2/27/2006

Fai 'aho - Birthdays










The past week was a chance to celebrate life. Not only was it Derek and Dad’s birthdays, but two new babies were born in my village. The 22nd was also one of my favorite little guy’s 1st birthday. Tongans are typically not big on celebrating birthdays except for the 1st. I spent the day at the family’s home to help with food preparation because a party really just means a big feast. Okay – they really didn’t let me help with the food, but I was the nanny for the day, which was help in its own way. The amount of food was amazing. I ate during the first round with elders and kids (I took my plastic bag for leftovers). Round two came the men, followed by the women cleaning plates so that nothing was left.

Along with all this celebrating I have felt a definite shift in my mood. Maybe it’s because I’ve started exercising again. Maybe because Mom is coming soon. Maybe because I’m amazed that I’ve been here long enough to see children born, grow, walk, and even talk. Maybe because on many days this place feels like home.

Love you all,

Adrianne

2/20/2006


So I guess an update is needed.

I have been in a bit of a lull trying to push ahead in work. The combination of many events as of recent has got me straying. Following all the funeral events, related meetings, and the hurricane scare I have been in need of some down time. I would think that living in Tonga down time would be in excess, but not in my village. Curiosity from children and neighbors about the death of Tessa accumulated with current village gossip has left me no respite.

So let me try and refocus. The vegetables from the youth project are outstanding and are selling well. We will soon start to replant to continue with this income generating scheme. Alonga disability program is currently on hold due to funding, but before long I expect it to blossom. A prospect for new leadership and expanding participants has given me a sense of hope. I guess time will tell, as the saying goes.

So for now, I look to the coming weeks when my Mom will join me. I’m hoping that seeing this beautiful country through new eyes will rekindle the affection that I once had.

Love,

Adrianne

2/01/2006

Loss of a friend

1982 - 2006
Hi all,
I don't really feel like doing a post under the circumstances.

For those of you who do not know - a Peace Corps Volunteer from here in Vava'u passed away two days ago from a shark attack. Tessa was new here, but was totally at home in her village. She will be missed.

It's been really difficult here lately as I'm sure you all can imagine. All the volunteers up here (13 of us) met at the hospital to pay our respect before she was placed in the morgue. My initial feelings were of course shock and sadness. I can't help but continue to think about her family. I think it is every parents worst thought that when they send their child off to another country - they might not return. This then leads me to think of all of you back home. You are missed and loved.

After returning from the hospital around 11:30 at night, I gave Mom and Dad a call. I just needed to hear their voices and for everyone to know that I'm okay. Here in Vava'u we continued with Tongan forms of mourning which meant going to the hospital at 5 in the morning for prayer. We continued to wait for the afternoon plane which would ship her down to the capital. My day was filled with prayer, singing, viewings and cleaning out her home. We then rode to the airport with her body followed by a huge line of cars. Her village was amazing in decorating and taking care of proceedings with mats, tapa, and flowers.

The youth from her village lined the road to the airport by sitting on the ground in the rain with their respectful black clothes and dress funeral mats. I'm in awe of the out-pouring of support from the people here.

Everyone here is dealing with things in their own way, but we are trying to plan a few things for her village and family. I believe we are all going to attend church in her village this Sunday and send letters and pictures to her family. I'm still kind of unsure about what to do next. I have a meeting in an hour that I don't really feel like attending. I guess I can do the Tongan thing and just not go. Or I can start back to work and slowly grasp life again.

On a side note - I don't think I'll be doing anymore diving while I'm here. I'm actually going to stay away from the water altogether for a while. Everything takes time. I'm excited my Mom is coming in March and I'll figure out some other things we can do.

I love you all, and please keep Tessa's family in your prayers.
Adrianne