Kave’s House

Our Connection with Kave

We met Kave when he was in elementary school.

It was early in our time in the village—maybe year two or three. We were still learning Fijian, still figuring out how to navigate village rhythms, still just… showing up.

Kave was one of those kids who just clicked with us.

He helped us learn the language. He taught us about the culture. He started saying “dude” from hanging around us so much, which made the other villagers laugh.

We spent countless afternoons just hanging out—laughing, talking, being present.

Over time, we learned more about his family. His mother was raising him in the nearby village of Momi. They lived in a shack by the river that kept flooding. It wasn’t safe. It wasn’t stable.

We didn’t just see a need. We saw a family we loved—a kid we’d watched grow up—and we wanted to help.

The Build

In 2020, we raised the funds to build them a home.

We gathered a team of volunteers. We traveled to Fiji. We started construction on the foundation.

The work was slow because of rain but good. The kind of work that feels meaningful because you’re doing it for people you actually know.

Then COVID hit.

Halfway through construction, we had to evacuate. Airlines were shutting down. Fiji was closing its borders. We left with the house unfinished.

We thought we’d be back soon.

Fiji remained closed for two years.

The house sat there, waiting.

Where Kave Is Now

That elementary school kid we hung with? He’s a man now and has a family of his own

In the fall of 2024, Kave’s mother passed away from illness. The house she never got to live in remained unfinished. But her children were still there, still needing what we’d set out to provide.

Today, Kave cares for his own wife and baby and is also caring for his siblings. He’s building a stable, loving home. Watching him step into this role has been meaningful to see.

But he’s doing it without the home we promised his mother.

Finishing What We Started

With end-of-year donations to our general fund, we hired a local carpenter.

He’s been making amazing progress. The foundation is solid. The walls and interior are done.

All that’s left is the bathroom.

Once it’s complete, Kave can move his family in. Back to his home village. Back to the community that’s always been part of his story.

This house represents so much more than shelter.

It’s all the years of relationship. It’s the power of staying connected even when things don’t go as planned. It’s the privilege of walking with someone from childhood into adulthood—and being there to help when it matters.

It’s about finishing what we started for a family who’s been part of our lives from the beginning.

Watch: Seth catches up with Kave

What’s Left

Building the bathroom.

That’s it. That’s the final piece.

Once it’s done, Kave’s family can move in.

If you’ve been looking for a tangible way to be part of this work—this is it.

Help finish Kave’s house