We just got home from a friends daughters 16th birthday party. The age 16 is a big deal here and the celebrations are quite formal. We love this family and we love learning more about the culture when we are invited to join in their family events.

Susu and her daughetr Siteri -wearing special decoration around her neck.

Pastor Tony and his family were seated up the front with the birthday girl.

We spent 4 days away at a conference with 50 students, where Tony spoke on the book of Colossians. Was a fantastic time - I loved getting to know some of the people that Tony sees pretty regularly and Ethan enjoyed teaching them how to ride a skateboard. Lots of fun.

 

Today is Palm Sunday - the week before Easter and it is a big deal here in Fiji. The streets are lined with people walking along with palm leaves and larger parades and singing is another feature. At our church, the kids were involved in a small play before they marched down the aisle singing
'Hosanna". Looking forward to our student conference at Easter "Jesus is enough" where Tony is speaking on Colossians -reminding us that Jesus death and resurrection was enough -we don't need any "spirituality" or "religious duties" to get us right with God. Will do a blog on that next week -meanwhile here are few pics of this mornings service -with Ethan starring as the donkey!!

We just got back from a super week away with mum and dad - and now that the 5 loads of washing are done, we're feeling very relaxed. Mum and Dad, on the other hand, WILL be feeling relaxed once their plane leaves Nadi -4 hours after it was due. Oh well, better to find the mechanical faults before take-off, I guess. Anyway, was unreal to see them and chat in person even though it makes us miss them even more -here are a few photos of the week.

Ethan and one of the fire-walkers

Visiting a local reptile park

One of Ethan's night adventures with his Dad

Building a fish-house with Moses

First time paddle-boarding -didn't fall off once!

Banana boat ride