Accommodation

Arriving at Pacific Theological College (PTC), we were met with three lovely new apartments, still not quite complete. We are the first occupants, along with some Korean medical/health personnel who are studying English and Fijian in preparation for their mission work across several hospitals and clinics. The apartments will eventually be used for families, students, academics, and sabbaticals and will become a key asset as the Pacific Theological College expands into becoming a university.

Identifying tasks to be done at the new apartments, we considered what missionaries generally need to contend with in any new environment. Access to water and shelter are key. They rarely happen smoothly and adjustments need to be accounted for. A couple of people experienced early diarrhoea and upset tummies. The water supply tasted a bit odd. We eventually discovered that it was being diverted from another house and shared with construction workers on a building next door. We now filter all our drinking water and check how the pressure is before planning a shower!

PTC also held a welcome dinner showcasing Fiji’s Kava culture, where we received a Bula garment, garland, Sulu, oil and perfume.

Garden

The site resembled a construction zone when we arrived, so we quickly got to work to plan our Mission Garden. Clearing weeds was a first task. Collecting and filling plastic drink bottles, we started to create a retaining wall border for our garden beds. This is a great way to reduce waste and recycle. We also learnt about creating in-bed composting tubes and recycled plastic bottle planters. If we get time, there are lots of ideas we can have a go at.

Fertilizer was made by boiling up onion skins, and we will add aloe vera, potatoes and bananas to the cuttings, some of which were brought in from other people’s gardens. They all provide good nutrients.

Mission gardens are a wonderful opportunity. They can eventually provide beauty and food, sustenance for body and soul. They bring us close to the Creator God. They can also provide ingredients for wellbeing and healing. They are a learning and modelling site. We undertake teamwork here and hope to be able to develop a model garden that demonstrates good sustainability practices and ideas for recycling what would otherwise be landfill waste.

Cultural Learnings

Out TIMs went to the Fijian National Museum, learning about indigenous culture and colonizing history. They spent time considering different perspectives and how cultural assumptions can influence our thinking.

Tai-li (from Taiwan) expresses the discovery of culture in a new context:

The first time when I saw a shark rattle, I thought it served the same purpose as a bear bell. In Taiwan, when we go mountain climbing, especially some higher mountain, we were suggested to bring the bear bell. When it makes noise, bears will know there are people here and won’t come close.

Atithi (from India) reflects:

The museum talks about our people’s past and reminds the present generations of ancient cultures and traditions. Many times, we forget our roots, cultures and indigenous elements which are overridden by modern elements. This museum is really an eye opener and wonderful place. Lots of historical things, cultural items, their ancient boats, vessels, clothes etc were preserved in that museum. Colonization by the British empire had a great impact on Fiji in all areas and levels of life, which is observed through things displayed.

We came to know about Indio- Fijian relationships in the past and how Indians came to Fiji and settled down here, transfer of knowledge and other skills and techniques. How Fijian people accommodated foreigners in their land, their cultures, their traditions etc. [What] caught my attention, [were the] missionaries who came to this small beautiful island to share the gospel of Christ- a burden, urge and commitment for the Great Commission of Christ. Some missionaries, who left their homes and their home countries, never returned - what great sacrifices and contributions to the unknown people.

But when I did a search on shark rattle, it turned out that the noise generated when placed in waters and shaken vigorously, sounds like a shoal of fish. These will attract sharks to come, so the fisherman can catch them.

You can follow the TIMs at their blog: https://cwmtim2023.blogspot.com/