Hello from the village

For the last week we have been working in the village and living with our homesteads. Upon arrival, we were introduced to our new family. That night we participated in the Fijian ritual of kava drinking. Over the next couple of days we lifted sandbags, learned to make cement, and hammered shoveled and wheelbarrowed. In other words we learned to really appreciate modern machinery. We also celebrated Kathleen's birthday. After work she was adorned like a queen, set at the head of the table, a sung to by many of the locals. However, for the last couple of days it has been very rainy, and thus we were forced indoors many times. Overall, the last week has been a change of pace for most of us who are used to our cozy American lives.