Our Golden Oldie mermaids, Jill in the water and Ngaire on the ledge chatting at Uprising Beach Resort

An authentically Fijian Tourist resort, Uprising, at Pacific Harbour, an hour south on the coast was to be the much anticipated ‘holiday part’ of the mission.

The Uprising staff, and especially Kelera, treated the Golden Oldies like royalty ensuring their every need was cared for. The team enjoyed resting under the palm trees, walking the beach, swimming in the sea and resort pool, exploring the local shops and reading.

A day trip to a remote Island, included the only Village living there providing a traditional Fijian

Trip to Yanuca Island

luncheon cooked in a Lovo (like a hangi cooked above ground with food covered in coconut and banana leaves to steam cook the food), talking with the village people, swimming and snorkelling on the coral reef. “I’m 80 and today I’ve just been taught snorkelling, how wonderful!”

Mike, Shaa, and the team form ‘Fishing Charter and Pleasure Cruises’ looked after the team as VIP guests, even lifting some onto their launch. Another wonderful day out and the island looked just like those tourist brochures we see, they’re real!

Hosted by Holy Family Church at Waidradra, Pacific Harbour

The Golden Oldies were also warmly hosted by the Holy Family Church at Pacific Harbour for a Church service on the Sunday, followed by a Village luncheon afterwards. Father Demesi and his people even built a ‘community hall’ outside their church on the lawn for the occasion.

The team finished the Resort time reflecting on the mission and the personal transformation it was bringing to our own personal lives, and how to respond to partnering with the Churches in Fiji going forward.