Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Where to start? You’ve had many chief reports, and all of the excitement and feelings of being overwhelmed are true and then some. So, instead of repeating, I’ll just touch on some of the more unique moments so far…

The handover ceremony went swimmingly – held in the new vale, which was decorated beautifully. I must say that Chief Jimbo has been an absolute pleasure. And I’m so glad to have him on the island for a couple of weeks, not just to be my wingman but also to be my main advisor (case in point, walking into my first kava session without a sulu…lots to remember being back on the island). I gave Tui Mali a Kodak photobook of pictures from 2007 during my two trips to the island as part of my sevusevu, and he seemed tickled by it. As there is more and more attention on the project, I hope it will be handy for him to be able to show people images from our little village.

The next day, a typical busy Wednesday, with Giles in Suva doing some marketing, Carol thrust a cell phone in my hand, saying that emergency numbers were on the kitchen wall, but I wouldn’t need them, and wished me good luck before she bustled off to coordinate three boat loads of departures, arrivals, and the presentation of Jimbo’s new map at the All Saint’s School. No sooner had the first boats left, dear Marau hit his head badly while dashing out of the bure (note that all doorways are low in Fiji, as you’re meant to bow when entering and not run once inside). A big gash and lots of blood later, Cheryl Wilkins and Laura Kyle kept everyone calm, while taking command of first aid, (Cheryl all the while adorably apologizing for touching Marau’s head), and off they went to the hospital. Jim went by taxi with Marau, who is doing just fine with 10 stitches and a fancy shower cap to keep the wound dry when it rains. Whew! I ended the day by offering grog to the boys and letting them know that even though we got off to a rough start, I am so excited to be back and working with them. Tevita, as always, guiding me on proper protocol.

A couple of random bits: having my dear friend, Elana, on the island for the first few days was a real treat. Turns out paradise comes with a price – and for Elana, it was the mozzies and the composting toilets. The island, I realized, is a bit like playing Chinese telephone – things morph and change, and it’s hard to remember why, with all the changing of people. So, while we used two scoops of sawdust in the loo in September, it’s been 1 for a while – and I think there’s just too much liquid, thus the smell. It’s not awful, but it’s been better; we’re back to two scoops and we’ll see how it goes.

The SolLight solar lights have been AMAZING. So, if anyone is coming over, please do bring more. They’re incredibly bright and really versatile. We used them in the sustainability forum we had last Thursday, which made for a lively discussion about reusable bottles and such.

The waterfall shower has been wonderful. Now, I realize, when I head rain, I don’t mind so much, as it means a good wash in the waterfall awaits (this said, though a few brave souls went on an expedition to check out the source of the falls and found that, as can be expected, there’s all kinds of leaves and possibly other creatures in there). It’s a fast flowing set of falls, though, so I don’t think there’s much to fear. But Paul Jay, who has been a vocal and knowledgable member of the tribe, wisely suggests we get some basic water testing kits, that we could do ourselves on the island…anyone?

A special shout out to Linda who has joined us bearing some great gifts, including an awesome camping firestarter, which basically just creates sparks. This works terrifically in the kitchen and won’t wander off because you can’t use it to light cigarettes! So, again, if anyone is looking for small gifts, more of these would be appreciated. Linda also brought musical instruments, and you cannot imagine how happy Pupu was with his shiny new set of harmonicas. We’re all playing with rhythm eggs and tambourines now, to make up for our lack of singing skills compared with the Fijians!

I don’t want this to be a huge ramble, though it’s turned into that
but the projects are rolling along. The vale should have bamboo this week. We’ve been making brooms in the meantime from the palms that were used to decorate for the ceremony. We’ve only had one good bone dry day, which we need for the zaishu painting, but we’re ready and waiting. And planting and landscaping continue. We harvested an amazing large pumpkin/squash, which we’re eaten and shared with Poasa’s family. Loads of cucumbers coming in, peppers, and tons of papaya. Bananas soon!

So, with that, I leave you. We have tons of new arrivals this week. Just picked up 4 in town, more on the way, and rumors of a past legend arriving are circulating; stay tuned!

Moce!
Marama Kazoo