COS Conference

A short flight to the capital and I met up with my fellow group 67 members to attend our Close of Service Conference. After reviewing all the requirements and logistics for completing our service, I did some major work on my resume. After being away from the academic world for two years it took a day just to find the right words to describe my service here in Tonga. So now comes the challenging part of entering back into the mainstream of American society. I’m in the beginning stages of my search for a satisfying, stimulating, and productive career, although the real hunt will begin in a month. This transition has me spinning in a hundred different directions, but I know I will land on my feet.

I’m starting to get sentimental as I look at the calendar and realize I only have 10 weeks left of service. I’m going to miss this place. I’m not sure I made humongous changes in the lives of the Tongan people, but I do know that I am leaving a different person from when I arrived. I happier person.

Love,
Adrianne

official COUNTDOWN

I was living in my little bubble and didn’t have the focus to write – sorry for the delay.

My monthly youth competitions have been a real highlight for me as well as the youth. The latest was several races followed by a blindfold ball search. It feels great to free your body and let yourself laugh uncontrollably, which is what the youth have taught me to do.

Now that only three months remain, I have begun the process of mentally trying to wrap up projects. Now this is different from actually wrapping up things, which is something that I’m not sure will happen. I have a strong feeling my youth group will sever its connections directly following my leave. I’ve decided this is not a bad thing considering they only started it on my behalf anyway. They also have a variety of other activities to participate in over the course of a year where they don’t require a youth group in order to be empowered or active. The only issue I have is that I have a few computers that have been acquired for them and I’m not sure there will be a positive solution for sharing them, maybe a donation to the local primary school.

My next concern is the weekly disability program. I have just found a new teacher and so the training will soon begin. Everything here is so tentative, but I have faith that this program is worthwhile and will continue because of people’s generous hearts.

Yesterday the island of Vava’u received a visit from the Princess for a local competition of “cleanest village”. Not only do people cut the grass and trim the bushes, but they decorate their houses (Tongan style). Red and white flags lined the streets and people hung tapa, mats, and decorative blankets all over fences and porches. Here is a photo of my next door neighbor, who was proud beyond belief to pose for this shot. I’m still waiting on the results of the competition.

As for me, I head down to Tongatapu next week to participate in my Close of Service Conference. This will be my administrative paperwork wrap-up and time to start the official COUNTDOWN to September 9th. As with most life changing experiences, I move toward this date with mixed feelings of excitement and sadness.

Love to you all,

Adrianne