Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Bula,

Flash Update!!!
We had piglets overnight! Four piglets must have been born during the early morning storm. They are as cute as can be. They were shivering and huddled under the shelter. We provided new grass and some t-shirts (not that they were the right sizes) for their comfort. They all look well, but what do we know about birthing pigs.

Let me interject here. The blog did not get out due to another cyclone that prevented us from going to Labasa. The winds were horrendous. The rain was torrential. The vale was soaked and everyone moved to the great bure and slept. I was huddled to the far side of my bure in case the roof went. It creaked and groaned with each gust but was very strong. Everyone rushed to build better protection for the piglets. Ropes were tied around roofs. Shutters were made for Tui Mali’s house and other windows were boarded up. Then we just listened to the storm. Apparently Labasa is without power and the schools are closed. The river flooded like before. Again there is a lot of clean-up to do.

Well the month is over. It went very fast. Don’t feel I got a lot accomplished with the cyclone and heavy rains that kept us indoors a lot.

We started weaving new roof panels for the sustainability hut. We gathered palm leaves from the palm that was taken down by Pupu and Poasa. We carried them back from the village and began weaving on the lawn under the direction of Poasa. We each had completed one then the rains began and we continued in the big Bure. We finished 26 in the morning. We did very well for beginner weavers. We all felt that we got better with each one we wove. Poasa looked at each and made a few corrections to tighten the weave, we were a handy bunch. Thanks to Mikko, Jerome, Kevin, and Lottie for all their help.

We’ve all been listening to all the reports that are coming out about Tribewanted since the Paradise or Bust program has aired. The interest extended to Fiji Times and the schools are excited to meet these strange tribe members. We went to the Mali District School to deliver out books and book bags to the students. I did me educational magic show as well as other magical effects. When I had completed our inside show we went into the school yard where we set off a soda pop geyser. Then we did a second one to the thrill of the kids. I then told them that I had brought some snow from Colorado and placed a magical powder in each ones hands. The laughter and cries of delight as the addition of water created a burst of snow in their hands. Then someone suggested they throw it in the air and it was with great gusto that snow showered down on the heads of the Fijian children. What looked like snow clung to their heads and could be seen on the ground and in the flowerbeds. I couldn’t tell if the head master was as thrilled as we were playing with the kids. I’m sure they had a time settling them down after we left. We headed back to peaceful Vorovoro.

The tribe was invited on to a lovely evening tea party for Mila who was turning 21. She works in the office. We had a lovely time with tea and a number of different cakes. We went to Francis’ home and were treated to lovely singing by her and her family. Everyone was invited to their church on Sunday and some Tribe members did attend their service.

We had a fair weather day and were able to take the Tribe wanted sign to the airport in Labasa. They are trying to hold the sign down on its trip there. Kathi did a great job on the painting. You will see it when you arrive here.

The tribe members got our chance to go to Survivor Island. When we arrived Va began picking up snail like creatures in the sand and digging for clams. She collected a pots worth you can see. She soaked them in sea water with them climbing up the sides trying to escape their fate. They were pulled from their shells and cooked for a yummy part of dinner. Save smoked the clams with palm leaves and ate them as well.

Giles has arrived on Vorovoro from England and suggested that we tackle the four peaks trek. The day was dry so a good time to try since the weather has been wet so often. We headed out with water and cameras. I wasn’t sure I would make the climb, it was a bit hard for an old woman like me, but I surprised myself with the climb. We made it in 2 and a half hours. We were back in time for lunch. Good job everyone! Who knows what we can accomplish. Giles has a great expression for getting us all motivated. He encourages everyone and when we succeed he says, “Looks like you’ve been doing it your whole life”, with his quaint British accent. Well done to us all. I conquered another of my fears climbing along a cliff that dropped into the ocean. If my friends could see me now. Sadly I’ll be leaving Vorovoro soon and the good friends I’ve met here. I do hope to return to this island paradise and share the experience with my family.

Vinaka