FIJI HIGHLANDS

The Reproductive Health Team did outreach this week to Bukoya, Nanuko and Nausori Highlands.  It was my first trip to the interior of Fiji.....I am thankful for the opportunity and it was a great trip to end my service at Viseisei.  We did an outreach day, night educational session and spent the night at the Health Center at Bukoya.  The next morning we did an outreach to Nanuko - buses don't even go here!!  The village women served a beautiful organic lunch before leaving.  Travel is mainly by horseback and they grow most of what they eat.  Simplicity is a way of life.

A NEW ADVENTURE.....

We have been very happy in our little "home" by the sea......
   We are moving to Suva!!!!!  Suva is the capital city.  I will be working with Maternal Child Health at the Colonial War Hospital and Joe will be working with the Ministry of Health and the National NCD Advisor at the Wellness Center.
   We will miss everyone more than we can ever say....our Viseisei Family have made our lives so special and we are forever grateful.  With much love and joy we leave for the next adventure........

Global Handwashing Day!

Today we were in Matawalu Village for Outreach.  It was also Global Hand Washing Day!!  Every year there are about 1.7billion cases of childhood diarrhea worldwide and the simple act of hand washing with soap can reduce the risk.  Germs don't like soap and water!

                                                  "Savata na ligamu
                                                    E vei siga
                                                    Ni Bera na Kana
                                                    Mo Bula Vinaka "

We learned about germs and sang this Fijian song as we washed our hands!  Thanks Warren for my favorite song!

Meanwhile, Joe and the NCD team were in Lautoka cooking healthy soup for 500+ Boy Scouts in the pouring rain!!!!

Joe, Ben, Namrata and Sheetal

And then we had the the Rural Women's Fair in Nadi where we did pap smears and breast exams.  On the 15th of October every year, we celebrate rural women's contribution in strengthening agricultural and rural development, improving food security thus alleviating poverty.  In Fiji, as in most parts of the developing countries in the world, women participate in farming, taking care of livestock, providing food, water and fuel for their families. We celebrate rural women and their valuable contribution.

28 DAYS......

BEAUTY TREATMENT....in preparation for our trip to California..... (maybe a good day at the spa and a little wine might be a better idea!)
......every night I put virgin coconut oil on my hair!!!!  My hair has gotten very thin and this will supposedly thicken hair!!
Every night I put fresh papaya on my face....Papaya enzymes promote cell regeneration for youthful, radiant skin!!!!
Seaweed high in iodine aids elimination - essential for inner cleansing and well-being.  I signed up for a detoxifying body wrap!  In Mau village they dry seaweed, boil it and then make jams, creams, drinks etc.!
   Joe and I are striving to get rid of most processed foods.....eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.  I have tried tamarind leaf tea, hibiscus tea, and lemongrass tea that grows in our yard. It is mango season here again and I just made chutney.  Joe makes a great bruschetta and dhal soup..... I am trying to get rid of Diet Coke and drink Fiji water with moli.......look out kids when we get to San Diego!!!!!
   We walk everyday, do Heather's back exercise routine, meditate and laugh a lot!
   Wellness is a healthy mind, body and spirit.
   Jeanne, I promise we will have steak, baked potatoes, beer and wine!  Joe is ready for tennis and male bonding!!!!  We both can't wait to meet Matt and hug BOYS and GIRLS!!!!!!
So keep laughing and we can't wait to see everyone....lotsa love......28 DAYS AND COUNTING......

SANDY POINT

This weekend the weather was absolutely beautiful..... lotsa sun and blue skies......we headed to Sigatoka for a Cancer Society function.  They were celebrating one year and we were invited to attend.  They are planning a hospice room for the future.  I will try to explain cancer care and treatment in a future blog.  Anyway, we caught the bus to the airport and then the bus to Sigatoka.  Mary M met us for lunch.
   Sandy Point are individual beach cottages on the sea - simple, inexpensive and quiet.  We bought a bottle of wine.....

   This week we are celebrating breast cancer awareness, hand washing day and Rural Women Fair in Nadi.  Joe is working with 1000 Boy Scouts and developing merit badges for cooking, backyard gardening and exercise.  He is cooking Thursday night! ( Where are you Pat Childs????)

   I have my suitcases packed!  California here we come....we cannot wait to meet Matt and HUG everyone.  Four weeks and counting.......

HAPPY FIJI DAY!

Joe and I were happy to spend Fiji Day in Barara, an Indo Fijian Community and in Viseisei Village, an ITakei village.  We sang the Fiji national song as they raised the flag, ate great food, met wonderful people and had a great day.  We are thankful to share this day in Fiji.  Unfortunately my battery was dead on my camera!

PICTURES

The MANGO tree in our yard!

Lovo.... a feast!

 Salwaar Kameez......  Stores are preparing for Diwali.


                                  Fiji Museum in Suva.....

 Changing of Guard at the President's Home in Suva.....

Visiting Mary....  She is making an aerobic DVD with Fiji music and dancers.

SUGAR FESTIVAL IN LAUTOKA...

Women's Sport Fishing Fundraiser for the Cancer Society..................

                                                                     DAN....our neighbor.

Aki

                     

 A Success Story....Viseisei Primary First Walkathon to promote wellness in their school...

WILL AND REBECCA

Will and Rebecca are new Peace Corps volunteers from DC.  They spent 3 days with us during their HVV.  It was fun and we wish them well.  Can't wait to go to their "Swearing In" and visit them in their new site.  Project Denarau was a tough assignment!!

New PC Volunteers in Mau Village.....Joe is teaching about diabetes.....Sangeeta and I taught about breastfeeding.....Welcome Group 90!!!!

BRAVERY

My brave sister just had brain surgery to remove a cancerous lesion.  She also received gamma knife radiation treatment and hopefully the cancer is at rest now.  She and John are going to Santa Fe and Durango this month and coming to California in November.  We can't wait to celebrate the day!