We then have an 1 1/12 truck ride to Savasava. Then we have an 1 1/2 hour truck ride with another couple to Labasa. The we go to the airport and fly 1 hour from Labasa to Suva Airport. Then drive a half hour to the training Centre.
On the way home , we take a half hour trip to the Suva airport , and fly to Labasa a one hour flight. Next drive an hour and a half to Savasava. Then we must stay overnight because the ferry only leaves once each morning. This time we had to stay overnight Sunday as well and take the ferry out Monday morning as their is no Sunday Ferry..After an 1 1/2 hour ferry ride and of course the taxi ride we got home about noon on Monday!
Elder Vermeeren points to the Big spider.That is as close as he would get. It had 3" diameter...
Proof that the world is round.
Soqolu Village close to our home.
Community Hut in Soqolu
Waterlilies near Savasava
Ships in Savasava harbour.
Lunch at The Captain's Table in Savasava with Elder and Sister Roth.
We arrived in Suva! The queen of Suva brings us Calgary Treats!
The course on Self Reliance" will be helpful to our Island.
This man hand carved us a Fijian Nativity set.
All those that attended the Training on Self Reliance in Suva.
Labasa is the Sugar Cane Capital of Fiji.
About 400 trucks wait up to 20 hours each to unload their sugar cane . This goes on for 4 months each year during the harvest season. They are open for deliveries 24 hours 7 days a week during this time. They crush the sugar cane to extract the juices and then burn the cane which creates steam to run the crushing machine.
It comes in by trucks as well as by trains.
The sugar cane mill.
Note the train cars in the distance.
Tractors also bring in loads.
Although all trucks are loaded by hand, they put a cable down the centre of each load. At the mill they can unload quickly, by pulling on the cable.
A locomotive that pulls the cars loaded with sugar cane.
The drivers have to wait until it is their turn to unload. They eat and sleep in their vehicles so they will not lose their place in the lineup.
Talking to the workers ...Underpaid and Overworked.
The girls play net ball. Very similar to basketball except if they get the ball, they cannot travel but must immediately pass the ball to some one else and there is no backboard on the hoop.
A vegetable market on the rivers edge.
More markets...
Local farmers bring their goods in to sell.
Most people in Labasa take the bus or walk. It is pronounced "Lambasa". It is a very busy place compared to Taveuni.
Busy.....Place......
The sugar cane trucks drive right down the middle of town 24 hours a day 7days a week.
Fiji Water comes from Labasa.....
These are called Billies. The transports items and people.
They are made bamboo ,they are cheaper than owning a boat.
Out to Supper with Harwoods and Roths.
Hand carved table.
A tent is assembled for additional class room space . the chapel is too small to accommodate everyone. The members are hoping for a new building to be built next year.
This sweet young lady is holding her little brother. Note his cool doo!
This little fellow was pleased to hold Elder Vermeerens pinky finger.
Our Zone leaders Elder Gunderson and Elder Utai. This is Elder Utai's last sunday . He will be going home this week. We will miss him.
The little ones mimic the Elders!
One our way home, Captain Sonja climbs on top of the boat to navigate. Her Father built this ferry 50 years ago. She continues to keep the business going.
Due to a communication problem, this is our new pool. Should have spent more time on the language!
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The trip home was quite a rocking experience.
Two people got sick.....Nope wasn't me. We have been SO BLESSED.
People waiting for the ferry .
Telephone booths.
Beautiful water lilies
