Our trip to the villages of Waya in the Asawa Islands off the coast of Viti Levu has been eventful from boarding a large boat full of tourists on holiday to various islands to our own wonderful experiences in a beautiful setting on a sandy beach. We were greeted by a pastor's wife, with fresh coconut milk and fruit, then escorted to the home of the village chief for a formal greeting, island protocol for guests, and his welcome to his island with a coconut shell with a traditional island drink passed around for a token of friendship...
We've also been assaulted by local demonic spirits featuring headaches, food poisoning, dehydration, diarrhea, fever, chills, colds, and a broken ankle. We will not back down from what God has called us to do here. We have been used by the Lord to pray for families and individuals who are tormented by spiritual forces trying to hold people in darkness. While in a small on the other side of the island we participated with the entire community in laying a foundation for a home a new pastor will move into soon with his family.
Darrel has able to catch a few fish, John upgraded some much needed plumbing repairs, Sephanie conducted children's activities, Joe led some kids in ball games, Mark shared his balloon creations while his son, Joshua, led children around with his beach ball. Sally was sent back to the main island with a broken ankle she incurred while on a trek from one village to another in a very strong rain storm. She will be undergoing surgery in Australia. We were able to pray with several villagers during our outreach visitation to homes.
Newer village housing uses a mixture of concrete block and tin to resist the strong hurricane and cyclone winds which we are told occur every year to varying degrees of force. Many still reside in the traditional indigenous grass bure construction. These use natural resources for whomever wants to build a home; last about 7 years in good weather; and are more comfortably cool in the tropical heat. There are limited conveniences such as electricity, modern bathrooms, Nordstroms, Starbucks, and we couldn't find a Mexican restaurant or internet service anywhere... but there's an abundance of fish and kasawa (starch) for every meal. Without kasawa one cannot survive. We are okay without coffee because we have "cup-a-tea" time here every day. Ever wonder what "island fever" is all about? Is that like cabin fever? Maybe we should ask the village nurse.
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