GLA Fiji 2015 Time Capsule

Time Capsule Letter from Tim for GLA Fiji (July 5 – July 25)

“The school year is well under way and we’re all equally busy with life! Over at GLA headquarters we’re getting ready for another exciting summer of programs! In Colorado the weather is getting cold and we’re already sliding downhill on skis. Often I find myself wishing I was on the boat getting soaked, in sun and salt water, listening to Max sing a Taylor Swift song. Fiji had a huge impact on my life, and from staying connected to so many of you, I know it was profound for you as well.

Reflecting on our time on the Yasawa islands makes me think about barefooted running during Briley’s extravaganza of competition, hammocks, smiling little kids in tiny clothes, soaking wet sarongs, bucket after bucket of sand, lots of sweating, sleepy-bumpy boat rides, and the sound of a drum and MANTA RAYS! It also makes me think about how many GLA students came to those islands and helped inflict positive change. We all worked on projects that have a lasting impact both to the community and to ourselves.

What changes have happened in your lives? I know that coming home from Fiji I realized it was very hard to adjust to the fast pace of home. The islands early mornings and nights, the stars over the ocean, the simple sound of the ukulele at dinner, and the wind in the palm trees all take me back to the slow and steady pace of Fiji. I can still see the little children waving and screaming as we were pulling off the shore that last day.

If you’re like me, Fiji is with me forever. The people made the place so special! They were beyond welcoming and I was able to identify with there easy going and happy demeanor about welcoming guests. That’s the lesson I’ll take with me the most, that it’s best to smile and welcome everyone who comes to visit me!

Memories

“Tiffany’s blindfolded, headphones, karaoke”

“I think there were mice in Sophia’s room at some point”

“Belle, don’t eat that”

“That sounded like a dog laying eggs”

“Wow, Jacob are you hungry?”

“Is today a wind day?”

“This wifi isn’t really working”

“What time is the boat coming”

Tim Easley