Father’s Day

It turns out that Father’s Day in Fiji is in September, and we were invited to church and then afterwards to a lunch with the Chief’s clan, so of course we accepted.

Being Father’s Day it was a special kind of church service. Instead of the pastor giving a single sermon, several dads of the village got up and read scripture and did a little of their own preaching. It was all in Fijian so we couldn’t understand a word, but it was interesting to observe the different styles of the men who were speaking. Some were quiet and reserved and some were real fire and brimstone. However, this format produced the longest church service ever! Well over 2 hours. The kids did great, and so did the adults. As usual, what really made it bearable was the singing. It’s also in Fijian, but so beautiful you feel like you can understand it anyway.

After church went to the big family lunch with the entire chief’s clan, something like 50-60 people including many, many kids. It was an enjoyable afternoon, and I must say that this was the nicest, most welcoming village that we had been to since the Lau group. As is the usual Fijian custom, the men and children ate first and then after they had dispersed from the meeting hall, the women had a turn. Being the guests, it was expected that Liz and I eat in the first round, which we did, but then we hung around with the women after, and even helped with washing the dishes. I liked Liz’s observation that she shared with the women… it’s good that they wait until after the men and children leave to eat because then they get to eat in peace! There was a little bit of laughter at that comment.