Nawaisomo & Naceva villages of Beqa Island, Fiji

We’ve recently returned from an overwhelmingly humbling trip to Fiji where we visited the Beqa Island village of Nawaisomo and made many lifelong friends from the Beqa Island village of Naceva and more.

This was the first time both Shannan and I visited such a community and it really put life into perspective for us. We live in Sydney and like the majority of our friends and family around the world, we were born into privilege. Things like electricity, washing machines, air conditioning, fly screens, refrigerators, furnishings, clothing, shoes, bedding, computers, school supplies, a good education, top medical and dental care, overseas travel, weekend road trips- all things we have somewhat of an inbuilt expectation for and have become accustomed to as “a given” in our lives.

The Fijians live a very simple but rich life. Simple in the way of modern accommodations, but rich in culture, love and community. They hold family over everything. They work hard. The never complain. They always smile. They sing, they laugh, and they drink Kava!!

We were so very warmly welcomed to the village of Nawaisomo where we saw first hand what these villages so desperately need- building supplies, footpaths, text books, computers, school supplies, ceiling fans, air conditioning, clothing, underwear, shoes. We talked to the Chief, his spokesman, the manager of the school and the women of the village, and we spent some time at their Kindergarten where more than 15 children were taught in a single room with no air conditioning or ceiling fans- it must have been 50 degrees in there. Sweat pouring through their beautiful little smiles.

When I asked individuals what they thought their communities needed most it was “church” and “children”. The children are the future of their communities so they want them to thrive, and their faith is strong and having a church where they can all come together to be grateful is very important to them.

Most of the village community either work in tourism at resorts (often working 3 weeks straight with 1 week off)- the rest fish and grow crops of vegetables, fruit and kava to sell on the mainland.

Many Fijians have never left their country but it is not without a strong desire to explore the world. My friend asked me, “What does it feel like to visit another country?” I found the question so beautiful, innocent and heartbreaking all at once. I said to Shannan that I want to rent a plane and fly them all to Sydney and show them our world!

So, what we are asking from you is to perhaps consider forgoing a coffee one day and instead donating to our fund for these beautiful humans. If you have the means to donate more, then please do! We know times are tough with the cost of living and interest rates continuously rising, with many of us living pay cheque to pay cheque. And we know you all have your favourite charities you sponsor and donate to regularly, but we ask you to look around at everything you have and think about this- no matter how tough things may seem, you have more than you need and you will “always” have more than you need :)

This is my first fundraiser I’ve run, so my goal may be a little high, but aim for the stars, I say!!!

My Australian friends and family, my giant American family, my South African and European friends, and my Scottish family- can you spare a buck or two for these selfless, under appreciated human beings?? Every, single penny will go to these villages.

Thank you!!!!!

George & Shannan xx