Foxes in Fiji

As some of you know, we spent our spring break in Fiji.  We had the opportunity to go with the Mullett family from Westcliffe (pictured below) who has invested a lot of time over there helping put in fish ponds for two ministries.

 They are then able to eat the fish (Tilapia) as well as sell some for income.  Cool idea.  We were unable to help with the projects as much as we hoped to due to the timing being off...the local excavator was a day and half late, etc.  Let's just say local Fiji people don't live by the clock quite like Americans do. Here is a pic of the ponds before the liners go in...

We were able to spend a few days at the site of one of the ministries called Homes of Hope.  It is a place for unwed, young girls to come, have their babies and then stay to be counseled and cared for.  Most come from abusive situations or from a village where incest is very common.  I enjoyed talking with many of the girls...some who had arrived just recently and others who were ready to go after having been there for a few years.  They were so confident and ready, so thankful for Homes of Hope giving them love, a sense of value and purpose.  Giving them tools for being a good mom.  Educating them on what is okay and not okay - how to say no in hard situations.  The leadership there is doing a fabulous job of really investing in these young girls, helping create a new future for them.

They have also started a school on their site, for the kids of the moms living there as well as for some of the local children.  Emily and Sydney LOVED being with all these Fijian kiddos and jumped right in playing with and loving on them.  They even got to take part in their school day. Syd said, "Mom, they are learning the same vowels we are learning in Westcliffe!"  Imagine that.

Classroom shot...

Notice my two white girlies in the mix??

Helping in the pre-school room...

Recess...

Emily really connected with the kids. I saw a beautiful side of her at Homes of Hope.  Willing to hug, love, play despite the differences.  The shot below was taken with in 5 minutes of being there.

Jeff of course shared his silly side with the kids, including a rap or two.

Picking a banana right off the tree...

The moms spend time making bead necklaces that they then sell for extra income.

Emily with two girls her age and our final shot of our time there with their "favorite" little boy.

We had time to play, too. 

Went sailing and snorkeling which was a highlight.

The water was an amazing clear, bluish, green. 

Even saw some dolphins on the way

We arrived at this remote quiet Fiji Island called Musket Cove.

Ate lunch then played on the beach before heading back on the boat.

This is what you get when your 11 year old has the camera...

The Fox Gals just chill'n with some natives.

We spent our last few days at a beautiful place right on the water.

We had a great Easter together.

Jeff did a sunset devo...the backdrop was stunning.

Emily and Syd with one of the local ladies selling her hand made items.

The girls spent endless hours swimming in the pool our last few days...

So glad we were able to go and see and do all that we did.

It was a meaningful time for all of us to see another culture and to remind the girls there is life beyond Westcliffe. 

Jeff returned home and spent a few days with the interns as they enter into their final 5 months here at HC.  I will let him write next to fill you in on all the happenings here at camp.

Blessings to you each of you....

Leslie