We’re back!

Wow...time has really flown since my last blog post but for good reason: Erik and I got to visit the US for over two months!  Since the two of us are not Fijian residents, we are required to leave every six months.  So, why not take advantage with some traveling!  There’s nothing like getting to spend quality time with friends and family after so long and getting to do things we miss out here.  And boy did we take full advantage of the luxuries, conveniences, and comforts the US has to offer, like using a washing machine and dryer, coffee shops, going to an actual gym (especially for the air conditioning), getting dressed up, getting to wear white, and just those little things you don’t even think about when they are your norm.  So the next time you are doing your laundry or walking down a grocery aisle, think of me ;)  We also made certain to have as much fun as possible doing things we miss out on in Fiji like golfing, going to the movies, bowling, going out for drinks or dinner (especially ones that involve oysters or sushi) with family and friends, date-nights out, baseball games, and always make a trip to Cedar Point.  For those of you who love roller coasters and have never been…GO!  You will be in roller coaster heaven!  I love that our trips there turn into mini family reunions now that we seem to go every summer.  The one thing I had not been prepared for was the “cooler” weather…it seems I am fully acclimated to 100+ degree weather and anything below starts to feel chilly….  Looking back now, I am amazed at all we were able to do and all the people we were able to see!  Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see everyone we wanted so a special sorry to you all and we will be back!

Our trip was also a blessing to get to take a step back and reflect on our first six months here together.  It was challenging and a learning experience every day but you can’t deny how much we’ve accomplished.  Sometimes you really need to take a step back to put things in perspective.   It truly allows you to “see” what worked, what didn’t, and just be in awe of what you can put your heart and mind to. I’m so grateful for it all and seriously ready for “round two.” Plus, taking a break gives you time to miss it all and come up with fresh ideas!

Welp, it’s been three weeks since our return to Fiji and Erik and I are getting back into the groove of things.  I can’t wait to share the progress while we were away and even since we’ve been back!  Two and a half months is a long time to be gone when you think of how much we did in the previous six.  It’s amazing what you forget in that time, too….   We couldn’t have had a better welcome from the group and the WEATHER--- beautiful winter weather in the 70s and the dry season.  It’s a little chilly for my preference but perfect for gettin’ ta work outside and even better for sleeping at night!

So now that the blog is back in action, here are just a few updates/upgrades/improvements to hold you over:  

1. All 20 acres have been cleared of brush 
2. Plots have been cleared and leveled for our future houses
3. Second awning extended and lounge area on deck
4. Monkey Pod is a mommy! She had four babies the day we got back
5. Roscoe is officially a bird hunter and about to have kitties too!
6. Erik and I brought back 20 marlin lures we MADE that need to be tested out
7. Noni fruit trees everywhere 
8. Electric coconut shredder
9. WiFi!
10. HOT water!!! (thanks to an on-demand water-heater, my personal favorite upgrade)
11. A new store opened in town and we are now able to find: fresh spinach, quinoa, agave nectar, goji berries, flax seeds, chia seeds, cacao, maca powder, not-the-tastiest pretzels,  and even some organic items!!!

road to Anna and Bob's spot

future spot for our house

180 degree view from our spot

road from our spot to Jason's future house

Jason's future view

new lounge area

noni fruit

marlin lures we made

electric coconut grinder

all the goodies we found in town