In Fiji there is a saying called “Fiji time.” Roughly translated by many tourists and foreigners, it means unpredictable bus schedules and slow customer service; but to the people of Fiji, it means slowing down to savor the fleeting moments of life and caring more deeply about smiles, conversation, and compassion than finely-tuned time tables. As we depart the country we called home for a month and look back, it is amazing to see how far we have come in learning about ourselves and finding perspective and appreciation for things wildly outside our comfort zones.
In our times on the island nation we grappled with deeply challenging experiences. We will never take flushing toilets, potable water, screen doors, or air conditioning for granted again. We will never forget the smiling faces, white sand beaches, and emerald green landscapes that took our breaths away. And we will never underestimate the power and beauty that lies in having open minds, open homes, and open hearts. We’ve learned that love, above all, makes the world go round, and that the greatest things in life aren’t worth having, but sharing. Tiny, barefoot village children taught us that the simplest things, a rubber band or deflated rugby ball, can unlock worlds of fun and laughter if you so choose to let them. We learned from village men and women that love is infinite; everyone can be your children and friends without compromising yourself. Most importantly, we came to understand that our environments don’t determine our experiences, our own attitudes and perspectives do.
Thank you Fiji for the life lessons, tans, and GI distress. Moce!
Liv Johansson