This post features student writing.
Work day on the construction site
Today was my second day on the work site. I was excited to dig some more holes after a great day yesterday working with Jim, Abel, Sina, and Paul. I teamed up with several of the other Putney students to dig more holes for poles. The digging was going well, and the weather was overcast, which was great since it wasn’t too hot. Oftentimes, there would be large rocks in the ground that we would have to dig around and then pull out. I think that’s a lot like life. You encounter some rocks and you have to work your way around them, but eventually you can pull out the rocks and just keep on digging, moving on. Around 11 it started pouring rain REALLY hard, and the schoolchildren came out and helped us find shelter from the rain. While avoiding the precipitation, Eli and I talked to some of the kids (Lisi, Vito, Scooby, Sarah, Maria, Sia, Roman, Louis…) and had a great time. They showed us a health test they had taken at school, and I was surprised to see that it was the exact same information that I learned my sophomore year in Indiana. Even though we come from such different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life, even trivial things like this can be the same. Later, one kid pulled a prank on me by putting a fake poop toy on the ground. We all had a good laugh until Eli put it on my head and I screamed 🙂 Normally, I’m very nervous around children because I don’t have a natural talent with them but today I genuinely enjoyed myself and had a really great time. I realized that they’re just like me in a lot of ways: a little shy and reserved, a little scared, but determined to learn and connect with others. Once the rain stopped, it was time for lunch. Another thing I really appreciate about this place is that even though plans may not play out the way they’re intended, this time due to the rain, people are able to go with the flow and adapt without stress nor worry. I could definitely get used to island time!
— Hannah L.
Today my task was at the kitchen, which was a nice break from the work site. The schedule stated, “Wednesday: vegetable curry/stew.” On our walk to the kitchen we found Peli, who is the cutest kid! He doesn’t talk much in English but makes a variety of noises, and he followed us into the kitchen with a frisbee so we played for a bit while the guys set the fire. Looking around the kitchen we noticed how they had metal strapping to prevent hurricane winds. I learned that back in the United States strapping is a common building practice but they only started adding them here after cyclone Winston a few years ago. After the fire was ready, we asked how we could contribute and they gave us breadfruit to peel and then cut into pieces. We quickly realized how different our cooking habits are since we struggled to peel and cut the breadfruit. However, we did it, even if it took asking a lot of questions. We got to sit with the women in the kitchen and chat for a little bit. They told me how chicken curry was their favorite thing to make but they usually make whatever is available in their homes. They finished cooking the food we helped prepare and we (Dani, Arata, and myself) set the tables for the children to go and eat.
— Diana R.
Coconut weaving workshop
A little after 2 PM, we made our way to the tent for a workshop on weaving with coconut leaves. The brother of the chief of Navakawau, Lai, gave us a demonstration while explaining the many uses of the coconut tree. We were amazed because there was not a single part of the tree that they did not use and each part had various applications. Aside from the milk and the flesh, the nut of the coconut can be used as cups, as we did in the kava ceremony. The leaves can be woven into various objects including baskets, the wood can be used for timber, and the thick fiber can be made into utensils or other useful objects. After we finished practicing our weaving, Liti showed us how they used the tree to entertain themselves as kids. We had fun forming glasses, watches, pinwheel, bracelets, etc. Hannah was all decked out, flexing on us with her Coconut Tree designer wear (Aw, haha thanks, Diana). We were all experimenting with the leaves and it was a really fun time. It was so refreshing to joke around with the Fijians and have some lighthearted fun while learning something new. Liti explained to us that when they were children they made those toys out of the leaves, and it was interesting since back home most children’s toys are store-bought and plastic. Liti said that most “toys” here are made from natural materials on the land since many cannot afford supermarket toys, and they aren’t available. To see people living in such a self-sufficient culture makes us reflect on all the superfluous items we have in our daily lives and serves as a reminder of how fortunate and privileged we are to have small luxuries like these.
— Hannah L. & Diana R.
