WELCOME GROUP 78

Malo e lelei Group 78!! I can't wait to meet you all! Here is my updated packing list with notes for all of you from me and Chiara in 'Eua! (Sorry boys, it's going to be more helpful for the girls)

Clothing

• sweatshirt - hoodie and zip-up (it does get down to the 50s at night on 'Eua)
• rain jacket (*this is nice for biking in the rain but I highly recommend an umbrella)
• swimsuit (for swimming at resorts or for vacations) and board shorts (you don't really need the board shorts - you can use longer running shorts or tights/capris) Tongans swim in whatever they happen to be wearing at the time.
• midcalf/ankle length skirts and dresses (7) *Bring a good mix of full length and just below knee. It's nice not to wear a full length skirt when just at your house or walking around your community.
• Maxi dresses and cardigans - Don't be afraid to bring cute strapless or spagetti strap maxi dresses Tongans wear these all the time with either a cardigan over or a t-shirt under. You'll feel much cuter at the Mormon dance with a maxi dress than you will in your ugly skirt
• black outfits for funerals - You should have maybe 1 or 2 black outfits to wear because you will have to go to some funerals. The PC packing list implies that black is always safe to wear but if you wear all black someone will ask you where's the funeral or who has died
• underwear/bras/sport bras (maybe pack some underwear away in a ziplock bag for year 2 because they wear out quickly from hand washing)
• t-shirts/blouses/casual tops (do bring some nice tops for teaching...Tongan teachers wear button downs, or nice work tops not just t-shirts and you will want to have non t-shirts to wear to church because Tongans get very dressed up)
• Long cardigans for wearing over t-shirts when it's breezy
• running clothes (long basketball shorts or running tights)
• bike shorts (to wear under long skirts/wraps)
• socks (for running, also pack some away for year 2)
• running sneakers
• teva waterproof sandals (I personally never wear mine. I only ever wear flip flops and that's fine but many volunteers do love their chalkos)
• flip flops (4 pairs) Do bring extra pairs because they will wear out and the ones here are pretty cheaply made
• beaded sandals or nicer sandals (2 pairs) For church or teaching Tongan teachers will wear ballet flats or a nicer beaded sandal thats not a flip flop they also wear heels but I wouldn't bother with those because you'll break an ankle on the dirt roads * nice to have ones that slip off easily because many times you will need to take them off when entering church or someone's house
• wedge sandals -- I brought these for staging and it was a waste of time because I mailed them back home before I left LA
• jeans - awesome for going out at training and volunteer get togethers and possible to wear occasionally at least in 'Eua where it's cool (only need one pair)
• Pajamas and comfy sweats for rainy days

Accessories

• 2 pairs of glasses
• 1 pair rx sunglasses
• 2 pairs of cheap sunglasses
• hat (I personally never wear mine but I never wore hats in the US either)
• watch
• cheap jewelry - Tongans always wear jewelry to church and to dancing functions
• Small purse (non leather)
• Some type of tote bag for teaching/grocery shopping (a reusable shopping bag is great)

Toiletry Items

• quick dry towels (1 full size, 1 hand towel) My quick dry towel is amazing because it dries so quickly but a real towel is also nice
• shampoo/conditioner/body wash/lotion/toothpaste (only a 3 month supply for homestay so you don't have to worry about buying it while at homestay. You can easily buy Suave shampoo and conditioner on any island as well as local brands of soap and toothpaste and lotion, dandruff shampoo is provided from the PCMO)
• Do bring your favorite facial moisturizer or face wash or any other product you can't live without
• deodorant (only roll-on deodorant is available here I recommend bringing enough to last you from home and then having your family or friends send it to you)
• Do bring your makeup, if you wear makeup in the states you will probably want to wear it here on occasion. Tongan girls do wear makeup to church and events.
• hand sanitizer (PC does give this to you so you don't need to really worry about it)
• multi-vitamin (PC also provides this but if you're a vegetarian maybe bring b12 or iron tablets)
• Excedrin migraine (or any other medicine you use frequently but PC provides all medicine in the Med kit so you don't need to worry about cold medicine etc)
• baby powder (available here)
• contact solution (4 bottles) -- Bring enough to last you as its really expensive here
• contacts (1 year supply)
• razors (bring from home, they're really poor quality here)
• small hand mirror (you might not have one at home stay but you can buy one for your house in nuku'alofa)
• feminine products and diva cup (bring whatever feminine product you normally use, they're really expensive here)
• toothbrush/paste/floss (3 month supply, PC provides floss and you can buy brushes and paste here)
• hair products and brush (bring your favorites, you can buy only random gels here)
• Hair elastics, etc (girls always wear their hair up)
• medications (3 month supply)
• *******PEACE CORPS PROVIDES SUNBLOCK AND BUG SPRAY*******

Kitchen/household

• leatherman (I personally never use mine but I think they boys may?)
• larger kitchen knife (the ones here are pretty dull)
• can opener (if you buy one in Tongan it will break)
• spices - Cinnamon, garlic salt, basil, oregano, etc (anything you normally use for cooking, you can buy some in Nuku'alofa or have your family send them too)
• Seeds - If you think you might want to garden, bring seeds with you I don't think you can get them here
• powdered drink mixes
• protein bars - nice to have or nice in care packages
• sewing kit
• glasses repair kit
• nalgene water bottles (2)
• sheets (2 flat) I didn't bring sheets and I didn't need them. Your homestay and then your community will provide the sheets. Some people did use their own sheets at homestay but you don't need them
• headlamp
• duct tape (you can't buy duct tape but you can get cello tape)
• zip lock bags (a variety of sizes -- helpful for teaching and around the house)
• clothes line and pins (available here, don't bring)
• measuring cups and spoons
• French press/stove top coffee maker/single cup brewer - if you drink coffee you will want this
• Coffee and Tea (only one brand of tea is available here and only instant coffee, there is no decaf anything)*you can buy real coffee in Nuku'alofa but its more expensive than in the states. Bring 2lbs and then have people send it to you.

Electronics

• Netbook (I love my little portable computer its so easy and light to carry) Also you will want to have a good battery on your computer so that you can use it when the electricity goes out. You really want to bring a computer, you will be sad and want one if you don't. It's great to watch movies, listen to music, bring to an internet cafe, etc, just bring one
• Kindle with reading light (You can get by on hardcopy books because there is a great PCV exchange library at the office in Nuku'alofa, you can also get books sent in care packages so if you don't have a kindle and don't want one, don't worry)
• external hard drive ** A must for sharing movies, the more space the better
• Ipod with speakers (I don't ever use the speakers but maybe you'll want them)
• digital camera with extra battery and memory cards
• flash drives - PC may give you one during site annoucements but I'd bring another
• AA and AAA batteries (I never use my batteries but maybe I will eventually)
• electrical converter
• electrical adapter - Tonga is 220 or 240 volts... if your electronic is less than that then bring a converter

Misc/classroom

• ear plugs
• UMBRELLA - I didn't bring this and regretted it. You can buy the non travel size umbrellas here but they are cheaply made and will break. Bring a travel size one that can fit into your bag because you will use it everyday for the sun or the rain)
• hammock - I don't use mine in my small house but I know many volunteers do use them and love them
• bananagrams
• uno
• cards
• maps (world and Tonga)
• accordion folder
• notebook and journal
• stickers and prizes for students
• school supplies - You can buy notebooks, pens, rulers, pencils, some markers and your school will have some materials. It's nice to bring a set of colored marker and beginning stash of school supplies. Scotch tape and a glue stick are nice to have.
• travel alarm clock - I don't use one, I just use my cell phone
• basic fitness DVD or Zumba is great. Chose one that is very easy -- think easy for overweight older women one that doesn't use props or have on the ground exercises anything with dancing they'll love
• Christmas song book with CD
• small photo album and loose photos to hang on your wall
• small gifts for host family (not necessary, you could buy them a parting gift here, but maybe nice gesture to make)
• children's book (PC gives you some and your school might have a library)
• resistance bands and jump rope
• mask/snorkel/fins
• dry sacks (1 large and 1 small) I never use mine but maybe if you are on an outer island and travel on small boat
• English/English dictionary or a Dictionary program on your computer
• Eric Shamway Tongan Language book is super helpful I recommend using it right away during PST so you can supplement your language class
• Tonga guide book (the Other Places Publishing guidebook you can find and order on Amazon is great and written by former volunteers)

Luggage

• large hiking backpack (some just bring 2 suitcases but a hiking bag is nice if you are planning to backpack/travel post service or during service)
• rolling duffel
• carry-on backpack
• Pack one backpack or suitcase for things you will need for the first 3 months at homestay and one with the rest of your things. BUT don't stress about dividing up everything ahead of time because you will have time during the first 4 days and in LA to reorganize if you need to)

I'm moving to 'Eua!!!!

Yesterday was the best day ever --- site announcement day!!!!

All of us had been waiting for this day pretty much since our arrival in Tonga.  Now we all finally know where we will be living for the next 2 years.  Our sites were chosen based on a number of factors and 3 interviews with the Peace Corps staff.  I will be moving to my first choice of islands --- 'Eua!!!!!! I could not be more excited!!!

About the Island:
'Eua is located just east of the main island of Tongatapu where I am staying now.  In fact, I can see 'Eua in the distance from my village.  'Eua is the 3rd largest island in Tonga and has an approximate population of 5,000. 

'Eua's landscape is very unique from the rest of the Tongan islands -- it is the oldest and highest island in Tonga.  To be exact, 'Eua is 30 million years older.  'Eua is one of the least developed islands of Tonga and is known for its natural beauty.  There are few tourist amenities such as restaurants, bars, etc but 'Eua has an extremely varied landscape including the only rain forest in Tonga, the highest peak, dramatic cliffs, grassy plains with wild horses, the best hiking in Tonga, caves, deserted beaches, rock gardens, and 800 year old Banyan trees --- to say I'm excited would be an understatement!  I cannot think of a more ideal place to spend the next 2 years!

There is one main road on the island that runs north to south on the western side.  The only public transportation on the island is on this road and it is also where most of the villages are located.  The interior of the island is largely uninhabited and made up of bush roads that are only navigable on foot.

Travel to 'Eua from the main island is by boat -- a 3 hour ferry -- or by plane -- an 8 minute flight.  Peace Corps does not allow us to take the ferry due to safety precautions  so on October 31 I will take the 8 minute flight -- I believe the shortest flight in the world? -- to 'Eua for site attachment.  Site attachment is 3 days with the current volunteer on 'Eua where we get to know our new village and become familiar with things before we move there officially 2 weeks later.  The only current volunteer on 'Eua is Kim who is AMAZING.  I'm very excited to learn more about everything and finally see where I'll be living! 

More great news is that the other volunteer placed in 'Eua from my group is Chiara who is in my language group.  I'm very excited for our adventures together over the next 2 years!

My Village on 'Eua:
Peace Corps decided to place only 2 volunteers on 'Eua this year.  My village is on the southern end of the island and Chiara's is on the northern end.  I've been told it takes about an hour walking to get between our two villages.  My village has a population of 400.

I will be teaching at the Government Primary School in my village.  The school has 6 teachers and 181 students.  I will be teaching English to classes 4-6 and assisting with Physical Education, health care, and the school library.

A Picture of my future house:

Two photos of gorgeous 'Eua:

 

 

 

 

What's changed since coming to Tonga

I'm sorry for the extreme lack of updates to my blog! It's been harder than I expected to get into a blogging routine and I still haven't figured out a doable way to get my pictures to upload.  For now, check out my facebook album for pictures of Tonga!

We are now in week 7 of Pre Service Training and so far it has just been amazing.  I can't believe
how fast time is flying .. swear-in is right around the corner!

In an effort not to bore you all with a long entry on everything that has happened this month, I'd like to share a list about what has changed in my life/become routine since arriving in Tonga

- I always get excited for lupulu and root crop on Sundays and look forward to kai lahi-ing (this might not be the case for all volunteers hehe)
-I attend weekly 3 hour Mormon church services
-I know more about teaching than I ever thought I would and I'm so exciting to have the opportunity to teach in Tonga
-I frequent caves on the weekends and picturesque isolated beaches on the weekdays after class
-I no longer mind cold showers -- in fact I could really use one right now as I sweat heavily while typing this
-I'm not offended when someone comments on my sino lahi, in fact this is one of my favorite jokes between my host mother and I
-My dinner at least 2 times a week consists of hot dogs, bacon, and root crop and I celebrate by clearing my plate each time
-I hold uhiki'i kuli and pusi all the time and it's amazing
-I may be developing an addiction to cold Sprites from the falekoloa before afternoon TEFL class
-I can speak at the intermediate level in the Tongan language
-I can somewhat successfully navigate my village in the darkness with out a flashlight
-My legs are always covered in bug bites and scratches from so many walks through the 'uta
-It's normal to stop your car in the middle of the road when pigs and piglets are crossing
-I've exchanged my blackberry for a classic nokia and my High School texting skills are slowing returning
-I wear a kiekie everyday and sometimes I feel like something is missing from my outfit if I'm not wearing it
-I wasn't nervous to sing as a back-up singer at a concert even though I have possibly the worst voice ever
-I'm 100% used to men wearing skirts
-Seeing a skirt above the knee would appear scandalous to me
-I've established amazing relationships with a special community and family and experienced generosity unlike anything I've ever witnessed before
-I have 15 new friends and I'm not afraid to talk about fakalele with any of them

Tongan Vocab:
kai lahi - eat a lot
lupulu - a staple Sunday Tongan dish of meat (in this case beef) wrapped in Taro leaves and cooked in coconut milk in an underground oven called the umu
sino lahi - big body
uhiki'i kuli - puppy
uhiki'i pusi - kitten
'uta - bush
fakalele - the runs (faka = like; lele = running)
kiekie - a tradition piece of clothing worn by most women, it's required of us to wear it while teaching
falekoloa - road side general store

The First Three Weeks in Tonga!

Malo e Lelei -- Welcome to Tonga!!
So much has happened in the last 3 weeks and I haven't updated my blog since arriving!  I'll try to start from the beginning!
We arrived in Tonga on the morning of September 4 and we received the best welcome ever! When we walked off the plane onto the tarmac all the current volunteers and Peace Corps Tonga staff were cheering and waving American and Tongan flags -- it was the best feeling ever and almost made me cry!  After passing through customs and collecting our luggage we exited the airport to more cheering, pictures and greetings it was just awesome!  The airport is about an hour outside the capital city of Nuku'alofa where the Peace Corps Office is located.  We took a bus to the city and had a kava ceremony and dinner at PC headquarters -- this occasion is probably one of the only when the females are aloud to drink kava -- which is okay with me (more on Kava later)!
For the next 4 nights we stayed at a guesthouse a 20 minute walk from the Peace Corps office.  The guesthouse was a great home base for us while we adjusted to the training schedule.  Each morning we would walk to the PC office where we'd have lessons, introductions, fill out paper work, and begin learning Tongan and about our home stay families.  I'm obviously partial but I think that the PC Tonga staff has to be the best around -- everyone is SO friendly and helpful, I look forward to seeing everyone everyday!  Our last day in the city was our water safety training class -- an important class seeing as though we will be spending the next 2 years living in an island nation.  The class took place at the nearby naval base and was an interesting experience haha.  We all wore life jackets and had to jump off the navy ship into the water and demo the new skills we had learned.  I'm not usually nervous with heights but I was the last to jump into the water because I was so scared! Luckily another volunteer took several pictures of us floundering around in the water which I'd love to share with you guys because they're so funny.
After water safety we packed up our things and headed for the villages on the Eastern side of the main island of Tongatapu where we had each been assigned a village along with 3 other volunteers and our language instructor.  My group is Joey, Steph and Chiara and we have a daily language class with Tasi who always keeps us laughing!  The village where I'm staying is near the south eastern edge of Tongatapu and is BEAUTIFUL!  There is an amazing view of 'Eua from the main road thru the village.  We've explored many of the beaches along the eastern side and they are all breathtaking.  (Yes, I'll be adding pictures in my next post!) 
We were all a little nervous to meet our host families -- where we will be staying until October 31 -- but once we met there was an instant connection!  Each of our host families has been SO generous in welcoming us to the community, practicing Tongan with us, teaching about cooking, and making space for us in their homes.  Everything is going great at my home stay thus far -- my family is welcoming and friendly and I really enjoy my conversations with them.  I should also mention that they have the BEST puppy ever named Nimo.
Each morning I wake up and head to our morning Tongan language lesson.  Tasi is staying with the town officier a few houses down from mine and we meet there in the library at 8:30 to study.  At noon we break for lunch and then are picked up by the Peace Corps van to drive 10 minutes away to the next larger village where all four groups meet in the community center for our TEFL lessons or to review safety or medical policies and procedures.  We usually end the day around 4:30 and then if the weather is good a bunch of us may walk to one of the nearby beaches to hang out together or I'll head home and chat with my host mom and do some homework.
My host family is Mormon and on Sunday there is a 3 hour service.  It's difficult to understand most of what is going on but each time I can pick up more words and the Tongan singing is faka'ofo'ofa (beautiful!).  Last Sunday was a convention which was held at our village church. My host mother Meleane gave me a great Tongan outfit to wear along with the kiekie I purchased handmade by our neighbor -- I'll be posting pictures of this!  After the convention myself and 2 of the other volunteers attended a reception where we met some of the church leaders.  It was a really special lunch with some amazing food!  I'm just so grateful for the amazing way we've been welcomed into the community. 
Sorry for this long post -- in the future I plan to post about more specific topics and you can expect some pictures to follow in my next post!  I have more regular internet access now so I should be able to easily upload!
For the next month or so I will continue living with my host family and attending daily classes.  We have a lot more Tongan to learn as well as information and tips regarding the Tongan school system and Peace Corps policy.  In November we will be separating and moving to our permanent sites which will be on either Tongatapu, Vava'u, or 'Eua. 
I'm taking things one day at a time and thus far I've been really happy here!  I've formed some great bonds already with my fellow trainees and the PC staff and I'm so so grateful to be here taking part in this amazing experience.
I've loved reading your emails and about everything that is going on back home -- keep them coming please!
I love and miss you all so much -- I think of you everyday and I'm so excited to share this experience with you all!
Stay tuned for pictures of beautiful Tonga!!
- Katalina / Lina (my Tongan name)

AND HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL WONDERFUL NIECE ALLIE!!!

Staging!

This post was typed at the LA airport a few days ago!



Tonga group 77 has just finished Staging in LA -- the first Peace Corps event!! We are now official Peace Corps Trainees! So far it's been amazing! I love every member of our group, we've had great bonding already and are all excited for the next step.

After a day and a half of orientation and meetings we're now back at the airport waiting for our 9:45pm flight o Auckland, New Zealand and then on to Tonga.  Getting all our luggage to the airport was a little bit of a challenge but so far so good!

I'm feeling great and really excited! It almost still doesn't feel real.  We still have a 13 hour flight ahead of us before finally landing in Tonga - it's great to finally all be together sharing the same emotions!

Arrival in LA

Our hotel for staging

Group 77 at dinner in LA -- minus Harrison and Joey From the left side:  Peter, Michael, Jeff, Ryan, Abby, Mandy, Steph, Wren, Alissa, Mark, me, Tynesha, and Chiara



Stay tuned for posts about Tonga!

Let the journey begin!

Here we are...the night before departure!  I feel anything but organized.  My bags are packed, but my mind is all over the place! I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting, things I'll wish I had packed BUT I'll learn to live without whatever those things may be.

There is so much on my mind that I really can't think about what to write.  The last month has been amazing, surrounded by my family and friends, touched by their kind words of encouragement and some of the best going away gifts that I could have ever asked for! 

I am in DISBELIEF that in 5 short hours I will be headed to the airport and on my way to LA.  I guess that means it's time to pack the rest of those last minute things!

Here are some pictures of the last 2 weeks!

 Tongan flag cake!

Preparations, Parties and Packing Panic

Where to begin????

Firstly, I received more information on what is happening when we arrive in Tonga on September 4.  We will stay at a guest house in the capital city for the first few days and nights before departing to our homestay villages.  Pre-Service Training will take place through October, followed by our swearing-in ceremony the second week of November.  After swearing-in as official Peace Corps Volunteers, we will travel to our permanent sites, either on the main island of Tongatapu, or one of the other island groups.  The first couple months at site will be a time for settling in as the schools are winding down for the holiday break.  This is an important time for us to bond and integrate with the community before we begin teaching full-time in late January.  So much to look forward to!   

Given that I have less than two weeks until departure it's definitely time to buckle down, buy those last few items on the list ANNND finally turn the pile of belongings in the corner of my room into 2 neatly packed bags.  Today, I bought a mask, snorkel and fins that I cannot WAIT to use in Tonga.  The snorkeling in Tonga is supposed to be incredible and I can't wait to experience it first hand!  I've been taking a scuba certification class this month and my first dive is this weekend.  If there was ever a time I should learn how to scuba dive is is definitely before I move to the South Pacific for 2 years!

What else have I been up to?? I spent the day in New York City last week with my Sister-in-law.  We saw the musical Chicago and explored the city a bit.  It was a special day all around -- minus the bus.  Sadly, I didn't take any pictures.  I also was fortunate enough to have lunch with an amazing woman who lived in Tonga for several years.  Hearing her stories and advice was amazing and made me all the more excited!

Last Saturday was a MAGICAL going away party at my Dad's house.  It was such a special day complete with red and white balloons -- colors of the Tongan flag!  I truly feel so blessed and grateful for my amazing family and friends.  They made the party so special with their well wishes, I'm so lucky to have them sharing in this journey with me.

I love you Dad!!

The beautiful cake - which was amazing!!

My first glimpse of the Pa'anga (Tongan currency) - the perfect gift, special ordered and all!

Coming up next:  more parties, Boston's restaurant week, my birthday, more packing and goodbyes AH!