LAST DAY in FIJI

From Barb and Rhonda again...

We are tired but we are also sad to leave.

We had a "de-brief" last night. We started with worship and prayers. Then we shared put-ups, encouraging each other. I made sure to talk to a few privately to share how happy I was with their good behavior and leadership. It's good once in a while to talk to them when they are not in trouble. : )

Yesterday we went to two schools. The first was a primary/elementary school which has had a water filter for a year. We filmed an awesome interview with one of the teachers. She said she considers the clean water MAGIC. She said there has been no more sickness. She was so thankful. We gave a 30-40 minute concert for the elementary kids. Then we had the opportunity to play with them and talk. We have learned that many of the students want to become nurses, doctors, chefs and teachers. They work very hard. Many of them walk miles to school or catch a bus.

After that we went to a high school with some "rough" kids. David told us they proclaim to be Christians but were not walking the walk. We gave a full 45 minute concert. Carly testified and sang her solo. We have gone through all of our music, many so times we are sick of it! (like Praise His Holy Name). this seemed to be a favorite.

We have 3 hotel rooms extended so that we can enjoy the pool and have time to pack. We have really enjoyed this hotel and made really good contacts and friends for next time.

David and Elizabeth Reddy brought their 2 mo. old son last night and I enjoyed some baby time. It was awesome. They have agreed to try and adopt Grace from the Treasure House, the orphanage. We (Jeff, Barb and I) have agreed to help support them so they can raise this precious girl that we fell in love with.

So...we will be home later today (tomorrow for you).
Thanks again for your prayers--we feel that they have made a huge impact. We are coming home healthy, happy and tired.

Col. 3:17

Tuesday, June 8--Day 6

This is from Miss Latt and Mrs. Fleming.

Today we went to the district of Sigatoka and the village of Cuvu (thuvu)
First we went to the ceremony where the chief had to approve our entrance into the village. He welcomed us, thanked us for our gifts of groceries and blessed us. From there we headed off to Nadroga Navosa Provencial High School. This was a beautiful location overlooking the ocean. Though it was blistering hot, there was also a cool breeze. The students sat in the sun while we sang in the shade. There were ages 14-18. We sang a full program--both Gina and Missy got to sing their solos. they did a beautiful job. Lauren Marrs also sang the opening solo in Shine on Us. It was a full program where we sang a lot of songs because we were able to plug our sound system in. Testimonies were given today by Robby, Emilee, Alec and Gina. Missy also shared before her solo. They listened intently.

Then we went back to the village green to sing for some people. The men were sitting and drinking kava. We took one look at it and said, "no thanks." Wow, was it muddy looking.

It was now 2:00 and we were "starving". We went back to Chicken Express and had a healthy serving of chicken and fries. EWe treated the kids to ice cream at a local supermarket. Once they had ice cream we returned to the hotel. It was around an hour drive, but it was beautiful.

We observed homes on the water. There were pine trees. This area was called the salad bowl, where all of the fresh fruit and vegetables are grown. Can you believe they pay NO property tax unless there are in town.

Tonight we are going to Pastor Paula and Frane's house to enjoy her cooking and receive our handmade jewelry from Frane. Tomorrow we will sing for two schools in the morning and spend the afternoon shopping (gifts for you, no doubt).! Yeah, souvenir time--I am going through shopping withdrawals. I also severely cut back on diet coke. Just a few headaches later...I am doing well. Thanks for your prayers. I feel better, as does Travis. Keith had a great time surfing yesterday--an answer to prayer.

I am so pleased with all of the kids. Christina Saeed had a great servant's heart today. Miss Latt is so impressed to see them as mature young adults. They really are "good" kids, my kids and yours. You have done a great job!

We probably won't write again. We will be home before you know it!
Thank you for your love and support. What a great trip this has been.

Day 5

This is written by Barb Latt and Rhonda Fleming.

We have hit the halfway point and were very excited to get in our day of fun and relaxation. It was great to see the ocean. We knew it was out there, but hadn't seen it yet. :-) We headed to Port Denaru where all the excursions leave from. We boarded the Tiger IV and headed out to South Seas Island. The ocean is just beautiful; various colors of blue surround us as we sail out. We arrived at South Seas Island around 10:00. We didn't realize how small the island would be. I walked across it in about 2 minutes time. Tony kayaked around it 7 times that day.

Once we arrived, we got briefed about our day. Snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, parasailing were a few of the things we could choose from. Most of us headed out to snorkel. The water is as warm as bath water and the water so clear we could see to the bottom of the ocean. We saw many beautiful tropical fish, purple starfish in abundance, and a few of the kids saw an octopus. It was great just floating around staring at God's creation. As we were snorkeling, we saw a few of our kids and Mr. Fleming below us. They were scuba diving. Mr. Fleming managed to lose a fin, but fortunately David, whose been with us throughout our trip rescued it for him.

Lunch was next and it was terrific. Numerous salads, breads, and meats were served. The mahi mahi, chicken, beef and sausages were very tasty. We didn't spend much time on lunch though, since we knew our day would end in a few hours.

After lunch, many of the kids hung out at the pool as they waited to parasail. I'd say that was the highlight of the day for many of the kids. Mrs. Fleming and Miss Latt hung out by the ocean; just sitting in the water and chatting. A few times Miss Latt had to pull Mrs. Fleming closer to shore as she kept drifting out to sea.

As the end of the day approached, a few; Mr. Fleming, Gina and Mrs. Fleming got massages right there on the beach. Mr. Fleming said it was so relaxing to hear the ocean during that time. We were glad to find Mr. Fleming at the table, because he is so white, at times he blends right in with the sand. :-)

At 5:00, we boarded the boat and back we went to Fiji. We had reservations at the Hard Rock Cafe and all had a great time eating and talking. We finally got home around 8:00 and were happy to get to bed. Another full day ahead of us tomorrow as we'll be visiting 2 schools; one a village school where we'll be going through a ceremony. We'll report on that tomorrow.

We miss you all and before you know it, you'll be seeing us.

Day 4

This is written by Gina DeSon with a little help from Haley and Christina

James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

These last four days have been somewhat of a trial for some of us, but a blessing none the less and all of us have grown in our perseverance. Personally, I walk outside and I feel like I am drinking water when i am in fact breathing the air; I feel like walls are closing in around me, making it hard to concentrate on my mission here. I know that many of us feel the same, but we are trying not to focus on the hardships but instead focus on what we are here to accomplish.
This morning we started out with a quick breakfast so we could get a move on to church. We attended church at the Emmanuel worship Centre, a Pentecostal church lead by Pastor Paula Ragede. For most of us, it was not a traditional church service, the worship was moving, to say the least. It was extremely upbeat and every single person was dancing with the joy of the holy spirit. By the end of the worship time most people were wailing and/or shouting praise. One lady in particular was so moved by the holy spirit that she was laid down on the ground seizing; slain in the spirit. Being the first sunday of the month, we took communion reminding us of Jesus' gift of eternal life. After communion, we were up to sing. We sang "Praise His Holy" ( Karl and Kevin sounded like angels), "Give Me Jesus," and "Revelation 19;" and in the words of Flem "we preached through song." I know that at least one person was touched by our singing which is what makes the heat and the sweat worth it. Soon after church was over, we caravanned over to Pastor Paula Ragede's house for lunch made by his wife. It was a traditional Fijian meal with fish, chicken, corn beef, kasava, bread fruit, pineapple, etc. Most of us quite enjoyed the meal and we are all very grateful to the time that they all spent preparing it for us. After lunch we sat around and talked and sang songs; Pastor Paula and Pastor Dean answered our questions about their pentecostal church traditions. Christina's favorite part was the dog named Troy who ran around trying to eat our food and sniff us (while I found that unimportant, Christina thought it was a moving part of the day). We gave our gifts to Pastor Paula, including 2008-2009 Chamber Chorale CD's, youth ministry books, marriage books/DVD's, and Bill Gaither music. At 5:30 we loaded the bus again for church at Christian Mission Fellowship of Fiji. We expected something much like this morning, but we were pleasantly surprised when the "Youth of Fiji" performed some dances for the congregation. I loved the dancing and I thought it was a wonderful to worship the Lord in a different way other than singing. We sang Praise Holy Name (Tony and Alec rocked their solos), Great Divide ( Gina, Lauren F, Missy and Carly did an awesome job), "Create in Me" (Troy, the human, dominated his solo), and we all owned it in "Give Me Jesus." After church we headed for a healthy dinner at McDonalds and then back to the hotel for some R&R.

We would also like everyone to keep Travis in their prayers, he hasnt been feeling well today. He stayed at the hotel for our second church service with a fever and a stomach ache. He has take antibiotics and we all pray that he gets better for tomorrow.

Tomorrow we are heading out for an early morning to an island for a day of fun. We will be snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and even sky diving (keep those in your prayers). I know Mrs. Fleming has been looking forward to this day and is definitely in need of some relaxation.

And thats it for now, talk to you all soon. Hope all is well at home :)

Students are doing a great job!

Parents and teachers- you should be proud of the fine young men and women we have brought to represent Christ, SFC, and your families! They are wonderful!

Jeff Fleming, alias Master Flem

DAY 3 -- June 5, but to you June 4

This is written from Barb Latt and Rhonda Fleming.
Today started with a 7:30 a.m. breakfast and devotions by Haley.
David with Give Clean Water picked us up at 8:30 and we headed for Lautoka. On the way we observed people alongside the highway. We found out it is environmental day and all Fijians help pick up trash, bottles and cans.
We noticed more lush landscape and beautiful, big trees as we headed to the squatter village.

We got into our work teams at the international rescue center. We were given all of the supplies for training and installing the filters. Each of our groups were given approximately 10 filters to install with information cards and GPS maps. Mrs. Fleming's group walked a long distance over bridges, streams, muddy paths, rocks and wood. Alongside the roads were abandoned trucks and cars. Barb was taking pictures and got separated from her group. A local guided her back to her group. This was rough road in very hot, humid weather. I, Rhonda, did my share of slipping and sliding which of course, the locals found funny.

This adventure was like hiking in Hawaii on the dirt paths, but in these secluded areas were several homes made of aluminum siding, wood panels, drapes for doors and burning cans used for heat or trash. There were holes in the sides of the houses. Everyone walked barefoot. A local girl, Evia, helped our team find our way to 9 homes. Many Mothers /grandmothers were fixing some type of food for their family. The teeth of the children and women were so sad! It is a wonder that they are so joyful in their poverty. Clearly, they don't see doctors or dentists, as their teeth are missing or rotting. Clothes are ragged and dirty. We were received with smiles and open arms. The kids loved having their pictures taken and wanted to see the digital pictures afterwards.

What is a home to them, we would consider a room or big closet. Many times one building was sectioned off into 5 or 6 rooms and housed several families with many children. The majority of these families are Christian and attend the church at the International Rescue Center on Sundays. There will be as many as 50 kids and 200-300 people packing the church for 2 hours singing worship and praising the Lord. How sad in America that we cannot pray in our schools, but they pray and have daily devotions at school. No school is free=-=every child pays for school. Our guide, David, told us he had no shoes for the first 7 years of school. He dreamed of a bike but walked 3 km. each way to and from school.

Afterwards, soaked with sweat to the skin, our fragrant bunch headed to lunch to eat pizza. The team of Give Clean Water helpers and guides joined us for lunch. We gobbled down 10 delicious pizzas and lots of soda. We sang in the restaurant for all before we left. Everyone wants to hear us sing! We finally saw the ocean today on the way home from a distance (just in case you think we're here for vacation).

The kids headed off to the beach with Keith Robinson. The other chaperones are planning meals, logging receipts, going to buy groceries and relaxing.

Day 2 in Nadi, Fiji

This is Director, Rhonda Fleming.
Wow--it feels like we have been here a week already.
Today we began the day with a good breakfast at the hotel--scrambled eggs, o.j., ham and toast.
We loaded the vans at 10:45 and headed to our first school==Rofu Elementary School. They have 841 students. The kids came out and sat in front of their classrooms on porches. We did have a speaker so we could play our trax, but the kids were so spread out it was hard to hear them. We did our best. The kids screamed for us like we were rock stars. Lauren Fowler did a great job leading some kids songs over the mic. We spread out to help the kids learn them. then we met with their staff to demonstrate the water filters. We left enough for the school.
the filters will last 80 years and provide up to 4 million liters of clean water, taking out all but .1 micron of debris and germs.
Alec and some of the guys played Rugby with some of the guys. Andy raced with some of the kids--he said they were very fast.
The heat and humidity are stifling. We are really stressing for all the kids to keep drinking the bottled water to stay hydrated.
Then we went to the high school. It wasn't a good time to interrupt them. So we sang outside under a tree for the Senior class--approximately 400 200 students. They sat and listened intently. Emilee and Alec shared "what the Lord did in my life this year."
THEN they ALL sang for us. WOW. Even the guys sang--in 4 part harmony. It was beautiful. The choir director came over and introduced himself. We talked for a while. There are 1000 students at the high school. they sing together every morning during their daily devotion time. The military cadets come in to teach discipline. The school is run by the government and a committee. Oh gosh. It costs $180 Fiji dollars to send a child to school for a year. A year--imagine! Ready to move?
Barb Latt stopped in to visit a trig class. She says they were all working diligently on chalkboards and listening QUIETLY.
Back to the choir director; he's been their 4 years. He asked how much a pitch pipe is, so I gave him one of ours. He asked if we could get him some music of ours and of course, I said I would.He was very grateful.

Again, we left water filters for them. Kevin did the demonstration with David, the Give Clean Water guy standing by. he did a fantastic job and the kids loved it. We left enough filters for this school as well.

Exhausted, we headed to town for lunch.
We stopped back by the the Nadi School fWe went to the chicken Express and ordered buckets of healthy fried chicken and fries. We drenched ourselves with water.

or Special Needs kids to install water filters, and again at the Treasure House, the orphanage. There is a beautiful baby named Grace that I would love to bring home. Kevin said he was not good with kids so Barb and I handed him a baby and he did fine. Today the kids were jumping in a small swimming pool to get clean. All of the chorale kids loved the orphanage and playing with the babies and toddlers.

Back at the hotel we swam and cooled off. We met for dinner at the hotel and it was so delicious. Most of us had seafood or pasta.

Tomorrow is the water filter workday in Lautoka, one of the remote villages hard-hit by Cyclone Thomas. Then we are going to have pizza.

The chorale has been asked to sing daily for the staff of the hotel. People come out of the woodwork to hear them sing.
We also sang at the chicken restaurant.

Yesterday, Alec, Kevin, Missy Karl and Lauren F shared testimonies during the programs. Karl gave a great devotion over breakfast. Robby and Travis have been doing a great job with worship. Christina and Emilee are doing a great job with the p.b. sandwiches.
Overall, their attitudes are good, cooperative and willing.

Please pray for:
I have a wicked sore throat. I think it's from the hot-cold-hot-cold changes in temperature. Several others, like me, have a lot of bites--spider or mosquito, so I invested in some anti-itch spray today. Some are having more trouble than others with adjusting to the new time.

Sunday we will sing for two churches. Monday is beach play day.
Tuesday we will sing for more schools. They are keeping us very, very busy.

Tomorrow I will try to post some pictures. Technology here is a bit behind.

Thank you so much for your prayers. We are all having a great time and so blessed by the responses here. The pastor says 45% of the people here fall below the poverty level. But hey, since we were here in 2003, they have a McDonald's!

Blessings to you all!

Update Numero Uno

We made it safely! But we'll never experience a June 2nd, 2010. We arrived around 5 a.m. June 3rd and the weather was already humid so early in the morning. Later that day we sang to a special needs school and shared a few testimonies. Afterwords we got lunch at an Americanized restaurant. Then we went to an orphanage where we sang and played with the kids. It was really cool seeing everyone interact with the kids. We'll be updating you more as the days go on with pictures and such.