After service and settling the house, TalaTala (Pastor) Akei, his wife, Rundini, Sami (TalaTala’s son) and I went to the “valley”.
It is up the river on the west side, (for future reference, the east side of the river is called the “interior”).

It was a beautiful drive, but also a good thrill ride (due to Cyclone Gene), through washed out roads, fallen palms and branches, all to a church where we were doing a dedication. Part of the congregation swims, yes, swims, across the river, oh say about 300 yards or so, to get to church. No footbridge across that river. Yes, they strap the kiddies to their backs. It’s interesting as they start up river 100 or so yards from where they want to end up and use the current to help them cross. It’s quite fascinating… I say, “Now that’s dedication!”

After Church, Biran finds me and tells me that it will take over a month to finish up the house. There is a small house across the street from where they live that is vacant. He suggests that we go and take a look. The house is nice, but has been unoccupied for months. It is “dirty” from being vacant and the law needs to be mowed. The caretaker and Biran negotiate the rent. Praise the Lord for Favor, it is less than I had expected and include water and electric. HUGE Blessing. I’ll be set to move in tomorrow. Prybu ki jai (Praise the Lord in Hindi.)

I arrived back to steamy (I mean really steamy) weather. I know, I it’s -30 to -40 degrees in MN so no complaints here. Raju, a taxi driver that Tammara, Carolyn and I used in Sept, met me at the airport. It’s nice to see a friendly smiling face. He’s a really nice young man. He unfolded his story as he drove to Sigatoka

Since I know that He goes to prepare a place for me, there is the assigned and appointed place here for me. There is a family who has an apartment that they are in the process of finishing up. The Husband mentioned that they could finish off a room for me and it is in a good location, very secure area. It is idea, as I would not have to buy any furniture ~he said they could furnish it for me (bed, frig, and stove). He’ll see how long it will be to finish off the place.