Today marks the end of our trip. Since our excursion weekend, we have accomplished so much.

Everyone had the opportunity to explore a small part of the Fijian culture and lifestyle through their independent projects. Some were interested in fishing, and they had the opportunity to go hand fishing or spearfishing. Others were interested in interviewing some of our new friends in Navakawau; they were able to talk with them about all sorts of different aspects of the tree of life and the lifestyle as a young adult in Navakawau. Waste management, the impacts of religion, handcrafting, and health and medicine were some of the topics that the group was able to learn about.

During our first week, the boat from the big island of Viti Levu was ordered to stop shipping from the Fijian government due to not being up to current regulations. This stoppage of shipping routes impacted food and groceries on the island as well as our service project supplies. Unfortunately, the non-rusting binding wire was not able to get shipped because of this but the group was able to finish everything other part of the fence! This included digging and cementing all 80 wood posts and 40 metal posts, rolling out the chain link, installing metal wire, and painting every post in alternating colors of blue, green and red. The group finished early so we were able to paint recycled old tires as planter beds for the school.

With the projects all finished up, we joined the community for the farewell ceremony on Thursday morning. There are few words that can describe the farewell ceremony with justice. It was filled with sadness, happiness, sincere love, and sentiment. After only a few short weeks, our small group of people from around the world became part of the Navakawau family. We shared so many experiences and the group was always shocked at how much love and care our new family could give to us. Different members of Navakawau gave speeches about how much they will miss us and that we will always have a home in Fiji. The children sang us a song and gave us handwritten cards filled with heartfelt words. We all were able to give our own speeches to our new family about how grateful we were for their kindness and care and love.

After the ceremony concluded, we all had lunch with each other. There were all of our favorite Fijian foods on the table! The group sat around, talked, and ate with the community. Even though it was raining a bit, there was laughter and fun. The children performed different Fijian dances and at the end, Andrew, Arata, and Nolan surprised the group by joining in on the last Meke Dance!

After the festivities, the group got a chance to relax before dinner and then went to a dance with some of the other high school students. Once it was all finished, and after an emotional day, the group was ready to get some much needed and well deserved sleep. The next morning we began to pack and clean. We made cards for the people who were close and dear to us, thanking them for all of the support and care throughout our time in their home.

When the transport arrived, the school children left their classes and surrounded us with handshakes and hugs. They jumped and tackled us as we were saying goodbye. The group struggled to leave both physically and emotionally but eventually we were able to get into the transport and begin our journey home.

The return home began where our journey started, at Maravu. The group went back to the Bouma National Heritage Park and hiked through to all 3 waterfalls. We saw purple crabs, a wonderful view of Taveuni, and we were able to jump into another waterfall! The next day we packed up for our flight to Nadi. Our time in Nadi is very different from our time on Taveuni, as this is where many tourists come and the group immediately recognized the difference between village life and life in a small city. The group reflected on our time in Navakawau and know that it was an experience we will never forget.

Our last day in Fiji feels surreal. A lot of us feel as if we are getting on a flight to go back to Taveuni, but know that we are going to our old homes. We will never forget our time in Navakawau, never forget the love and the care we gave and got, and never forget the friends and family that we gained. Each one of us gained something different from this experience, and we are all set to carry on forward with our own journeys, though each one of us will remember those three weeks that we spent together in the beautiful country of Fiji.

It is just a farewell, never a goodbye. Until we meet again.

Vinaka vaka levu,

Arata I.
Daniella B.
Diana R.
Eli M.
Eva H.
Fiona D.
Haily R.
Hannah L.
Maria N.
Monica W.
Nolan G.
Ruby S.
Andrew S.
Gaby S.