Gin, Gin, Halloween, PC swearing-in, a weekend in the rain

To begin with, how awesome is that picture?  We are all so happy.   We are all in the ocean breeze enjoying the food, drink, and company.   That picture was taken a while back but I just got it and it just makes me smile to look at it. 

Moving on.... we have a cat.  Well, not really.  It's not ours, but it does come around a few times a week for food.  Even though Warren and I are both completely allergic to cats (much to our children's dismay) we are very excited to be feeding a cat because maybe, just maybe, she could help out with the lingering mouse problem.   When Holly was here she would never have allowed a cat to hang around, but now she's a welcome guest.  The kids have named her GinGin (short for Ginger) and have already fallen in love.   By the looks of it, she may be pregnant, so who know's what we are getting ourselves into....

Last Tuesday was Halloween.     Halloween isn't really celebrated here in Fiji.   The expat community celebrates though so at least the kids get the taste of Halloween.  Most everyone understands it to be a scary costume day and no one decorates their homes or reads Halloween stories in class, but the embassy does a really nice trick or treat trail and one mostly expat neighborhood has about 20 houses that pass out candy.    Our kids don't really remember how HUGE Halloween is at home, so they are happy. I, myself, feel very nostalgic for home when I see everyone's pictures on Facebook, but the kids are all good.   It's a simple Halloween here - much like our simple life, and that's ok. 

My friend Kati was one of the few adults who dressed up.  She was awesome! 

Peace Corps had their swearing in on Friday.  It was once again an event to be remembered.  I love swearing in.  It brings back fond memories of my own swearing-in and it also means my husband isn't as stressed out anymore- training is done for the moment!   No, actually, it's way more than that.  It just makes me so happy to see the volunteers committing to something greater than themselves.  I know they are embarking upon a journey that will change them forever.  It's huge and it's beautiful.   I always tear up just because it's such a monumental life moment.  Also, wow.....the volunteers put on such an awesome show this year!  They really practiced! Their mekes were amazing!  I love the interaction between the training villages and the volunteers - such special relationships.   Check out the video below!

I LOVE this colorful crowd full of all the host training villages.

more color

Peace Corps Country Director, President of Fiji, US Ambassador to Fiji

Look how many shots it takes us to get a proper family photo!

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6- almost there, just eyes closed!

Finally got a good one!

dancing on the lawn

On Saturday we decided to use a voucher we had for the Pearl.  It was really rainy, but it was the only weekend until we leave that was free (wow!).  Saturday was super rainy so we stayed inside and watched hotel tv, read books, and played non-stop board and card games.  Despite the rain, we had a lovely time.  There is something really nice about being away from home and just being present.   Love that family time.  Just as we were about to head back to Suva on Sunday, the sun came out!  It turned out to be a nice beach/pool day together. 

LOTS of clue

I was wondering too....WHAT did you draw in the sand Andie?   Turns out, it's her hurt finger, our house, and praying hands to get to our house....

We got home in time for a reunion with our long lost Tricia.  She's been away from Fiji since June!!!   I've missed her a lot.  SOOooo nice to be together again!