Full of anticipation, a group of Puget Sound Adventist Academy (PSAA) juniors, seniors, staff and parents departed from Kirkland, Wash., in March for an epic journey to Fiji.
As is PSAA’s tradition, every two years the upper grades have the opportunity to experience a short-term mission trip abroad, and this year they were island-bound.
Their primary task was to help build a local church previously destroyed by a hurricane in the Raikiraiki area. Second, and always a favorite, was hosting a Vacation Bible School program.
Prior to arrival, it seemed the weather would thwart church construction, but God always provides the means to His plans. In the end, building projects goals were met with success.
VBS was also a happy success, with amazing singing in true Fijian style, interactive Bible stories and energetic games.
After a particularly meaningful evening at the Navesau School, Troy Ahrens, PSAA chaplain and Bible teacher, reflected, "Our time there was so full of meaning and joy ... . My students’ smiles portrayed this. [And] the singing, oh the singing! So full of the presence of God … . I pictured God smiling with us.”
The relationships and bonds formed made a special impact on all travelers.
Senior Emily Borg says, “Fiji's people and scenery are beyond description and were by far my favorite parts of the trip. I never felt unwelcome or out of place, and everywhere you turned there was something bright and beautiful especially when in the warm company of the friends we made there.”
Realizations like these prove that while we go to serve and bestow a blessing, we are often surprised and humbled by how blessed we are in return. It’s a beautiful life lesson the Fiji mission group experienced firsthand and will remember long after their return home.
Senior C.J. Budianto makes a new Fijian friend.
Coach Brendan Rajah and PSAA students add extra energy to Vacation Bible School.
Senior Alyssa Dorland helps break ground at the church construction site.
