Michael's Adventures In Fiji

You see it on the child on the street. You see it in the eyes of the old man sitting in his stand hoping to sell his vegetables. You see it with the tourists walking along the beach. And you see it on the face of the young girls who have been victims of forced sex. The need for: love. As I am looking to wrap up my time in Fiji, there a few prominent things I need to accomplish with the human resources database, misc. network projects, and the computer and infrastructure upgrades. But the reason for doing all of this is for the residents and their children. Really, you could simplify my motive down to one word: love. I have been loved by God, and out of my overflow, I love others. This past week, we lost 3 residents/moms; either running away, graduating or leaving to be with family. As the holidays come upon us, so many of the moms are missing their families. Even though most of their families are the reason behind the forced sex, abuse and trauma in their lives--these young girls ar

It's amazing how quickly time goes by.. It feels as if only a few weeks ago I first heard about Homes of Hope, but the reality is that I've been here in Fiji for 2 months! This past weekend was my first, proper, experience alongside the ocean. I had the opportunity to take a 4 day holiday with two families at a local resort located in Sigatoka (about 2 hours from HoH). Most of my time was spent collecting baby hermit crabs and playing in a pool with some young girls (1, 3, 5 and 8 years old), and it was a blast! The weather was (semi) cooperative which also allowed me to go snorkeling for the first time! It was great, despite the fact that the coral had bleaching due to fresh water drainage (from the city) and increased temperatures.. Nonetheless, was great to literally swim with some fish.. among other living things.. sadly, when out in the water, the reef sharks (most less than 1 meter in length) were not out; suppose I'll have to go back another time to say I've &qu

It has finally happened! The website is now live! https://www.hopefiji.org/ I have had the opportunity to assist in helping create the new website for Homes of Hope Fiji. It is such an improvement over the past website that was quickly becoming aged and dated . I think the website is often the "front door" to the first impression we get from an organization; and this "front door" is a great improvement at showcasing the ways HoH is serving these at-risk and abused girls. I'd like to point out particularly that there is a brand new video, very well done too: https://www.hopefiji.org/residential-campus So there you go! Please explore the website! And if you happen to see any mistakes.... Feel free to pass it along! (Free proof-checking on my end!) Also, please share the website with others. In particular since HoH is a officially registered NGO with the Government of Fiji, corporate giving (especially company matching) is fully supported (non-discriminatory,

Growing up in Colorado, I am no stranger to the crafted beauty around me. The flat plains giving way to strikingly beautiful mountain ranges filled with streams and animals and plants. And let's not forget about the sunsets.. Gorgeous! And every one, unique! I am a few hours shy of 6 weeks in Fiji (which is just about 1000 hours in total). Of those hours, most have been spent doing various IT tasks or campus projects. I have also had the distinct pleasure of being with a new family that is: most everyone on the campus! But in particular the Roche family. The close community, aided by the close proximity, means for plenty of people interaction; which has been an amazing experience and honing in my life that is to keep people at the core of what I do in vocation and relationships. Last weekend, was the first time to touch the ocean. This weekend? Hack your way through the jungle for 2 hours to find a waterfall that few people have ever seen or experienced. It was simply stunning!

Fiji-time, island-time, it's all kind of the same thing: not quick. Today, the national director  and development director , and Fiji ambassador for Homes of Hope all met with the director of Fiji Immigrations Office--the climax of the weekly journey that is, rather now has, been my visa application process. Now, to bore you with all the delicious tedious details below! :) It all started back in early August when my visa application was started by HoH. After the second trip, and second money deposit, the HoH staff was told to instruct me that when I come in to Fiji: put on my arrival paperwork that I am visiting Fiji on a 'business visit', which gives me 14 days. After arriving in Nadi, I would need to visit the Fiji Immigration office in Suva and complete my application for a 3-month visitor's visa. Upon landing and going through customs process it all went fairly smoothly: which was a bit of a shock to everyone here at HoH, especially since I was carrying three

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.