Black Like Me in Fiji

Making a cultural connection across the Pacific wasn't exactly what Eugene Scott had in mind. But far away on the islands of Fiji, a mission to aid an indigenous community developed into a journey of true discovery. Black Pacific Islanders boast proudly of their African ancestry, and the kinship they offer is more than skin deep.

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Schoolboy

Alpha, a toddler staying at Homes of Hope, in the schoolhouse.

Read Eugene Scott's letter from Fiji on how he found family in an unexpected place.
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A Soda Break

Matthew Priestley

Alpha drinking outside of the school building.
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Playdate

Matthew Priestley

Alpha and Salote on the volleyball court.
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Hanging Tight

Matthew Priestley

Joseph and Elijah at Homes of Hope.
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Safe and Sound

Matthew Priestley

Bree resting in Eugene's arms.
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Bridge to Suva

Matthew Priestley

A bridge from Homes of Hope leading to the capital city of Suva.
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Center Stage

Matthew Priestley

Eugene speaking during a Sunday church service at Homes of Hope.
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Construction Crew

Matthew Priestley

Workers at the counseling center, which was built by the missions team in Fiji. The center will help women and their families work through their various challenges.
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Hiding in Plain Sight

Matthew Priestley

Salote trying to get to the camera.
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Fun in the Fiji Sun

Matthew Priestley

Elijah playing outside the school.
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Paying Respects

Matthew Priestley

Eugene and Solo heading to the funeral of a relative. That morning, Eugene showed up prepared to do maintenance work with Solo on a bures, a wood-and-straw hut. Shortly after he arrived, he went home to get dressed for the service.
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Newfound Friends

Eugene and Joji (Matthew Priestley)

Eugene and Joji posing for a picture. John and Joseph are playing in the background.
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Candy Man

Matthew Priestley

Joji trying to remove a lollipop from Eugene's mouth.
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A Photo Op in Between Classes

Matthew Priestley

Joji at school.
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Boys Will be Boys

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Some boys during a break in the school day. Homes of Hope educated the kids of the mothers, as well as many others from the community.
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Fish Market in Suva

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A fish market in downtown Suva, the capital of Fiji.
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Pretty in Pink

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Mere, a girl who stays at Homes of Hope.
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A Team at Work

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The missions teams from Praxis Church.
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Building a Stronger Community

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Eugene and other missionaries working on the counseling center.
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A Truly Green Garden

Matthew Priestley

Eugene and missionaries shoveling fertilizer to be used on the garden. Homes of Hope grows fruits and vegetables, many to be sold at the market to raise funds for the nonprofit.
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Staying Grounded

Matthew Priestley

A Fijian woman in her home in a squatter village.
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Support System

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A Fijian couple in a squatter village.
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Weathering the Storms

Matthew Priestley

Eugene and his team hurry to remove tarp, which was used to protect the construction site from inclement weather. A hurricane hit Fiji while they were visiting. The expensive tarp will blow away if not properly stored
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Two of a Kind

Matthew Priestley

Twin sisters playing outside the school at Homes of Hope.