Tribewanted: Vorovoro

We had a lovo yesterday. It was a day of celebration; of thanking all the fijian workers that have contributed so much to this project in the past year; to welcome the returnn of Bengazi for christmas; to say a big vinaka to tribal staff in general. Yesterday was symbolic, emotional, joyous, overwhelming, intense. Yesterday, for me, captured the essense of how we are united as one community. How every individual has benefitted more than we ever imagined from being part of Vorovoro, and Tribewanted.

During the kava ceremony, Tevita, Poasa and Pu Pu all made emotional addresses to large gathering present. It is truly humbling how beautifully and openly fijians can express themselves. The only thing preventing me from letting go and allowing the tears to flow was a photographers camera lense in close proximity to my face, taking snaps for a future article. But mostly, there wasnt a dry eye in sight.

The whole day was made even more special by the presence of shedloads of children with boundless energy, free to play with us becuase school is out.

We also nailed the meke, which always gives everyone an adrenaline high. For the girls meke, we even had the pleaseure of a star appearance from boat captain Johnny, complete in one of Frances’s dresses, joining us for some hip shaking and hand waving.

The grog flowed, and the harmonies floated for the remainder of the day. We even found time for some impromtu christmas carol singing…..!

It’s at times like these that i need to remove myself for a moment, to sit and reflect about what we have achieved; what we have experienced; and how i personally have been affected so hugely by my relatively short time on the island.

How can we ever stop coming back to wonderous magical perfect little Vorovoro?

Moce for now,

‘Lisi xx