The Fiji-Israel Connection
During my 1995 visit to Fiji, I flew to the island of Levuka and from there to a truly enchanted tiny island that offered very simple accommodations in a magnificent setting. I have described the place in my blog on November 13, 2008, called By the Sea in Fiji. This excerpt continues there.
I had planned to spend only two days on the little island, but I went back to Levuka on the motorboat to change my ticket to Suva so that I can spend two more idyllic days as a total “beach bum.” We sped through water that kept changing incredible colors — deep blue, aqua, aquamarine, turquoise, stunning green. I spent the afternoon back on the island in the tidepools, discovering creatives I’ve never seen before.
This tiny resort is owned and managed by the church of a village on another island. They invited us to come for Sunday service. Their church is still under construction. The children sat on mats on the floor, the women sat behind them, and the men sat in back. Believe me, sitting 1 1/2 hours comfortably with crossed legs takes training from childhood!
The singing in the service was first-class, practiced and harmonized. The children sang a rather complicated piece. And then they asked us to sing. We were prepared for this beforehand. My singing repertoire is quite limited, so I had suggested to the others that we sing a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells since that had worked well for me in the Mongolian yurt. Our little international choir consisted of Greg from Germany, Barbara from Slovenia, Tanya from England, Patty and me from the U.S.
I said the Hebrew word shalom to the Fijians gathered in that church. I explained that it meant, “hello,” “goodbye,” and “peace,” which is what the Fijian soldiers in the United Nations are trying to bring to Israel. I remembered seeing Fijian United Nations soldiers when I lived in Israel, and had wondered then why they were willing to risk their lives for Israel. I felt grateful to all Fijians represented by those in that small island church surrounded by the sea. After the service, we shared a feast of many kinds of freshly caught fish superbly prepared.
This is my last night in my homemade bura next to the sea. I’m not adept at finding constellations, but the Southern Cross is gleaming brightly in the sky. When I need to remember what perfection in life means, I hope I can bring alive the velvety water, the warm breeze, the rustling palms, and the myriad colors.
Tags: Travel, United Nations Fijian soldiers in Israel;
