Report 3 – Emmaus in Fiji (posted Saturday 26 July)
written by Claire Jago - your (other) roving Emmaus journo in Fiji!
Bula!
Here is another quick update on the first Women's Emmaus Walk in Fiji !
On Thursday Night there was a great spirit floating around the room at the registration amongst the pilgrims. I'd like to call it joyful anticipation, but they aren't meant to be anticipating. Naughty. There are 22 pilgrims on this walk and some of them are the wives of the men who just did their walk, or the wives of men who have done their walk in Sydney. So obviously they have been told to look forward to their Emmaus experience.
Please pray for Karen Fowles from Brisbane who stepped up and became an ATL at the VERY last minute on Thursday night because one of the Fijian ATL's mother became very sick in hospital and had to stay with her.
The Friday report was that some of the team members are battling a little sickness and/or having difficulty sleeping. But the walk is going well! Everything to plan so far … yay!
The Saturday morning report however is a little more disconcerting. They have run out of water at the campsite. The only water access this place has is water tanks and it hasn't rained in Fiji in a while, so they have had to get the Fire Brigade to take water out there but apparently they didn't deliver enough! This is actually quite serious because they can't use toilets, showers or kitchen facilities. You really start to realise how much we take for granted in Sydney. No one seems to be stressed too much about this, you don't stress in Fiji! God will provide I have no doubt, but your prayer would be much appreciated.
Otherwise, all things are going to plan. I'll have more exciting things to report after the dinner tonight and candlelighting!
As for the shenanigans of those not on team at the moment, we are all doing very exciting different tours around Fiji. Some people have been right around the Main Island. Some are lazing about the beach or visiting nearby towns/villages. Others are searching for WWII gun emplacements that you need a little Indian girl to help you get to because they're well hidden in 2 metre high grass and weeds. That was certainly an adventure! We are continuing the devotions in the morning which is a lovely way to start the day and the Greshams from Queensland had us all over in their apartment last night for dinner which was great! (we just had to bring our own fork, plate and cups) Everyone appears to be quite moved from their time in Fiji. It has certainly been an eye-opener for most of us. I think Australia and Western culture has much to learn from these people! There is one Fijian word that I have caught onto quite quickly here that I think encapsulates a great spiritual lesson that Fijians have pretty much mastered. I don't know how to spell it so I'll write it out as you pronounce it – seng-a-ni-leng-a it means “No Worries”. You don't whine, winge or worry, you get on with the job and work it out knowing God's got it covered!
Much love and blessings to you! Thank you for your prayer and thoughts of us over here, God is certainly moving through us all!
Claire Jago xo