In Pre Service Training our wonderful Director of Programing (Warren Passin) told us our 27 months of service would look something like a roller coaster. The highs would be high and the lows would be low. This couldn't be more true. The physcial, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social experiences have been mountains and valleys and everything in between.
The last year has been a roller coaster (side note: Fijians actually don't know what a roller coaster is) for Fiji as a country. History was made. Cyclone season was very busy with heavy rain, strong winds, false and misleading weather warnings and of course Winston-the strongest cyclone in the world to ever hit land.
That didn't stop Fijians from doing what they do best. Just two weeks after Cyclone Winston the Fiji Rugby 7s team "Flying Fijians" won the Las Vegas 7s tournament. They went on to win the 2016 World Rugby Sevens Series, winning in Dubai, Hong Kong and Las Vegas ending with a total of 181 points ahead of South Africa and New Zealand. They then beautifully executed a win in the 2016 Olympics bringing home the gold-Fiji's first ever medal.
There is nothing that can compare to what Rubgy 7s is like in Fiji. When we say the nation stops, we mean it. When has America ever declared a public holiday because the Patriots won the super bowl? People in America hardly even follow USA sports, they stay close to their hometown teams. The "Flying Fijians" bring an entire nation together and not just when they win. Fijians cheer the same weather they are winning or losing. They are the truest, most loyal and honorable fans that exist.
This year Fiji was rewarded for that unmatchable loyalty. The rebuilding would have continued with or without but now it's done with a little bit bigger smile and an even warmer heart.
And so my one year mark in Fiji fast approaches, shortly after I turn 27 years old. One of my lowest lows has quickly turned into the highest of highs. Thank you Fiji. Vinaka vakalevu Viti. Forgive me for my errors and let's continue to rise up, together.
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