Fiji Pt2 - Radisson Resort & Fijian Orphanage

We have to admit, after the four fabulous days that we had cruising the Fijian seas, we were a little skeptical in thinking that anything could top the experience that we had. Yet, arriving at the picturesque, palm-tree entrance of the Radisson Resort, we quickly threw our caution to the wind and were wading in the water in no time with Pina Coladas in hand from the poolside bar! We soon found our daily food supply at the fish and chips cafe which, ironically, all New Zealanders present agreed that it was some of the best "Fush & Chups" they'd tasted.

We certainly did enjoy the sun and poolside, however with Christmas day approaching we had all agreed that we wanted to do something special. There was no early morning rise to a banquet of Chrissy breakfast delicacies. There was no present wrapping havoc on the living room floor as everyone ripped into their gifts. There was no parading of new clothes and munching on sugary treats all day. There was something far more rewarding... we piled into a van, found the closest shopping mall, purchased balloons, balls, colouring in paper and pencils, toothpaste and toothbrushes, lollies and drinks, and delivered it all to  a group of beautiful faced and high-spirited children at the local Children's Home. Nothing can describe the bitter-sweet feelings of devastation and delight as you watch these kids share their Christmas day with strangers, yet they're smiling from ear to ear and gesturing affection to anyone who will accept it. Logan, Rick and Tim started up shoulder racing, which appeared to be the highlight of their day as their expansive smiles and contagious laughs filled our eyes with tears and hearts with compassion.

The sweet-eyed young boy at the end of our photos actually tried to get on our van and come home with us. He was absolutely shattered when he had to get off. This made it terribly hard to leave and will always make it impossible to forget that day. What a blessed life we live!

Christmas day church was not missed, as we trekked across to the biggest Gospel church in Fiji, recommended by Big-Joe (our cruise director). When we arrived we were greeted with the most gentlest smiles as they took down our names on a piece of paper. Walking into the auditorium we were overcome with tears. The sense of the Holy Spirit and the joy in the room was so powerful and humbling. Once we took our seats we soon realised that they were introducing us each by name to the whole church and welcomed us as their special guests. Big Joe came to the service, expecting us to arrive and sat with us the whole time. The men were dressed in their traditional dress whilst the women wore beautifully coloured skirts and shirts. Whilst it wasn't much, it became very evident that they had put on their best attire for the House of God, and we felt a little embarrassed to be arriving in anything else. The service was in Fijian and we didn't understand their language, but we clearly understood their hearts and were enormously humbled by it all.

Our treat for Christmas dinner was an endless banquet back at the resort. We also had the pleasure to be entertained by Deni Hines, with Rick receiving a personal swooning from the talented lady! We truly had a fantastic day, but it was highlighted by the fact that we were all in each others company, making memorable moments with our beautiful family.

The next highlight of our trip - a 2 hour ski-jet tour! Oh. My. This was such a blast! We were all pegging it across the waters, exploding with laughter as we had the warm wind and water all over our faces. Such an incredible holiday, with unforgettable memories to be revisited often!