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!

7888.3 miles

In THREE short weeks I will be moving 7888.3 miles away from Boston to my new home - TONGA.  So much has happened since I last posted 2 weeks ago!

On August 1, we received our Staging information.  Staging is the 1-2 day orientation all incoming PCTs (Peace Corps Trainees) attend before departing the USA for their countries of service.  Staging for Tonga Group 77 will be held in LA on September 1 and 2.  This year, there are 15 volunteers headed to Tonga.  I will leave Boston in the early morning on September 1.  Once in LA, we will have our orientation on the 2nd before flying out of LAX in the evening and arriving in Tonga on Tuesday, September 4. 

This past Friday was my last day of work!! The summer was a very hectic time at the office, working long hours and weekends to prepare for all our events.  It's so hard to believe that it's all over now!  I'm incredibly grateful for the relationships I've formed with my co-workers and supervisor over the last four years and my last day could not have been more special!  My colleagues got together and purchased items from my packing list -- an amazing hammock, beautiful new English/English dictionary, and an incredibly generous gift card.  I could not have been more surprised and touched by this send-off!! I can't thank everyone enough for the gifts, kind words and good-bye party complete with a map of Tonga!  I'm very much looking forward to keeping in touch and sharing my experience in Tonga with everyone!

My new dictionary!

Scene from my last day

More photos from around Boston....I'm trying to absorb my favorite city as much as I can before I leave!

The JFK Library and Museum -- JFK created the Peace Corps in 1961, I visited the museum for good luck before receiving my invitation!

Skyline from a Duck Boat on the Charles

One of the things I love to hate - the Red Line

Copley Square

My old backyard, the Public Garden

35 days - Tonga or Bust

2 weeks left at my job and 35 days until Tonga ... I cannot believe how time is flying!!

I want to jump back a bit and tell you all about receiving my invitation and share some pictures now that I've finally uploaded them...

The last couple months of the application process were the most difficult and, as always, the next step came when I was least expecting it.  I received an email from the placement office saying that my invitation was in the mail on June 6.  I remember stopping in the middle of the sidewalk in Harvard Square with my hand over my mouth in utter shock while I read the email on my phone.  My heart was racing and I was thinking "this is it, it's all happening now".  Everyone had been waiting along with me for updates from the Peace Corps and that evening I celebrated with friends at the Top of the Hub in Boston.  My friends and family have been with me every step of the way during the application process - celebrating that night was so so special!

My first time at Top of the Hub!

Boston, I love you!!

The Invitation Kit -- took me a day or 2 to read everything

Two days later was the greatest surprise ever -- my invitation to Tonga arrived!! I've never been more anxious to get home in my life!  It was the most overwhelming, giddy feeling to rip open that package and finally know where I would be serving.  Being the stalker that I am, I had watched countless videos online of others opening their invites and had visualized myself in their shoes.  My brother videotaped the whole thing, it's surreal to watch it now.



Back to the present.......

Today, I purchased two big things on my packing list -- the two pieces of luggage I'll take with me to Tonga!  If my sister-in-law Jill hadn't come with me to EMS, I would probably still be there staring at the backpacks.  It's easy to get overwhelmed thinking of everything I still have to buy and Jill helped me make a decision, stay on task ... and carry my bags around the store -- love you Bity! 

I decided a while ago to go with a rolling duffel bag and large hiking backpack.  Hopefully those will prove to be the right choices!  The best part of the trip was that the staff at EMS now recognize me because I have shopped there so much over the last two months.

EMS Transfer 25 rolling duffel

 

 

EMS Women's Habitat 65 backpack 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                          

My Assignment

In Tonga, I will be a primary school English teacher as part of the Tonga TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Project.  Many of the specific details of my assignment will not be known until I arrive in country, begin Pre-Service Training (PST), and am placed at my specific site. 

What I do know so far is that I will join 10-15 other incoming trainees at staging in September and together, we will fly to Tonga and begin PST.  As a TEFL volunteer, I will spend most of my time working as a teacher in a local school and also taking part in different community development initiatives specifically health initiatives. 

Pre-Service Training is 10 weeks and takes place in a rural community setting.  Training covers many topics including the Tongan language, safety and security procedures, cross-cultural skills, job-related skills, and a model school practicum.

I won't know the specifics of my living conditions until after I complete training and swear-in as a volunteer in November.  The schools where we will be teaching are mostly in rural villages on either the main island or outer islands.  Volunteers live within walking distance of their schools and most live in a family compound or in the home of a host-family.  Most volunteers in Tonga have electricity and running water, but this also depends on my site placement.

The dress code in Tonga is very conservative.  Female volunteers usually teach in long skirts or dresses.  Attending and participating in church services and activities will also be an important part of my daily life in Tonga.

While Peace Corps has been going to Tonga since 1967, every volunteer's experience is different and dependent upon many different factors.  I've been reading a ton, looking at pictures, and practicing some basic Tongan phrases, but there is still SO much I have to learn about Tonga.  I cannot wait to be immersed in the culture and to experience Tonga first-hand.  Peace Corps volunteers don't get to choose their country of service and when you apply you have to open yourself up to the idea that you could be serving anywhere.  I'm so happy that Tonga chose me and every day I feel a stronger affinity for the country that will be my home for the next two years.

I'M MOVING TO TONGA IN 43 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, a packing list!

I've added information to the 'packing list' tab -- check it out!

Let me tell you, thinking about what to pack for Peace Corps service can be stressful!  I'm sure every incoming trainee has struggled with the packing process -- months in advance or the night before departure. 

Peace Corps provides you with a country specific packing list and some general restrictions for luggage.  Volunteers may bring two bags with a combined weight of 80 lbs.

Knowing that, at times, I can be a procrastinator, I've made an effort to get an early start on the purchases I need to make.  I've been keeping a notepad on me at all times and making several lists of things to do and buy each day.  There are prescriptions to order, legal arrangements to be made, long skirts to buy, boxes to pack, subscriptions to be cancelled, etc, etc, etc.

BUT! the most important 'task' is to spend quality time with my family and friends.  I feel so blessed to have such an amazing support system, I truly can't imagine going through this process without them! 

To my family and friends:  I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

My Country of Service

The Kingdom of Tonga

 

Location

The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago comprised of 176 islands, around 50 of which are inhabited.  Tonga is located in the South Pacific Ocean about two thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand.  

The Tongan islands are scattered over 270,000 square miles of ocean.  The land area is approx. four times the size of Washington D.C.

Tonga is divided into 5 island groups:  'Eua, Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Vava'u, and Niuas; the capital and largest city is Nuku'alofa

Government

Constitutional Monarchy - King Tupou VI.  Tonga is the only monarchy in the Pacific and was never colonized.

Population

Approx. 103,000.  Over 70% of the population lives on the main island of Tongatapu.

Language

The official languages are Tongan and English.  Tongan is a Polynesian language which I will be learning during Pre-Service Training.

Climate

Tonga has a tropical climate with average temperatures in the 80s and average daily humidity of 80%. 

Religion

98% of Tongans are Christian and religion is a huge part of everyday life.  The largest denominations are the Free Wesleyan Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Free Church of Tonga.  There are strict laws regarding the Sabbath in Tonga and schools, meetings and events usually begin with a prayer. 

Food

My diet in Tongan will likely consist of taro, yams, breadfruit, sweet potato, cassava, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish, chicken, mutton, and pork.

Other

Rugby is the national sport of Tonga and dance is a large part of the culture.

98.9% of the population is literate.
56% of the population is obese.


[Facts taken from Wikipedia, CIA World Factbook, Peace Corps Tonga Welcome Book and Volunteer Assignment Description]

Peace Corps Invites You to Serve...

...in THE KINGDOM OF TONGA!!!!

Welcome to my blog!!  After a year-long application process, I've recently accepted an invitation to serve in the Peace Corps as a Primary English Teacher in the Kingdom of Tonga!  I cannot adequately describe in words my emotions upon receiving my invitation for service.  After months of wondering, researching and obsessing my dreams have finally become a reality and I will be leaving for staging (orientation) in 10 short weeks!! How crazy is that???? 

Applying to the Peace Corps is a lengthy process and a roller coaster of emotion (check out my timeline page above).  The application itself is long and thorough and is followed by an interview, nomination, medical, legal, and suitability screenings all before receiving an invitation.  My commitment to the Peace Corps grew stronger as I made my way through the application process and confronted my doubts and fears.  Now, having received my invitation, I could not be more sure that this is the right decision for me and the right time in my life to begin this amazing journey.  I'm so grateful for this opportunity and I hope to share my journey with all of you!

Stay tuned for upcoming posts on where I'm going, what I'll be doing, what I'm bringing, and how I'm feeling as departure approaches (ah!!)


(If there are any Tonga invitees reading this please join the Tonga Group 77 Facebook page or send me an email!)