Hello everyone!

We are back in Suva getting some work done and enjoying the city luxuries. Island life has been wonderful as usual, but lately we have been feeling the pressures of cultural differences. Gender roles have always been somewhat of a challenge to fall into, and we always seem to be trying our best to set a new example of equality in a relationship. This year seems to have brought an increase in domestic violence, primarily spousal abuse, and as sensitive as that issue may be we are trying to figure out ways to educate and make some change. We knew aspects of living in a new culture would prove difficult, and we just thank God that we have each other.

We are finally feeling like we are falling into a bit of a routine

and it's starting to make the days really fly by us. We taught a nutrition series together in the 8th grade and had so much fun laughing at each other because of all the kid's blank stares. We have also started our Saturday class for all 25 of the village kids.

So far we did a physicl health class where we taught them the hokey pokey, a little yoga, and played 20 games of freeze tag. We also did an adopt a tree class and the kids just loved it!

We went from tree to tree where Drew taught them about the differences and they did some climbing, and collected the seeds. Then everyone collected a plastic bottle from the beach and they each picked which tree they wanted to plant. It can be quite challenging with the kids all ages from 2 to 12, last time we had the waterfall effect where 4 of the youngest ones started a cascade of crying.

It is such a blast though, and the parents love the break.

Liss had a fabulous 25th birthday complete with a Betty Crocker double layered yellow cake with Chocolate frosting (compliments of Drew's fire baking skills). We actually found a cake mix in Suva at a big supermarket and real frosting. She took a run with Tave in the morning to watch the sunrise, and then we all hiked to Liku Beach to watch the sunset. Drew made a big sign, and built a table out of bamboo for her present.

The weather is starting to cool down a bit and the mosquitos are beginning to dwindle. The garden is healthy with beans, eggplant and the corn has just sprouted.

Malakai (Mala) has been over everyday pestering Tave, and eating all of our peanuts (he loves them!).

His Mom is always beating the tapa cloth so he's allowed to roam freely- which usually means he finds his way to our house. He's still not talking, but we have a feeling he's going to be a chatter box when he learns. On this particular day he showed up naked, and I walked in from the garden to find him riding Tave like a horse. Drew has been successful in monitoring the reef in front of our village (the main fishing area) and is already seeing an increase in more fish and octopus in the taboo fishing area. Melissa has been busy since we got a new nurse on the island and they have been planning a workshop, and a grand opening ceremony for our new village dispensary.

We completed a few project proposals this week so we are hoping they are accepted and so we can get some funding and start on some bigger projects in the village.

We hope everyone is healthy and doing well! We miss you all!

"Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory!"

Little Pita here knows all too well what Gandhi means by victory!