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)