Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Why would you like to be chief?

During my stay on Vorovoro, I have encountered such a variety of wonderful people, and been a part of so many projects, I can think of no better way to spend my last month on the island than leading and helping my fellow tribe members prepare for the celebration of the third anniversary of this amazing project. I believe that my enthusiasm, and leadership skills are a perfect fit to help Team Fiji, and all of the Tribewanted members both on and off the island really put our heads together and make this celebration all that it can be.

I have traveled a long way with my family to be here on Vorovoro, and the 10 weeks that we are on the island will surely be some of the best 10 weeks of our lives. As a father of 3, I am already in a sense the chief of my own small tribe, and to blend the responsibility and honor of that role, with the honor and responsibility of being chief of my larger tribe would be an accomplishment I would love to call my own.

What, other than your skills, makes you he right person for this role?

Since arriving on Vorovoro, this island has felt like home to me. I resigned from a 13 year career, and brought my wife and 3 children all the way from Indiana, USA to live in this home for the next 2 ½ months, trusting that this place was exactly where we were supposed to be. I have a thirst for learning the culture of the local Fijians, and that thirst, coupled with the desire to share my knowledge and abilities with the people here, have already proven to be an incredible mixture for fun, laughter, productivity, and a mutual respect for one another. I am a good listener, and a fast learner, and not afraid to jump right in and get my feet wet. I have led and followed on several projects big and small in the short time that I have been here, and the fact that I will be here for a long period of time, has already ensured that I will be around to see the larger ones through to fruition. I have worked with Chuck on the Bio-gas project, and he and I have begun redesigning the collection tank for that. He and I have also redesigned the gutter system on the rainwater collection area, and repaired on of the holding tanks that was burned in a fire. I have helped weave coconut leaf roofs for 2 buildings, and have helped to furnish our home, the family bure, with new shelves that will be of use to the families that follow ours.

In part due to my recent resignation, and in part due to the contagious sense of pride for this project which is present here on the island, I find myself eager to get involved and do my part to help make this project a more inviting place for families, and other members to come and experience a part of the world that they can experience nowhere else. To be a part of this fills me with a wonderful sense of accomplishment and joy, and I am loving every moment I am here.

What would you like to achieve as chief?

As chief, I would like to make some changes that will make things flow a bit better here on the island with a larger tribe present, which will be the case in August. I would help to redesign and build a new system of bins for the recycling and rubbish, as the current one is collapsing and can be improved with a couple of tweaks. Another project I will be working on is the tree house. With all the coconut leaf weaving that has been going on here, and my children’s affinity for the tree house, a new roof and some updating will be some welcome changes to that structure. Other projects would include preparing the island for the big celebration in September, making sure that the grounds are fresh and clean, and that the materials needed for the celebration are all here and organized. I would also like to promote this project more to families. My kids have bonded so well with Team Fiji, and the other members, and they have also brought a sense of wonder with them that seems to be contagious. Without all of the everyday distractions from back home, and the endless supply of new adventures, this is a great place for the family holiday.

How will you spend your legacy?

After speaking with Jim and realizing that this has been cut while we ride out the world recession this is not available. But there is a little pot of spending money that we can use for the progression of the project.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I have been employed at a car dealership for the last 13 years, working my way up from an apprentice technician, to a Parts Manager.

I have 3 beautiful children, ages 10, 8, and almost 5, and that career has always gotten in the way of my enjoying my time with them. I am currently enjoying the second of 10 weeks on the island with them and their mother. This trip to Vorovoro is a jumping off point of sorts for my family, as I put in my resignation 1 month before we left to come here, and I am putting my focus back on my family, and following my heart to a life that will be much more fulfilling and rewarding than the one we left behind before Vorovoro. Our 10 weeks here will be the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, and, I am certain, a new level of connection for each of us.

In one sentence, why should the tribe elect you as chief?

Together, we can make a mark in the Tribewanted history book by electing your first Tribal dad and welcoming the entire “First Family” into this pioneering project.