Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. On Sunday 24th April, Becky Harris, Sophie Jarret and I will be running the Shakespeare half marathon in aid of Think Pacific. It is our first ever half-marathon and we have decided to do it in light of recent events which have taken place in Fiji. 

Last May I was fortunate enough to spend 5 weeks in Fiji. 4 of which were spent on the island of Koro, a 12 hour ferry ride away from the mainland in a small village called Nabasovi. I lived with a host family on the island with my Na and Ta (Mum and Dad) and two younger sisters, as well as another volunteer from the UK, Julia. 

Upon entering Nabasovi village, we were welcomed with a traditional Cava ceremony from the village chief. We were also cooked an incredible breakfast from many of the village women. As a team of 14 volunteers, we all waited nervously to be paired with our host families. Names were slowly called out and eventually Julia and I were paired with our host mum. She greeted us with a huge hug and welcomed us into her family. We arrived at our host home to our 'bedroom'. A sectioned off corner of the house with two beds. Normally this would be where the rest of the family sleep, however during our 4 week stay with them they slept on the floor in the living room to accommodate us!

During the weeks Julia and I spent time at both Nabasovi school and Kande school just short truck ride away. We worked with ages as young as 3 up to 11, teaching English, Maths, science and on most afternoons PE. Our evenings would be spent with the local community, learning how to weave carpets, making baskets or having a bit of grog (Fijian drink which makes you very numb) and dancing around the village hall. We were lucky enough to even be taken spear fishing one night by some Fijian men. We were fully immersed into the Fijian way of life for a month and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life so far. 

A Fijian welcome and a Fijian goodbye is something I cant really describe unless you have experienced it yourself. We made very strong connections with our families and when we heard about the cyclone which hit in February on our very own Koro island we were devastated. Both of the schools we worked in have been destroyed, a long with our host families homes. By raising money for Think Pacific the money will go towards temporary education whilst the schools we worked in are being rebuilt as well as general help to rebuild everything which has been lost. 

It's amazing how volunteering in Fiji I have never been so far away from home, yet felt so close. The Fijian community really are the most warm and welcoming people, if running a half marathon in 3 weeks means I can give even the smallest thing back to them then so be it!

Anything you can give would be extremely appreciated -

 Vinaka vaka levu! xx