Monday, August 5, 2013

Fiji


We encountered a slight change of plans when we arrived in Fiji at 5:30 this morning.  Our flight to the Solomon Islands had been canceled due to mechanical difficulties.  The kids were fabulous throughout the entire change of plans.
 


So while we watched the beautiful sunrise over the mountains of Fiji, we also filled out paperwork and picked up all of our checked bags.  In response to the question left in the comment sections (I love it when I find comments!), our boxes are full of things like school curriculum for the 1st nine weeks of this school year and the last nine weeks of last school year, a village set of clothes and a Honiara set of clothes for each us, and yes, we brought stationary, too.  The books alone account for the majority of the weight.  I guess that's what happens when your kids begin to advance in math and science and when your whole family loves to read.  Thanks to a program that Wycliffe provides using recycled computers, we are also carrying computers for each of our Lavukal translators.


After we went through customs, we boarded a shuttle along with all of the other people who had hoped to be on their way to Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.  I felt especially bad for those who were on a World War II sight seeing trip.  Tomorrow is the anniversary of when the allied forces landed on Guadalcanal, and the American Memorial will be holding a special ceremony in the morning. Our fellow travelers won't make it to the Solomon Islands in time.
 


Around 8 a.m., we arrived at a pretty little resort in Fiji.  The airline is providing meals and housing for us while we wait for tomorrow afternoon's rescheduled flight.  I love the way God answers prayer.  Sarah has been saying all along that we needed some extra time in Fiji, and now we get a day to catch up on sleep and rest before we hit the ground running in Honiara.
 

 
This is the view from our hotel room.  I snuck in a little nap this morning, and now I'm about to read a book while Aaron and the kids swim in the pool.  We've been surprised at the cool and dry weather here in Fiji.  The Lord knew we needed just a little more time to restore.  What an unexpected gift!

7 comments:

Edi Morris said...

I LOVE that we can stay connected through this blog :) I love you guys! I thank Him often for you!

Anonymous said...

Stranded on an island in the middle of the Pacific! Well, if you gotta have an airline delay, this is definitely the way to go.

It means so much to be able to follow you on your journey, Jo. Thank you for taking the time to post, especially with the gorgeous pictures.

Love,
Liss

Bartokhound said...

Sarah the Seer! It happened! A stayover in Fiji! I think this is WAY COOL. I sure am sorry to hear of the other travelers who were delayed and did not want to be delayed. I am so happy for your family, though. Wunderbar!!!

Thank you for answering my questions about your luggage. I'm happy to know of Wycliffe's computer program. Neat!

Lots of love and continued prayers for your safe travels,

Jayla

quilt'n-mama said...

Praying for your time of rest in Fiji! Looks beautiful!!!
Hugs sweet friends!

The Hibbard Family said...

I love Sarah's wisdom and sensitivity and the way God confirms and affirms her in so many ways. And I love that she has parents who nurture that!

Beautiful to get a glimpse into your trip!

Herding Grasshoppers said...

Hurray for the "gift" of a mini-vacation in Fiji! And kudos to you all for taking it with joy :D

Julie

us5 said...

God is so good! hope you enjoyed every minute of the surprise vacation. :D and that you are safely back in Honoria and getting settled in again...

blessings!