Aug 18, we were at the Labasa airport at 8 AM to pick up Ned Taito, manager of the Suva Self Reliance Center, and Ariel, one of the heads of the New Zealand PEF group. We were their escorts for their two days here, and we accompanied them to tour the university campuses here in Labasa. They are trying to get them approved to put them on Fiji’s Preferred List. We went to USP, FNU, FNU’s trade college, Fiji Technical College, and the Sangam College of Nursing. We were treated like VIP’s because we were with VIP’s. We also took them to the sugar factory to see the hundreds of trucks and trailers of sugar cane lined up waiting to be dumped. Taito took us out to lunch both days plus bought us treats.

At the end of the first day, after we took them to the hotel to check in, we went home and started watching a movie to celebrate. We got a call from the Hindi Elders saying the Young Men were at the church for a Boys Camp, but there were no leaders. (We found out later that the Young Men’s President is in Suva, and the activity had been postponed. They just weren’t able to contact all the boys to let them know.) We rushed to the chapel. We called Taito on the way to see if he wanted to come play, but he didn’t answer. We found Taito was already there. He had been jogging past, when he saw boys at the chapel and stopped to talk to them. When we arrived, he wasn’t just playing basketball with the boys, he was teaching them moves and having them do drills. They got the basics down and eventually played a few games. Rex played with them for a while, and then gave up his spot when enough boys came.  By the end, our whole district of missionaries had come to help. Before everyone went home, Taito treated all the boys, and all the missionaries, to popsicles at the convenience store across the street.

We are very impressed with Taito. He is one of the most intelligent men I know. He seems to know facts about everything and everyone. He has been an officer in the Fijian Army, and he is incredible! He is prompt and thorough, and he makes things happen! Ariel is also impressive. She is the one who approves the PEF loans for this whole Pacific area. She is married, and the amazing mother of a nine year old boy. On the way to the airport, we showed them our family pictures and, at their request, told them the story of how we got together. We had fun at the airport getting to know Ariel better. At the last, we were even exchanging games, jokes, and stories while we waited. We had a great time with them.

Ned Taito and Ariel