So I'm finally getting around to posting about Doug's big BOCA trip. BOCA stands for Buffalo Outreach and Community Assistance. I get a little chuckle out of the community part because they chose to fly around the world to do their community service. :)
Doug flew to LA & had about an 8 hour layover there before heading off to tropical paradise. I can't say that I felt bad for him in the slightest. :) On their way to Tonga they HAD to layover in Fiji for 3 days. Apparently there was no way around it. Translation: We get to party & play!
FIJI
Doug flew to LA & had about an 8 hour layover there before heading off to tropical paradise. I can't say that I felt bad for him in the slightest. :) On their way to Tonga they HAD to layover in Fiji for 3 days. Apparently there was no way around it. Translation: We get to party & play!
FIJI
On the boat ride to the island
Is this not the most beautiful picture ever?! The water is so BLUE! I must admit I have a pretty hard time looking at these pictures & not get jealous.
Arriving at the resort & getting pampered with drinks. Doug said this was the only free beverage/food there. Everything else cost. So needless to say, this was probably their only fancy beverage.
Eating out
Pace, Jen, Chris, Doug & Jason
Jacob trying Kava. I asked Doug what everyone thought of it & he said they liked it about as much as I do. Which is not at all! It tastes like dirty water. Yuck!
Catching some rays!
The whole group {minus Travis - he was a good man & skipped out on Fiji since his wife just had a baby}
I'm not sure what this is, but it makes me laugh. Of coarse my husband just walks up to these people & puts his arms around them like their family. Even if it is in the middle of a song. :) Doug has a huge place in his heart for the Pacific Islanders. He served his mission in Samoa & has never been back. With that said, you can imagine the pure bliss he was experiencing on this trip.TONGA
They were able to do a session at the Tonga Temple.
Doug & Jen climbing in the trees
This is the dental clinic that the church has set up on the Liahona campus.
I can't remember his name, but this is the dentist that lives there & works at the clinic year round.
They started off each day with a hymn & prayer.
They were able to provide dental care in extractions & restorative work. And they also did hygiene & some dental education.
Dr. Doug at work
They were able to go to the middle school & teach the kids about oral hygiene.
Jen & Doug with a few of the students
They went down to the blowholes to take a looksie
If you look close you can see someone way down there by the edge. That would be Chris. He was a daredevil if you ask me.
Doug & Dr. Gambacorta
I just LOVE this picture. I told Doug it looks just like a boy band cover. They say they didn't plan it. Who really knows?!
Hanging out
Chris Leigh, Dr. Gambacorta & Creed
This is where they stayed
Creed & Doug playing with some kids
They ate most of their meals on the beach. Doug has a mission buddy that lives in Tonga. His wife prepared lunch & dinner most days for the entire group. Doug would leave to go pick it up & bring it back to everyone. How spoiled are they!?
Beautiful sunset
Doug teaching Creed how to properly tie his lava lava
Nicely done men!
Ready for a feast! Notice the pig behind them. Pretty sure this brought back memories of last summer when they cooked a pig in the backyard.
There was a ward dance one evening that they all went to. Doug said it was a lot of fun & everyone had a good time dancing.
They were also able to attend a show. The best part of the whole thing was this...
Travis got singled out by this lovely lady to come up on stage & dance with her. He acted & looks pretty embarrassed, but I think he secretly enjoyed it.
Goofing off trying to reenact the show.
Not too shabby of a trip right? I'm so glad that Doug had the opportunity to go & get some great dental experience. I am also glad that he was able to thoroughly enjoy his vacation as well. He has promised that if they go again next year that I must go with him. I think I can handle that!
7 comments:
IS that a mustache on Doug? Love it! Looks like a fantastic trip, he will be the best dentist! I wish he could work on my kids teeth!
That pic of the island sure does look heavenly huh?! I'm glad the guys had each other to enjoy this trip with. Looks like I need to do another post with all the new pictures on Photobucket. Especially with that one with Trav and his island sweetie. :)
Uncle Wally is sooooo jealous. The pictures bought back lots of memories for him when he and his parents lived in Tonga and the hours and hours he played in the blow holes. The pictures are indeed Paradise and what a great opportunity to serve the people there.
How awesome is that! Dr. Doug is one lucky guy to get to go do service in paradise. You definitly have to go next year. I'm way jealous too, that place is Beautiful!! fun fun!!
Looks like lots of fun and a little bit of work if you ask me:) Fiji definitely looks heavenly! Maybe someday our hubbies will be able to take us on excursions around the world to do dental work!
Rach, you really did an awesome job writing about the trip. I loved reading it. I can tell how much Doug loves the islanders...and I hope you get to go next year too! Totally gorgeous. Just looking at the pictures makes me forget about the nasty Buffalo weather still outside and makes me happy!
Looks like everyone had a great time. So glad that Doug got this opportunity to go back to the Islands, even if it wasn't Samoa! Really cool to see pics of Dr. Shaw doing dental work. School in action. What a great trip!
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