Time to Celebrate

I couldn't have asked for a better day. Another volunteer, JoAnn, woke me up so that we would be the first to welcome my birthday. We stood on the little Okoa bridge and saw a beautiful sunrise. I feel like it is the luck of the draw that I got placed in such a beautiful place. I hope during my two years here that I never take for granted the coconut trees, the sun rise/set, and the starry nights. When I saw the sky I couldn't get the song "Sunrise" by Norah Jones out of my head. It fit perfectly. It was then off to Makave for class with the entire training group. I celebrated with Neil (who has my same birthday). We had awesome cake and a short day of class. I sat in the telephone room at the town hall talking to Mom and Dad for an hour (Thanks - I needed that). It feels strange to replay events that take place here because I don't feel like I give this place justice. I want everyone to visit because then you could see for yourselves how beautiful it is here.

Around 5:00 we played games with the village youth out on a field by the town hall. We had a great time playing dodge ball, volleyball, relay races, tug of war, and a balloon toss. The music was blaring and all the kids were smiling. We then pitched candy at all the kids and they went crazy. That put a smile on my face. Once it got dark it was time for my birthday feast. I wore a huge wrap of flowers around my neck that my family had made for me. We ate at the town hall on mats on the floor. We were lined up in two long rows. It is generally just the women and children along with a few prominent men that eat the first round of a feast. We all gave speeches during the meal and I was beyond touched. I felt so honored to be sitting with such wonderful people. I have loved this homestay experience. I have never felt so welcome in a new environment. I was given a huge tapa, two necklaces, 2 bags of candy, Mele (my quiet Aunt that speaks no English) made me a woven serving tray, and 4 year old Nolo (my favorite cousin)and his family made me a huge mat. They put so much work into these crafts. They are what I call gifts from the heart.

Now for the news I have been waiting to hear. My location for the next two years will be in the Village of Okoa in Vava'u. Yes, that is where I have spent the last month in my homestay. It is really uncommon to have your site be the same place that you homestay, and I am completely happy. They have been building a youth center in the village with an apartment on top for a PC volunteer. I had been networking and trying to ease my way into the location - and now it is official.
I'm in the capital of Nuku'alofa for the next two weeks finishing up training. I then have to do some shopping to buy some basics that I'm not able to get up in Vava'u. Then I ship my stuff up on the Olavaha boat. I catch a plane, meet my stuff, and settle in to my new abode. Oh - I might have to do a few more weeks of homestay if my home is not done being built. That will be a little difficult because I am so excited to have my own place, but it might also be good to network with more members of the community.
Okay, I'm signing off. Just know that I am extremely happy and miss you all dearly.
Love,
Adrianne

update from Okoa

Hello,

All is well here. I just read everyones websites and found out about the hurricane in Florida. I'm glad to hear that all is well with the family. I hope I don't have to go through that here.

I served my first kava ceremony the other day. It was definitly a cultural experience. Much singing and laughing. I was lost at times as to what was going on, but I had a few people that spoke english to explain things to me. It was a large circle of about 30+ guys. It was for our local rugby team that lost on Saturday. They all thought it was great that I had a few bowls myself. I now have about 10 moas (boyfriends), which is the Tongan way.

I ate horse for the first time on Sunday at our Umu after church. I had to make sure it was not our new baby before I took my first bite. Not bad, but I didn't eat much. I heard it can be rough on the stomach. We took a verbal quiz for language and I scored in the low intermediate phase (which is very good). That means that I have already passed into where I need to be at swearing in and I still have a few more weeks to learn more. I still feel like I don't know sh*t in the long run, but at least I know I'm heading on the right path. My sisters have beeen doing my hair all the time and it is looking great. They braid it all the time so my 'fro hasn't had time to get out of control. I haven't been able to find moose here - I know - not important in the long run, but some things you sure miss. I'm getting used to it though.

I can't wait to have my own place. I want to unpack all my bags and settle in. I also can't wait to cook for myself. I know I'm not much of a cook, but I'm tired of all the white bread and fried food. Dad - you would drop dead here. When you come we might have to figure out a meal plan. They eat way to much too. I can't remember if I said anything, but I met w/ the doctor for a checkup and I've gained a little weight. The Tongans think it is great and they want to give me more, but I keep telling them I'm done. Gain during training and lose during service.

I think my family is planning a birthday celebration. They heard me saying something about my birthday to you guys ( mom & dad) on the phone and they started drilling me about the date. One of the other trainees has my exact birthday so I think when we meet as a group on the 24th we are also doing something. This is cool b/c I think it will help me from being homesick. I had my 24th birthday in Holland and now my 27th in Tonga. Life is good.

Okay time is money - and I'm trying not to spend so much. Oh yah - we might be delaying swearing in for another extra week. It all depends if they can fit it in the budget. I guess they want us to learn a few more things.

Love you all and miss you greatly.
Glad everyone is safe and hopefully happy.

'Ateliana (sent by e-mail & posted by Dirk)

Hello from Okoa

My access to the internet has been limited. Sorry for the delay.
I'm in the village of Okoa on the island grouping of Vava'u.
It is truely beautiful up here. I'm staying with a host family that has 8 kids. My house seems to be grand central station for the village. The other night we had 17 kids dancing in the living room. Life is slow here, but not boring.
My family's horse had a fawn last night and I didn't even know she was pregnant. I walked out of the house to head towards school and there was a little fawn stumbling around. Moments like that when I realize how lucky I am.
I had a community meeting last night with the youth in the village and all went well. Everyone knows the peace corps and I am still learning all the names in my family.
My family treats me so wonderful, I feel guilty. They have little wealth but are willing to share everything.
I go to language classes every morning and then chill w/ the community in the afternoon. I normally watch rugby practice in the evenings and play with the kids.
I posted some pictures. I'm hoping to add some more in a few weeks.
Check the right under pictures!!!!
That is my old family and the village of Utulau.

I'm short on time so this is just a taste. I hope to post some more soon.
Love you all,

Adrianne