Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Another Monday arrives with a mountain of events to blog about, and I wonder how the previous week has slipped through my fingers again. But so it goes; the hours become days, days become weeks, and I face the strange reality of sitting at the laptop again!

This week was another of celebration. After two years, the man with the patience of a saint and the heart of a lion opened the doors of his new home, Uluinakau (meaning Everybody), to the tribe and Team. Tevita’s new bure is complete. A Trojan effort last week saw the last of the bamboo walls being erected, the vines beaten and fixed in place, and a beautifully landscaped garden sprung up in a matter of hours. Sevusevu last Tuesday took place in the Team Fiji village under the trees, and was followed by the blessing and official opening of Tevita’s abode. Tui Mali was the guest of honour and untied the ribbon at the bottom of the path with a flourish. It was my honour to then lead the tribe up the path and across the threshold. I had not bargained for the photo opportunity that followed as Tui Mali, Tevita, Ura and I sat proudly on the mat and posed for countless pictures, all of us beaming from ear to ear. It was an exceptionally happy day for all, and one which I know meant a great deal to Te. He found it hard to explain to me how important this was to him, but it was evident when his in-laws came to the island to visit for the weekend, and invitations were sent out for Sunday lunch. We’re also eagerly awaiting the first visit from his parents before Christmas. Uluinakau is clearly the new place to be It’s also, unfortunately for Jim, right on Eremoni’s doorstep, so he’s having to get used to Te’s deep throaty snoring and some late night clapping that’s resonated from the grog sessions!

Last Monday saw the beginning of another long-awaited project – the reinforcement of Poasa’s foundations. The foundations were originally built using cement mixed with sea water and have needed replacing for a while, so The Likely Lads (Taniela, Sosi, and Tale) got to work this week. I didn’t manage to get down there myself, but judging by the photographic and video evidence a healthy mix of work and play got the job done. Boys will be boys ;-) Quite whether Labasa can supply enough cement, based on the gargantuan size of the new foundations, is under question and causing Pupu much mirth. Other action down in Poasa’s village last week included upgrading the chicken coop and catching 27 fugitive foul! Two new tribe members, Michael and John, got stuck in on their first day and bonded with Mateo and Tucana, racing through the jungle at dusk knocking sleeping chickens from the coconut trees in to nets!

Following the positive result of the online vote, Pupu and Ben have headed up the Waterfall Crew this past week and work has started clearing the land around the natural basin. We’re stocking up on supplies this week from my Chief’s Legacy budget, and I’m delighted that we’re able to proceed with this much needed project during November. Alan ‘Wind Turbine’ Kelly arrived this afternoon, eager to discover the actual contents of his crate of supplies, so it looks like it’s going to be another busy, productive week!

So, as the rain batters the ecotricity hut and my stomach wonders what feast awaits tonight, I leave you to your Monday mornings and wish you a wonderful week!

this space for Te’s next blog. Coming to a PC near you later this week![/i]