Jan 8th

Fun in 2016!

President Alafi and Elder Vermeeren prepare papers for our next Missionary leaving from Taveuni.

Pretty Flowers and Pretty girls!

A Resident Crab!

Summer flowers are everywhere!

We are visiting Bobby's Farm today. He has a bird sanctuary, an incredible virgin tropical rain forest, an organic garden and many other  points of interest. He is showing us a seed that nestles in a fern like material.

He was fun to spend some time with.

His property is 100 acres in the Vuna area. He has the only Tropical rain forest in a drought stricken area. This is pretty incredible to see. 

He tends it continually and is proud of his accomplishments.

He takes school and island visitors on guided tours. He is very knowledgeable about the plants and birds here.

Not only did we get a drink of fresh coconut milk, but we also had a reed straw made from a natural vine. 

This soap was made from a plant leaf .

It foams up into a gritty lather .

The fresh coconut is a jelly textured treat eaten with a spoon made from the shell.

The forest is very dense, with many twisted vines through out. Quite a site.

There are many species of trees and hardwoods in the forest.

Bobby has prepared a path to protect the undergrowth. This is very rare for Fiji.

This area is untouched with beautiful moss growing up the vines and trees. This is how it looked before settlers arrived.

The tree seeds are gigantic.

The vines that hang from the trees have  one way spikes that will hold up items , but must be released in the opposite direction. This makes it easier for the vines to climb up the tree barks.

The air is fresh and so breathable. A slight mist is in the air.

There are several different varieties of fern leaves . 

Some of the Trees had huge diameters like the redwood trees on the Oregon Coast.

Very unique trunk formations.

Clusters of moths and other insects everywhere.

He showed us many interesting plants.

This is a seed for a tree that provides water to drink.

This is the large pod that contains 10 - 12 of those seeds.

Again the vines demonstrates their abilities.

Lush, moist, with thousands of shades of green.

This sponge coconut is a tasty treat.

I haven't figured out how to put the photos in order yet, so we'll take a break , and pick up the Elders at the boat. 

This man is getting the boat rope on the end of this buoy. We thought he might fall in but he got it!

Elder Dunn waves Hello!

We welcome our missionaries back to Taveuni with a sweet treat.

Sister Fanene.

Elder Mclean

Sister Malito

Elder Dunn and Elder Afatasi

Elder Jonutz and Elder Amisone

Elder Jonuts again.

Elder Amisone

Elder Vitiarai

Elders Dunn, Mclean, 

Afatasi and Jonutz

Hey, Elder Amisone got a parcel!

Bari the Pet Parrot is spoiled. He will only eat warm food that is spoon fed to him!

Elder and Sister Vermeeren had a great Day!

We Loved visiting the Tropical Rain Forest.

Mushrooms growing on the tree bark!

A Pear Tree ( But we didn't see the Partridge)

We did see an orange dove. Which is only found in Taveuni Fiji!

This is the female.

This is a Rainbow dove.

This is a king fisher.

We can't remember what this one is called but he is beautiful.

These are the little piggies we stopped for as they crossed the road.

The leaves of this plant make soap .We hope you have a great day!