Visiting a Senior Citizens Home in ex WW2 Army Barracks looked a sad prospect from outside the security gate. Yet the warm welcome from Senior Nurse, Sister Neelam, reflected the feeling throughout this peaceful place. Comprising of 51 residents of which 20 have psychiatric disabilities, along with others with dementia, it was surprising to see the harmony within this place for ‘elderly orphans’. “They come here because they have no family or village able to care for them. Some have been here 30-years” Sister Neelam tells us.
“They may have challenging conditions and residents but I am very impressed with the quality and level of care provided by all the nursing staff” were words commented by Golden Oldies Nurse Adele.
Graduation day for our sewing ladies at the orphanage. The first bula sulu’s and shirts were completed and proudly paraded by some of the girls. Elizabeth’s committed group comprising of Jill, Avila, Isabel, and Sisi work tirelessly to achieve these beautiful garments. The team spent time with the children and even responded to their singing with a song performed by the Golden Oldies Internationally acclaimed choir as well!
The Suva Prison ministry appointment was next on the trip and caused some nervousness amongst team members. It even looked scary as we drove up. We observed all the men in their orange jumpsuits being marched into the meeting room for our presentation. It actually turned out OK! Our singing, message, and a final prayer by our ‘Golden-Golden Oldie’, Helen were well received by the men. A further outcome has been, that this pioneering trip to this prison has opened the door for the local Anglican Church to now start a prison ministry amongst these lovely men, aged 17-80 years old.
A fascinating trip to be guests at the NZ High Commission was next. We heard about the changes in Fiji over the last years and importance of the forthcoming first general elections in 8-years about to take place. They were also willing to help us in our endeavours to try and freight a second hand x-ray machine to Fiji for the hospital Adele has been working at all week.
Today has been the much awaited ladies craft workshop with woman travelling from all over the island to attend. “We awoke at 4.30am this morning to travel to this event” shows the level of commitment to learn about craft making as a new form of small business for the churches. The large number of ladies attending meant the Golden Oldie ladies had to organise themselves into 3 groups just to ensure everyone had a chance to learn the skills. “Now I can take this craft back to my village and I can sell these crafts for Church funds. I am very happy about that” said a lady from a group that had come on a charter bus sponsored by the Golden Oldies to attend this workshop.
From an old people’s home, to the orphanage, the prison, then the NZ High Commission, and now a craft workshop, it has been a busy few days for everyone, but very rewarding too. And now a team are setting off to a remote squatter village by taxi to present a sewing machine to the ladies there.