Tribewanted: Vorovoro

When we decided to leave behind a lucrative but soul sucking 13 year career last spring in pursuit of creating a more intentional life for our family, we decided to use an extended stay on Vorovoro as a springboard into our new way of living. Little did we know when we arrived on Vorovoro’s shores that rainy day in June how this little island and the Fijians who live and work there would change us and capture our hearts forever.

How quickly we felt at home, within days we found ourselves and our children swiftly accepted and integrated into our new Fijian family. The rhythm of life on the island seemed to match our own internal rhythms, and we moved in and out of activities, projects, conversations, celebrations, and chores with fluidity and humor. We were happy to join in the hard work that keeps Vorovoro running smoothly, and even happier to experience the playful and joyful spirit in which tasks are completed on this happy little island. Immersed in a culture that values community and cooperative spirit over excessive productivity and perfectionism, we found ourselves letting go of Western bred tension and anxiety, and slipping with ease into more joyful and authentic versions of ourselves. We watched with full hearts as our children blossomed before our eyes, confidently finding their own way in a foreign culture and community, succeeding in making connections and friendship, putting forth hard work and then experiencing the communal benefits and appreciation for their efforts. We all grew in ways that we never expected.

So, now those life changing 10 weeks are filed away among our most cherished family memories, and we have set forth preparing for the next leg of our life’s journey. We are grateful and thrilled to be chosen to lead the project into its fourth year. To employ the dedication and love we have for the Tribewanted Project and the Fijian culture is a natural expansion of our Vorovoro experience, and we are eager to return to do our part in fostering and creating a unique cultural exchange experience where everyone belongs.