Starting My New Life

I think I’m slowly becoming an islander. Maybe Paul and Dia can relate with the slow pace of Canada, but it seems like the slightest news makes the best gossip on this little island and I’m feeding right into the mix.
The latest on my house is that it will be another two months until it is finished. I’m not quit sure how it went from two weeks to two months, but I’m trying to keep a smile on my face. I’m trying to arrange staying in a little fale until they can get my house done. My youth president has a circular building that looks similar to a barn. It's one room and I don’t think it has electricity or plumbing, but I’ll take anything at this point. My youth said they would fix it up for me (whatever that means). My first youth meeting went well the other day. I had a good turn out and they all had great ideas of some projects to pursue. My goal right now though is to get to know my youth better and to learn more of the language.
For one of my first attempts I decided to join the boys for their soccer practice. I think they were shocked when I showed up in shorts (knee length) and sneakers. The first time I played, I barely touched the ball. Now – I’m all up in the game and loving it. The field is at the most beautiful spot overlooking the water with the coconut trees in the background. We play until the sun sets and I seem to always get distracted by the awesome sky. The boys play with a variety of creative gear that always trips me out. Many of the boys play barefoot while others will wear only one shoe. If you know how much I love soccer, then you know I’m having a great time.
The next few days soccer is canceled due to a funeral in the next village. I only have to wear black for one day, but all “fun” activities are cancelled in my immediate village for three days. I attended the putu (funeral) last night which was a huge event. Picture Woodstock; people and cars everywhere, for two days - night and day, only everyone was wearing black and had on a talavala (mat) around their waist. I met up with everyone from my village and we did a great deal of waiting around and socializing. We then headed over to some tents where we were served tea and a meal. The chicken, hot dogs, eggs, and ufi were placed in front of me in a clear plastic bag. I only went to the tea tent once, but people would take three or four trips during the course of the night. I then presented gifts of tapa and cloth to the family of the deceased. The women filed one by one and placed the gifts on the floor and then we proceeded to kiss the body and file out. I'm not quit sure what to think of the whole thing. I talked to another volunteer, Lini, who also went and she said that she bent down and pretended to kiss the body, but she couldn't actually do it. I stayed until about 12:30 in the morning when my family found me perched up against a little store with my 7 year old brother asleep in my lap.
To help keep me busy in these first few months I will be volunteering in town at the library for story time. There is a huge push here in Tonga for all the school children to learn English. So - Saturday mornings I will read from 9:30 – 10:30 and then get my shopping done before the stores close at noon. I’ve also spoken with a local primary school teacher (Sione) and will soon be reading English to his class once a week. Sione has agreed to be my language instructor so I can hopefully improve my butchery of this beautiful language.
This weekend I will be helping out with a fundraiser for the Vava’u Youth Congress. The night is directed towards tourists and will be held at a local bar. The goal is to introduce the Yachties to a little Tongan culture of dance, food, and Kava, all the while taking their money. I hope we are successful.
Keep that mail coming!!! People have been asking what it is that I need. In the big picture I have it all, BUT if you really want to send me things I need a little spice in my life. I would really love little packets of spices to make a variety of foods such as taco mix, Indian spices, or even drink mixes. Be creative!!! I don’t want a huge box of spices sent to me, just one packet per letter. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Hope everyone is healthy and happy.
Love you all,
Adrianne