Bula from the Beachouse!
July 1, 2025
Bula, Fiji families!
We’re writing to you from the stunning Beachouse on the Coral Coast of Fiji, where the ocean breeze is warm, the water is impossibly blue, and the group is riding high on an incredible week of adventure and connection. It’s hard to believe how much we’ve packed in since our last update!
After leaving behind the magical mountain views of Draiba, where we spent two unforgettable nights under the Southern Hemisphere stars, we made our way-by kayak!-to our next stop, Tovu Village. But first, let’s rewind a bit…
In Draiba, we joined the community for a Saturday church service at the local Seventh-day Adventist church. Though the sermon was delivered in Fijian, the English Bibles helped us follow along, and the message of unity and gratitude came through clearly. That afternoon, we cheered alongside villagers at a local rugby tournament-a sunny, joy-filled day spent connecting with families and playing with kids on the sidelines.
Sunday morning, with the sun on our backs, we paddled out across the sparkling river to Tovu Village. The welcome we received was straight out of a movie-smiling kids ran to greet us and even helped haul our gear up to the village. Betsy, ever the steady hand, was a dream kayaking partner, keeping her boat perfectly in sync. Mimi jumped right into village life, raving about the food and charming the local children with her warmth and curiosity. Lily and Gigi were quick to learn all the local games, (Fiji-style!), and more! Gigi especially loved the village cave tour and was full of thoughtful questions about its history.
And let’s talk about that cave tour… It was one of our most memorable (and chilling!) adventures yet. The cave was once home to one of Fiji’s last tribes to practice cannibalism. Cheri-Claire was stunned hearing the stories-wide-eyed but fascinated-and once we stepped back into the daylight, she was eager to process it all with the group.
After one last feast in the village (Miles swears it was the best meal yet-he’s fully embraced “Fiji Time” and the laid-back lifestyle!), we set out for our next adrenaline-pumping chapter: white-water rafting! But not before Lowden took on one of the village guides in a traditional food-eating contest… and won! The guide couldn’t believe it-a Moondance first! Liddy and Lowden were an unstoppable duo on the kayak journey, paddling like pros and leading the group with confidence (and some good laughs along the way).
Libby continues to be captivated by the communal lifestyle here-she noticed how no one rushes, and everyone genuinely enjoys being together. Jack, meanwhile, was adopted by the local kids, often found entertaining the little ones or playing tag with a crew of toddlers. Will and Wham didn’t let the unfamiliar rules of rugby stop them-they dove in, learned fast, and had a whole team of local kids giggling and chasing them around by the end of the day.
Now, as we prepare to hit the rapids and swap the calm of the village for the thrill of the river, the energy in the group is high. We’re full of stories, songs, and it’s only getting better from here.
Sending love and sunshine your way!
Vinaka vakalevu,The Moondance Fiji Team
Betsy – Hi parents, I miss y’all so much! Having the best time and we just got to the resort. Can’t wait to see y’all this week! Love y’all sm!
Cheri Clare – Hey Mom + Dad, I miss y’all so much + and the family. We just got to the resort + are having a great time, but I can’t wait to see y’all in 3 days. Hey to my friends and Charlie, miss y’all!! Can’t wait to see you!
Wham – Hey Mom + Dad, I miss y’all so much! The trip has been fun and the village was so cool.. the kids were so nice and they loved playing with us. I can’t wait to get home and see y’all! I love y’all!
Jack – Hey Mom and Dad and brothers and Margaret, missing y’all! Talk to y’all in 3 days! I love y’all!
Will – Hey Mom and Dad, just made it out the village. We are at a nice resort now. I feel that I fully indulged in the Fijian culture. See you in 3 nights.
Lowden – Hi. We got out of the village. We went into a cannibal cave. Pretty sick. Food is good. I beat a Fijian in an eating competition and got handed his belt for the day as champion. 2000 calorie dinner.
Miles – Wassup Mama and Papa. 4 mo Gnights fore I land back in the muthaland. The village was turnt, we back in the resort and we clean again. Can’t wait to C y’all. Your beloved son, Miles
Lily – Bula! Mom + Dad! I am loving Fiji, we just got to a resort and I took the best shower! Me and Jack made through kayaking and we raft tomorrow. Miss ya’ll, see y’all when I’m 17. (Hi Caroline, all your Fiji friends miss you!)
Liddy – Hey Mom & Dad! I really miss y’all so much but I’m having such a great time. I can’t wait to see y’all so soon. I love y’all!
Mimi – Hey Mom + Dad + fam! I hope the cruise is a blast 🙂 + remember to tell me everything! I’m having the best time and have made so many new friends, thank you + I love you
Gigi – Hey Mom + Dad + Macon. Miss y’all and Fiji is amazing. Love y’all!
Libby – Hey Mom and Dad! Fiji is great! I’m having so much fun, we just got to the resort. Can’t wait to see you guys so soon! Miss you, Love, Libby
Fun in the Sun!
June 28, 2025
Bula Vinaka (hello), Families!
Warm greetings from beautiful Fiji! We’re so excited to share all that we’ve been up to since waving goodbye at the airport. From the moment we landed bright and early at 6 a.m., the adventure began. We swapped our travel clothes for swimsuits and hopped aboard a sailboat that whisked us off to a postcard-perfect island. There, we snorkeled in turquoise waters, had a relaxed beachside lunch, and spent the afternoon laughing and tossing a football off the boat. It was the perfect way to shake off the jet lag and dive into the magic of the islands.
That evening, we made our way to Pacific Harbour, where we spent five nights surrounded by lush jungle, ocean views, and the peaceful rhythm of the river. Though the weather didn’t always cooperate-limiting some of our scuba diving time-we channeled our energy into the legendary Fiji Olympics, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip so far.
The group has truly come together in such a special way. Wham brought some serious strength and enthusiasm, especially during the coconut shot put, where he almost launched the coconut clear across the river! Jack continues to be a bright, energetic presence-always eager to learn about local culture, and we know he’s going to thrive during our upcoming village stay. Will showed off his athletic side during the volleyball tournament, leading his team with confidence. He and Wham even pulled off one-arm handstands on the ocean floor, no easy feat, but they made it look effortless!
Liddy was an absolute champ when it came to scuba diving. Even though it’s been a few years since her last dive in Belize, she slipped right back into the rhythm as if no time had passed. Libby has been a ray of sunshine for the whole group, always ready to rally the team and boost morale, especially during the Olympics. Lily, though brand new to scuba diving, took to it so naturally you’d never guess it was her first time-calm, curious, and completely in her element beneath the waves.
We’ve been lucky to have Mimi bringing great vibes and tons of energy wherever we go. She showed off some serious skills in spike ball and was a key player in keeping the Olympic Games lively. Cheri Clare really shone during the cook-off, the final event of the Olympics. She confidently took the lead and cooked up a delicious batch of fried rice, perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. Betsy was our volleyball MVP, surprising everyone with jaw-dropping serves and nearly impossible saves. She brought some serious fire to the court!
Meanwhile, Lowden has kept the fun going with his coconut-cracking expertise and his nonstop games and jokes. His energy is contagious! Miles impressed everyone with his outdoor ingenuity-he crafted a makeshift fishing tool out of a plastic bottle, line, and a hook, and actually caught a fish from the river! Last but not least, Gigi has been our quiet rock. She’s always the first to step up and help out-whether it’s cooking, tidying up, or checking in with someone who needs a friend. Her kindness sets the tone for the whole group.
Now, we’re packing up and heading into one of the most meaningful parts of our journey-the village stay. We’re looking forward to connecting with the local community, learning more about Fijian traditions, and of course, enjoying some amazing home-cooked meals. We can’t wait to see how this next chapter unfolds.
Thank you for sharing your incredible kids with us. They are growing, learning, and creating memories together that they’ll carry forever. We’ll check back in soon!
Vinaka vaka levu (thank you very much),
The Moondance Fiji 2A Crew 🌴🌺🌊
Cheri Claire – Hey Mom and Dad and fam. I miss y’all so much and cannot wait to see you all. I miss all of my friends and Charlie and can’t wait for the 4th, see you all soon!!! Love you
Will – Hey Mom and Dad, I’m doing great.
Mimi – Hey Mom and Dad!! I miss you guys so much! Thank you for letting me come, I’m having an awesome time!!
Lowden – Hey guys, just letting you know that I’m still alive. This place is pretty sick. I have played so much pool and spikeball. Scuba diving was awesome and I’m leaving to go to a village tomorrow. Lots of food. Also, I tried to text y’all goodbye but there was no cellular. See you soon!
Wham – Hey Mom and Dad, I miss y’all and love y’all! Thank y’all for sending me on this trip! The weather hasn’t been the greatest but we’re making the most of it. The scuba diving is fun. I can’t wait to get back and see y’all, I miss y’all so much. Tell D, Stuck, and Smith I said hey!
Lily – Hey Mom and Dad! I miss y’all so much. It is really cool here. Thank you for sending me on this trip. I’m having a blast and can’t wait to see y’all. I got to scuba for 1 day and now we leave for the village! Love y’all! XOXO
Betsy – Hey guys! I miss y’all so much! Having the best time ever! I love y’all so much and can’t wait to see y’all!
Gigi – Hey Mom, Dad and Macon, I miss y’all and I’m having so much fun here in Fiji!! Can’t wait to tell y’all all about it! Shout out meat loaf mama and Fielding!
Miles – Hello Mother and Father, it’s been a while. Thank you for sending me on this delightful experience. I’m having a sublime time with all these new acquaintances I’ve made. I look forward to seeing you on a later date. Your favorite son ❤️
Liddy – Hey guys! I’m having a great time, it’s so pretty here! I really miss you all and love you so much! Hey Asa! Love you!
Libby – Hi Mom and Dad! Fiji is so much fun, I have made so many new friends and got to Scuba dive again today. I miss and love you guys and can’t wait to see you all for the 4th! Tell Luke and Will I miss them too!
Jack – Hi Mom and Dad, miss y’all and can’t wait to see y’all! Love y’all!
Safe Arrival in Fiji!
June 22, 2025
Hello Fiji Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that after two delayed arrivals, the entire group is now together in Fiji! The group is so excited to start their adventure all together!
Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
