Fiji25 Blog 24 - Ellis

Ellis

Blog 24 

Throughout the trip some things have been constant, like the people we’re with and where we stay, while other things have been constantly changing, like what we do for our service and where we go during the day, but few things have managed to be both. Our hair. though always on our heads, has served a different purpose in Nanuku than in Seattle. In Seattle it’s a way to express yourself, but also not something you pay very much attention to. Here, hair has allowed us to connect with each other and show our growth during our month away.

One example of that is braids. Coming into the trip we didn’t have a designated ‘hair braider’ (someone who is very good at doing other people’s hair). Though that isn’t at all a big deal, it did lead to some funny messes full of hair ties and tangles. The practice and moments we had together during hair time lead to connections that never would have been expected. Hair braiding isn’t limited to the people from Lakeside though, and many of us have had experiences either being braided by a local or braiding them. The learning curve of having your hair done is steeper than one may expect, as at the beginning the tightness of your scalp will make your eyes water; but, when you walk by other peoples houses and see mothers braiding their daughters hair, your realize that it wasn’t just pity at the mess on your head, but rather people from Nanuku accepting you as their own and taking you into their normal routines as a family. As mentioned before, the braiding goes both ways.  Sometimes the roles are reversed, and people will ask you to braid their hair, which is definitely a challenge when dealing with other hair textures, but also an honor not taken lightly. It takes so much trust to allow not just someone to do your hair, but someone who you know is horrendously bad at it, and it has paved the way for deeper bonds and laughs that nobody anticipated.

              Braiding hasn’t been the only form of hair related bonding, and though its less common, hair cutting has been a constant topic of conversation, specifically what is known as the ‘Fijian fade’, the haircut had by many of the rugby players and commonly seen throughout all of Fiji. Though only one of us has gotten this iconic haircut, everyone was involved in the process. Whether is was small snips, shaving, or commentary throughout, the usually silent activity between one person and a hairdresser turned into an afternoon full of jokes and smiles from the GSL group as well as the people from Nanuku that aided us, and together we were able to make memories that will be remembered long after hair has grown back.

              Hair has also been a marker of our personal growth over the course of the month. That looks different for every person, but for some of us that’s pre-trip buzz cuts growing to a longer fuzz, others it’s the constant presence of a ponytail when volunteering and playing rugby, many it’s the ends of their head floating directly into their eyes from sweat, and for me it’s the natural state of my hair seeing the light of day. In Seattle I straighten my curly hair, but without the ability to do that here, a new look has been prominent. Even though the way hair looks is truly not a big deal, it’s the act of showing off a part of one’s authentic self in a way you wouldn’t in Seattle is a defining part of our month here. We’ve been pushed out of our comfort zones in ways so much bigger than any hairstyle could prove, and the lessons and memories we’ve taken from these weeks are indescribable. During our final few days in the village, we will continue to forge new memories, while also preparing to apply all that we’ve learned back to our lives in Seattle, knowing we’re leaving a part of our hearts here in Nanuku.