January 30 2017 (Fiji time)

I feel like I've been here a month already. It feels like forever since the missed flight,  the hotel, the layovers, the long bus trip from Nadi to Suva, the taxi to Harland hostel, the van ride to the Gospel School for the Deaf, then on to Gaji hostel where I'm staying.

The people I met have been amazing. Those I met on the flights that encouraged me, occupied me with conversation and made me feel more confident in my decisions. The English couple I met in the Nadi airport who stayed by me, offered to buy me food, talked about things that made me feel at home, and helped me find my way to the bus. To Jennifer from Charlotte, NC, Chris from New Zealand, Kelly from LA, Jim and Sheila from England. You showed me kindness on my first trip into the world alone and will never be forgotten.

The Fijian people have welcomed me into their world with open arms. They are kind, generous, and have a great sense of humor. They are as eager to learn of my culture as I am theirs. The hostel parents, Pe and Ini have been more than welcoming to me. They made me feel comfortable and safe for the first time since I got off the plane. It may not sound like a long time, but six hours on your own in a foreign country is very stressful. Their family, conversation, and delicious food have made me feel at home.

The deaf boys at the hostel have also welcomed me. They are so excited to have someone new to share their lives with, and they are eager to teach me sign. They've been patient in teaching me, and they teach well. I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. There is definitely something to be said for immersion. They are so joyous and full of life. Never for a second do they seem discouraged by their disability. I saw a shirt one boy was wearing that said "disability, not inability." The boys absolutely show that that phrase is true. They may not be able to hear, but they don't let it hold them back. They are determined, kind, intelligent young men, who have their own talents and passions and possess the ability for success just like anyone else.

My first days here were unbelievably hard. It is safe to say I have never had to try so hard to look positive. There must be some sort of mental defense that goes up during culture shock, because I barely have any recollection of those days. I just remember feeling tired and uncomfortable. The one phrase going through my head was "why did I think 3 months was a good idea?" I thought 3 months was a ridiculous amount of time to spend in a place I already wanted to leave. I was nervous about everything. Nothing was familiar. The people look different than me, and I stand out like a sore thumb. Everyone stares at me, especially people in town (good thing I'm not shy). They don't have the same habits or way of speaking. They eat different food and wear different clothes. The thought of going to town was terrifying, and never mind going alone. Looking back I understand why I felt that way, but I think I underestimated the ability of those around me to make me feel comfortable. They made every effort to ease me into life here. They let me sleep in to get over jet lag. They brought me to town and to the mall which showed me I had nothing to fear from the city. And Jim has helped too. He has been a source of familiarity in this place where nothing is familiar. We're from the same place after all. The first time I began to relax was Friday, when he brought 2 of the staff and me out to town and to a cafe, so I could get to know them and this place better. It was purposeful I'm sure, but it helped immensely.

There are two men my age who work weekends at the hostel. Their names are Kevin and Seru. They are my age and both deaf. I've had so much fun with them already. They joke and tease me about things, which makes me feel like a part of the group. They trick me with sign, but it actually helps me learn it. They point out pretty girls, go up to them and offer me to them just to make me embarrassed. Other than the hostel parents, they have been my greatest source of comfort here in Fiji. Friends are important to have.

I'm so happy that I am with local people. I wouldn't be able to experience this place so safely and so fully without locals. With Kevin and Seru I can go out at night knowing no one will try to rob me, because they see me with Fijians. I also get to see a part of Fiji that isn't in the ads or on google images. I get to see what no tourist can see, even with a tour guide. I get to see the real Fiji, and as an American I get the chance to experience the real world, not the comfortable, safe and wealthy one we're used to.

I've seen so many strange and unfamiliar things, met so many great people, made new friends and tried funny, delicious foods. And the adventure has only begun.