which suits them, because as Nick says, "Most of the island men here are beasts, so no one will mess with them!" Think NFL linebackers.

The staff on Bounty Island also sing to visitors as they arrive and depart on the shuttle boats and also entertain us after dinner which is really fun (including dancing Sam.) We are learning so much from the people we've met and the things we have seen.

Three bottles of sunscreen down, we are now off to Auckland, New Zealand where we plan to tour the city and hopefully do a quick trip to the Bay of Islands before flying to the south island.

And We're Off!

To say I am elated about this trip would be the understatement of the century. This adventure started as a dream Nick and I shared when we were dating, back then it was only an idea. All these years later, it's an actuality and we are finally leaving today.

The question I am often asked is a good one (and a tough one as every stop on the itinerary thrills me to pieces), "Where are you most excited to visit?"

Other than seeing his family in England, Nick's answer is India. Mine is actually Kenya. In reading about Africa, hearing stories about it through my close friends who have been there on mission trips and through researching the country, I have developed a heart for its diverse wildlife, pristine natural beauty and people who are so full of joy, despite the poverty they live in.

The older I get, the more I feel humbled and realize how little I actually know. I am also learning about what really matters. I think the Kenyan people have something to teach me, perhaps more than I can give back to them by helping in the short time we're there.

When you strip away fancy cars, large houses with backyard swimming pools, gaming consoles, the internet, shopping malls and the creature comforts of the western world- you are left with simplistic facets to find happiness in: family, friendships, community, cultural celebration through song and dancing... the things we often overlook when the big game is on tv or we have too much on the to-do list (yes, I’m guilty too). Now I understand it's easy to have the focus divert from the clothes you wear or what to buy next when you don’t have the means to buy anything frivolous and have to focus on survival instead. I'm not suggesting all Americans throw out their tvs and give away all their money. I just personally feel in Southern California, it is easy to become distracted by the superficial, to join into the rat race, to want more, more, more...because we live in tremendous comfort and convenience compared to the rest of the world.

I am looking forward to not wearing make-up to events out, wearing what is clean and comfortable versus what would look stylish (sorry Nick, I'll try to match) and stepping outside my comfort zone to taste foreign delicacies, learn new languages and local customs... and also to grow in appreciation for how good we have it back home in California.

I find that traveling clears my head, gives me perspective and helps me look at the bigger picture. It's easier for me to hear God away from all the distraction of the minute, trivial, even stressful details which so easily fill a calendar.

My aim is for us to learn something from each place we go, each culture we encounter and to return as individuals who have grown spiritually, psychologically and perhaps physically from the look of our heavy backpacks. I want us to enjoy the simple pleasures of trying something new, exploring and discovering the fascinating world around us and also enjoying each other's company.

If you have it on your heart to pray for us, please pray for spiritual growth, God's guidance in planning our future and also physical safety as we travel. We will give you updates as the trip progresses.

God bless!

First stop-Fiji!

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Nick and I are off to Nadi, Fiji, where we will be taking a boat to Bounty Island. The island is primarily occupied by a youth hostel offering bare-bone amenities (we're talking no ac here) at somewhat reasonable prices, at least for a hostel located in tropical paradise (please see photo to the right).

I plan on sailing, becoming in a prune by floating in the clear water all day, ready on the shore and kayaking. That to me, sounds like a slice of heaven!

Let's be quite honest here- I am writing this pre-trip and photos aren't always all they're cracked up to be on the website. Then again, I've been to a few places in the world where a photo just wouldn't do justice to the natural beauty you see in person. That being said, I will report back and let you know. And you can look at our photos to make your own judgment.

Hope you each find a bit of paradise in your day back home!!