New Caledonia....

A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to go to New Caledonia. Didn't really know much about this island except for what we learned of it in high school history class, as a significant place for US and Allied troops in WW2. It is distinctly French, with most signs, etc., in that language. The capital city of Noumea is somewhat European in appearance - many sidewalk cafes, small bakeries with wonderful pastries and breads. It is quite modern, but in the outlying areas and in the north of the island, there are many of Kanake - the aboriginal tribes. Very primitive villages. Our hotel apartment was on this beach.

Every evening we enjoyed the gorgeous sunsets.

And some of the interesting sea life. This is a stonefish. True to its name.

Lovely blue starfish.

And Dude Crush!

Cool fish.

We spent a lot of time in meetings. We met with medical personnel in the area to determine the level of health care our missionaries receive there. Also Zone Conference. On Sunday, we went here for church meetings. The Magenta Ward. The buildings are similar in design to those in Fiji, with open windows, no AC...but ceiling fans. The people are very friendly, and we felt very welcome. We also attended a baptism here the day before of a young man. He wanted his baptismal service in English, which was nice for us. His stirring testimony at the end of the meeting was awesome. So wonderful to see how the gospel can truly change lives!

On Monday, we were scheduled to fly from Noumea back to Fiji. However, unbeknownst to us, that flight had been canceled. We were put on another one, overshooting Fiji and on to Wallis. A tiny island with just a few thousand people. And a landing strip. We spent about an hour there (enough time to get our passport stamped here and go through security)...and then back to Fiji.

It felt like coming home. The wonderful Fijian singers at the Nadi airport...just makes one smile!