Blog from Hedy, aka Mom:

So you thought Melissa was just relaxing and getting used to living in Fiji. No, not Melissa! She has been busy thinking up ideas of what to do.

Her first project is a Waste Management Project. She is recycling materials by making them into floor mats. Very cool!

Her second project is a Pigery project. She is getting funding for this one. I have to let Melissa explain it...

Her 3rd project is a Water Tank Project. The water is far away and not too clean, Melissa is going to change that. She is getting funding for this one too. You Go Girl!

Her 4th project is teaching kids to brush their teeth daily. Kids under 5 meet every morning at Melissa's hut for "brushing"

Her 5th project involves getting the government involved in setting up health clinics to help the local villagers

Her 6th project is setting up free dental and vision testing at the school in the village

Her 7th project (not really a project) is organizing "kickball" daily with the villagers. They love it!

Her final project is making a world map for the kids and at the center is Fiji. Teaching them about the world outside their village.

If this isn't enough (ha ha) Melissa is also buying small prizes for the kids as they reach goals she sets for them. She would love any gifts you could send such as erasers, pencils, note pads, etc....no food, no plastic. (buy at the penny store)

Finally, Melissa spoke at the "Bose Vakoro"(town meeting) for 1 1/2 hours COMPLETELY IN FIJIAN ! She was discussing how to set up the above mentioned projects, who will run them, when it will happen, and where. Any projects she starts have to be done completely by the villagers and sustainable by the villagers when Melissa leaves. Melissa, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!!!