Puke Suka

Youth activities are scattered again. I’m a positive person, but not optimistic enough. I knew this would happen. Now I said scattered, but not chaotic – that is progress. I’m remaining fairly active so no worries right now.

I was approached by a 50 year old woman in my village who had the desire to improve her English. I was glad for the opportunity and agreed to meet with her on a weekly basis. She is always this character that searched for humor and avoided any seriousness. We’ve began to develop a friendship and I’m now able to see another side of her. She is the mother of 14 children (gave birth to 7) and recently found out she has diabetes (puke suka). Puke (sick) + suka (sugar) = sick from sugar = diabetes. This language does actually make sense some times. Due to this diagnosis she has a desire to get a little daily exercise. We’ve started walking every morning at 6 AM. It kind of a peaceful time and with the wind blowing it doesn’t feel so hot. This is also a time to practice language skills. We walk to the next village speaking English and return speaking Tongan. A good compromise I’d say.

I made an overnight trip to Hunga, an outer island here in Vava’u, to visit another volunteer and help out with his youth group. The boat ride took about two hours and the seas were a little rough. Once on the island there is a huge mud hill to climb before reaching the village. Once on top it was a beautiful sight to see. No roads, just walking paths everywhere. I lost my flip-flop on the way up the hill, but it didn’t really matter once in the village. I just had to watch out for all the horse, pig and dog poop. The meeting went well and I slept at the town officer’s house. I ate the best fish before having a solid night sleep. In the morning I caught a village boat back to shore and returned to a busy (okay not really) day on the main island. I don’t know if I could manage on an outer island. I mean it is calm, peaceful and relaxing – but that also means there is nothing to do. I at least have the option to go to the office and feel like I have accomplished something. I can go to get a bite to eat in a desperate moment. I just have more options. It’s all perspective because if I think about how many options I have now compared to back in the States – it’s enough to have me crying in a bowl of Cincinnati Chili.

I decided to have a little cultural exchange moment.
I brought ice-cream and rootbeer over to my friend Tevita’s house. I sat outside and made rootbeer floats for the entire family. The smiles were incredible and I think I got them hooked on a new treat. I have to say that I enjoyed myself immensely.

I want to say an official
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Derek and Dad.
I’m thinking about you.

All my love,
Adrianne

Afa - Cyclone

The cyclone that was…..
But was not in Vava’u.

Tuesday I was laying on a mat in my yard watching some youth play volleyball, when out of the trees came the Peace Corps (PC) vehicle. I was informed we had to consolidate. In PC terms this means gather up the troops and head for the Mormon Church. The Mormon churches are the only buildings in Tonga built to American standards so we have some type of deal worked out allowing us to crash there. I had five minutes to pack up my stuff and hop in the truck. All 10 volunteers living in Vava’u crashed on the floor in three office rooms at the church. We waited for this horrendous wind to begin, but only a few raindrops fell. After a whole lot of nothing we grew tired and irritable. After two nights we got the all clear to head back to our villages. I survived to tell this story, which is a blessing in itself. I know I shouldn’t be sarcastic, but how would you feel after two nights in a Mormon church with no real threat? On the plus side of this whole experience, I had two nights in cool air conditioning. And I also realized that next time it might be important to take my Passport with me in emergencies. So…I learn from every new experience.

Hope everyone is safe.
Love,
Adrianne

Happy Valentines Day

Well we just got informed that another cyclone is heading this way. All the volunteers on outer islands are being boated in in the next few hours. Actually it looks like a nice day right now, but who knows when the night hits. Since I am really on a seperate island (I have a little bridge connecting me to the main) I was trying to get the PC to put me up at a hotel for the night. One with some air conditioning would be great. I tried to tell them that my little "fale" wouldn't make it through the storm, but it didn't work.

I'm not really that worried. I have a feeling it is going to just pass over, but I guess I should prepare just in case.

I've starting teaching at the local Primary School, which is going well. I'm bascially just reading books right now and talking. I hope to add a little more structure as time goes on. It's nice to be a new environment.

Work has been productive and I'm finding myself really busy these days (Tongan fashion that is). The disabilities program has taken a 180° turn and I've been able to take a step back and watch the teacher and participants blossom. My youth group has also been really proactive with committee work.

Before I forget...Happy Valentines Day!!!!
I hope everyone takes time out to appreciate the ones they care about. I spent the day at the beach swimming and eating some Cincinnati Chili, cooked on a portable stove under a tree (The taste from home has been my friend lately). A great day of fun and relaxation.

I hope everyone is enjoying life.
Love you all,
Adrianne

Uku

With all the past trouble that was occurring in my village I took on the approach of kill them with kindness. Well I guess they found out my secret and are using it against me. Everyone has been overly nice to me.
I was given a bag of forty fresh mangos.
My neighbor has been bringing me dinner every couple of days (I'm happy even if it not my favorite food).
My youth are actually working and attending meetings.
Life is good.

Uku is defined as Diving.
Yes, I now have my certification in Scuba.
I have to say that I love it more than I thought I would. I was anticipating that I would focus so much of my energy on looking at the gauges that I wouldn't have time to admire the beauty. Not the case. I don't know how you can go down to 18 meters (59 feet) and not just be in awe.

My Dad said that I should post a few of the everyday stuff each week.
Gas prices - $T 1.87 per Liter (US$ 3.66 per Gallon).
During X-Mas we had a petrol shortage on the whole island of Vava'u. Taxis couldn't run, people couldn't do their Christmas shopping. It was a mess. We waited for a boat for about a week to deliver the supply. My friend had a relative bring a few containers on an earlier boat. I just laugh when this stuff happens. It is all part of the experience.

That is all for now. I'm heading to the office to get a few things done for an upcoming meeting.

Love you all,
Adrianne

Fiefia

Fiefia simply means - Happy
That is my feeling these days.

SOOOOOOOOO
Since my last post I feel like things have taken an up swing.
That last village meeting was hell, but it opened up the doors for better communication. I had another meeting in the office with my crew and some officials in my community. The outcome produced a new format for work. I am no longer responsible for all the work in my village, but am there to facilitate and support my youth. I laid it all out in a spreadsheet and presented it at the next meeting. We assigned youth to take charge of the different activities and I get the feeling that everyone is excited. We'll see how long this lasts :)

I decided I needed to incorporate a little more fun in my life since I was a little stressed out. Last Saturday I went out on a yacht for the day. I drank, ate, swam, and got a little sun. Relaxation in it's purest form. I've also decided to take a little risk and try something that I'm a little scared to do. Tomorrow I start my classes for certification for Scuba Diving. The classes are three days and it is pretty cheap to do it here compared to anywhere else in the world. I'm not putting pressure on myself so if I hate it then I'll stop. But I can't come all the way to Vava'u and not give it a try.

My pig fence is almost complete!!!!
It has only taken what - 3 months?
Maybe I can get a garden started soon.

Other update:
We are having a new mail system here and so although I am not moving, my address is changing. Peace Corps would like it sent right here to Vava'u at a PO Box. I hope this remains to be a semi-smooth process. Anything already sent will still be forwarded to me, so no worries.

Adrianne Pastoor
Peace Corps
P. O. Box 136
Vava'u, Tonga
South Pacific

Thank you all for the pictures and goodies. It helps my mood. I think this is all part of that up swing I was talking about.

Love you,
Adrianne