Welcome!

Bula! (Fijian term for hello, but more specifically means health.)

Greetings to all those who are reading this blog. I leave for Fiji in T-12 days and will arrive in T-14 days (Yes, that is 2 days of travel, or 1+ an international dateline.) Now that your short math lesson is over, I will just give you some facts about who I am, where I am going and what I am doing.

I am 23 and heading to Suva, the capital city of the Fiji Islands. It is located on the main island, Viti Levu. This island is 2/3 rds of the distance between southern California and New Zealand. (The middle of nowhere). For the next 11 months I will be pursuing year one of a graduate program in Education, at the University of the South Pacific and volunteering in a local school system. 

As many of you know I am traveling to Fiji as an Ambassadorial Scholar of Good Will for Rotary International. Rotary is a phenomenal non-profit, humanitarian organization who's motto is: "Service above self." I have finally been given an opportunity to make a difference in this world and Fiji is the place I am going to start. My primary role as an A.S. will be to form a bridge between my American culture and my host district's Fijian culture. 

Time in Fiji is very relaxed, so as far as I'm concerned--with my new hybrid American-Fijian-mindset--I am set to go. I have my tickets for 2/14/09, I have most things packed, I have a study permit to live in the country through next December, I have amazing Rotary contacts who answer all of my neurotic questions, and I have bug spray--lots of bug spray. (If you followed my New Zealand blog, you'll be familiar with my past run-in with tropical bugs.) I also have, just in case I am feeling super paranoid, a bug net to envelop my bed while I sleep. (I don't want any creepy-crawlers in my sheets, or on my face!)

I am very excited to begin my journey and a wee bit nervous. I know this next year is going to not only change my life, but the lives of many other people. At this point I can only look toward the future. I can smile, take a deep breath, and look toward my Yogi tea for all of life's answers. :)

Today's quote: "I am beautiful. I am bountiful. I am blissful." (I am definitely aware of the bountiful bit, so Yogi could be steering me in the right direction.)

Vinaka Vakalevu (Thank you very much) I appreciate your interest in my studies and travels!

Nina