I've decided to just post the rest of Tonga before posting about my current happenings. SO....here's the rest of it. Enjoy!!!
July 15, 2012
Early morning choir practice FTW!
It was kinda like BMA’s choir practices at 7am every other morning. HAH!
We put on the Sabbath School for
the kids with pretty much the same program we used for the VBS program and then
headed off to help out with the Youth church service afterwards. We did song
service for them and then listened to some of the choirs sing which they also
combined all their church choirs to sing a song which was heavenly.
After lunch back at the compound
I looked for a few pictures for a slideshow that we were going to show at AY
since I had everyone’s pictures. Then we had choir practice one last time
before we left. When we arrived for AY all the church choirs were performing
(meanwhile the mime group was practicing their act since it was a new one) and
while we were waiting we were sitting with a little girl that was super
violent, claimed she hated all boys, and asked why my eyes were the way they
were. Lol. When it was the QH’s turn we showed the slideshow (oh, Bryan and I
put one together rapidly in the afternoon) after Pastor Joedy talked for a bit.
We also presented two felt boards (and the felts that went with it), one to the
conference Sabbath School leader, and then the Sabbath School leader of the
Popua Church. Hope also gave her puppets to the Popua Church as well. After
that the mime group did their thing and totally nailed it! SO proud of them.
The Melashenko choir was then up to bat and we sang about 7 songs…yeah, we
sounded great (at least I hope we did…haha). =) There was also this quintet
singing group that sang this version of Jerusalem that was OH-mazing!! When
everything was finally done and we boarded the bus, it was a very long goodbye
from the inside of the bus to the outside of the bus. Especially b/c all the
Tongan girls were trying to say bye to all the boys. Lol. It was seriously like
a fan club out there. No lie.
When we got back to the compound
we were met with a surprise (ok, so maybe I was just surprised b/c I missed the
memo…anyone else there with me? Lol). The Popua choir came to sing to us one
last time, say goodbye and thank you, and give us some gifts. They sang the
beautiful song that states, “I am rich ‘cause I have you Lord.” I love that
song and they are amazing!! Then the pastor had a few words of thanks and
gratitude for us b/c somehow our group managed to come up with almost $7000
while we were there in order for the Popua church to fill the land they will be
building on for their new church. They sang one last song to us as a farewell,
and it actually was a farewell song that they may or may not have composed
themselves…anyone know for sure on that? Well, anyway. That’s when the tears
started. Isa, the lead singer in the group started choking up, which made
others in the choir start crying which made everyone else in the room (aka us)
start crying. Super duper emotional but as everyone stated later, it was like
the icing on the cake or the cherry on top (whichever appeals to you more). I’m
really going to miss the Popua choir. They’re amazing!! We had them sign our
t-shirts that were circulating around, there was a lot of exchanging gift, long
goodbyes and we even started writing our names on Isa’s arms in Sharpie for her
to add us on FB. That poor girl. Lol. Did I mention that I’m going to miss
them? Haha.
July 16, 2012
Woke up early for kitchen duty
b/c apparently I volunteered the night before….HAH. Lol. I actually like
helping out in the kitchen, except sometimes there’s too many ppl in there and
then it gets crowed. What’s that saying? Too many cooks spoils the something or
another. See? I’m horrible with those. Haha.
After worship we had to
unfortunately say goodbye to the Canadian Team. It was another long goodbye
(btw, I really don’t like long goodbyes…lol) since not only were we saying
goodbye to them, but a bunch of the youth came by and skipped some of their
morning classes to say bye as well.
Chetwyn. It was great getting to know you all: interacting, working,
singing, playing, sharing, talking, laughing, and worshiping with you all. You
guys have been a blessing to me and I know you have for the others of us as
well. You guys brought a lot of love, life and laughter to the group and it
wouldn’t have been the same without you all. Basically, what I’m saying, is
that I’m glad you guys came. =D I love you all!!!
But then after you guys left….we
PARTIED!!!!!!!!
Hahahah. Just kidding!! =) We
went shopping for gifts since some of us hadn’t gotten to do that yet. The
place I went to change money was a bit sketchy. It was on the side of the open
market place, single room (small), two security guards (or two random guys or
something like that), and just a desk. Haha. But they had a better rate than
the other bank we stopped at. So it all balances out.
Walked around the market deciding
what I wanted to buy. Most of their stuff is handmade, unlike all those other
touristy countries that all have the same thing but with their own name on it
and it’s actually made in China. Haha. Legit. For some reason I was drawn to
everything that had a sea turtle on it….hmmm…wonder why. =) I also tried out my
bargaining skills and won. Surprisingly. Lol. I’m usually horrible at it.
Auntie Beth, on the other hand, is the QUEEN of bargaining. No lie.
After we got back, Paula made the
best tuna salad and then I had to go and get hiccups right as I was trying to
be helpful (Ms. Judy had asked us to help rinse some bags from the eye clinic).
They lasted a good 10 mins before I had had enough and laid down till they were
gone. Then we had a discussion about coconuts. I personally like coconuts when
they’re young and the meat is still thin and like jelly. Netanya, on the other
hand, likes them older with the meat thicker. I personally find that it’s too
oily for me by then. But enough about that. Guess what we did in the afternoon?
Kayaked across the ocean to an
island….LIKE A BAWSE. Ohhh yeahhh!!
Arody, Bryan, Sophie, and I all
decided to rent kayaks near the port and kayak to the next island, which
happened to be the same one we were at on our day off. Twenty pa’anga for two
hours? Heck yes. It was so worth it. Who wouldn’t want to be kayaking in the
open ocean in Tonga? Open ocean, kayak, blue skies, no boats around, and God.
It was amazing!! So speedsters Sophie and Bryan were way ahead of Arody and I,
which was ok, b/c I had a great time reflecting on the last two weeks and
talking with God. It took us about 30-45 mins to get to the island (30 for the
Speedy Gonzales and 45 for the slow pokes…lol). And then we relaxed for a
while…Sophie and Arody jumped into the water and we all took a turn at the rope
swing. Then we realized that the sky was turning quite dark in the distance and
decided it would be a good idea to head back. The waves were getting a bit
choppy (well, choppy for being in a kayak) since the wind was starting to pick
up a bit. We booked it back to shore…or more like they all booked it back, with
the exception of Bryan lagging behind with me part way and TOTALLY disturbing
my conversation with God. Yes, I’m never going to let you live that down. I was
so ticked at him. Lol. Ok, not really, but he def messed up my solitude. Btw,
kayaking to another island is a great workout. You should try it sometime.
While we were walking back it was
starting to get cold, and by cold, I mean Tonga cold, which is only like 65°
or so. Lol. So I was freezing to death when I got back since I somehow managed
to get all wet while kayaking. Don’t ask. I’m not actually sure myself. I ran to take a shower, which, btw, was COLD,
but somehow warmed me up, and then ate my dinner, which, btw (again), was
awesome b/c Paula is an awesome cook!! During worship we had a lot of
reflection time. Arody stated that since this was his first mission trip he’s
going to compare all the other ones he goes on to this one. The bar has been
set high. Haha. And I agree. Pastor Joedy and Judy do a marvelous job leading
out mission trips. No matter what happens, it’s always a great experience. It
then lead Bryan state later on that he’s been wanting to lead out in some
mission trips and hadn’t found the right people until now. Bryan, Arody,
Netanya, Henry, Sophie, and I have decided we’re going to form a team and lead
out on some mission trips soon. =) It’s gonna be awesome!!
We all said goodbye to Dr. Randy,
Cindy, Pastor Joedy and Judy early since they had to wake up a lot earlier than
us to catch a flight to the next biggest island of the country. We transferred
most of the pictures to Pastor Joedy’s computer while he answered some of my
questions that I had about the trip just as a reference when I have my
presentation. Sigh, I love the Melashenkos!! They’re such a blessing!
After everyone went to sleep, I
was still doing something on the comp and so Arody, Bryan, and Sophie joined me
and we ended up reminiscing about the trip…yes…WHILE we were still on the trip.
Lol. We’re pathetic. I love us. We’re THAT awesome.
July 17, 2012
To be honest, I don’t really
remember what I did this morning. I think I was discussing life with Bryan or
something of that sort. Oh well. We all packed up and made sure everything was
in order. We scavenged for lunch which ended up being like bread…and peanut
butter, or butter and maple syrup for me since I hate peanut butter. We gave
Ofa some money we (the girls that were left and some others) had pulled
together for her since we knew her water and electric bill was super high from
us being there that long. She exclaimed (and I’m kind of paraphrasing), “I’ve
never received this much money before in my life!” Friends. It really wasn’t a
ton of money. Less than $100 (USD), I think. Does that tell you anything? B/c
it should. ‘Nough said.
We then called Ofa, Betty, and
Stephanie (the two ladies that helped out in the kitchen dutifully everyday)
into the kitchen to present them a little gift from all of us (and this, I
think, was actually from all the group…Sophie, correct me if I’m wrong)…and to
our surprise, they gave us gifts too! A handmade flower for our hair and a
pretty tupenu! Ahhhh. They’re so amazing!!
Right before we left the majority
of us went across the road to sit and contemplate the ocean one last time. It
was bittersweet. More bitter than sweet at that moment, I’m sure. And then
Arody and Bryan came barreling down since Arody was going to go spearfishing
until he realized he didn’t have time…and then pretended to go spearfishing
instead…how you do that is unbeknownst to me.
Very begrudgingly we loaded up
all our stuff aka luggage and said goodbye to everyone. Well, part of them
decided to see us off at the airport so it wasn’t too depressing. On the way to
the airport the bus all of a sudden stopped and I was called to the window on
the other side of the bus where Finau handed me a bag…which had the two dresses
the lady had fixed for me. They’re amazing. =)
We got to the airport, checked in
our stuff (apparently I have a Tongan last name b/c the lady at the counter
asked if I was part Tongan…) and waited around until half of the group urged us
to go in the terminal, which I promptly refused b/c we still had a long time
before the flight. Ofa had come to say goodbye to us but couldn’t stay too long
so when Finau and Ana didn’t show up, we decided to give the presents to her
just in case they really couldn’t come. But just as we were finishing telling
her whose was whose those rascals came waltzing across the road. Haha. Ofa was
off the hook! We gave the ladies each a small gift as a thank you for helping
out with the eye clinic so devotedly. Then we gave them our addresses and
finally had to say bye to them. I’m seriously going to miss them. They were
like super cool grandmothers to us!!
We all said our final goodbyes
and headed into the terminal…which was one big room, kinda like Tawau’s
airport. Haha. The kids (and by kids, I mean us younger ones 32 yrs old and
below) got hungry and got some food…I watched the prelims for the Olympics
(which, btw, is starting soon!!!), and then arm wrestling (yes, on TV, during
the sports section) before I got myself cup of noodles…comfort food FTW!!
So then it was boarding time.
Only to be stopped and pulled aside so that I couldn’t board. So were Arody and
Bryan and some other random kid. Apparently they didn’t like the fact that we
had more than one carry-on, which was a new rule Air Pacific had implemented.
None of us had had a problem before on the in-bound flights, but when we
protested we were met with a bored stare and silence. So much for being the
“friendly island.” Sigh. All three of us (I’m discluding the random kid b/c he
doesn’t apply to this story other than the fact that he had been stopped with
us) tried to explain not once, not twice, but five times that we didn’t want to
check in our second carry (my violin, and their camera equipment) on b/c they
were fragile, which is precisely why we wanted them with us. No such luck. Our
options were either we check them in or we leave them there. No ifs, ands, or
buts. Either they didn’t realize the fragility of our carry-ons or they were
brought up by Nazis. Sorry, I was really irked by this situation. In all the
years that I’ve had this violin (which is a very very very long time), I have
never once had a problem with bringing on my violin, and I’ve traveled
extensively during my lifetime. Trust me. Bryan even tried persuading them to
only take their camera gear but let me take my violin with me. They wouldn’t
budge. They kept on telling us that it was a full flight and there wasn’t
enough room for it. Not enough room my foot!!!!!!!!!! I got on that plane after
unfortunately checking in our things and there was DEFINITEY room for them. My
violin plus their equipment is SMALLER than some of those huge carry-ons. Sigh.
But what can you do. I was irked the whole flight and vowed to write them a
nice little letter when I got back (which I did). But it’s ok. I’m over it….mostly.
Haha.
When we arrived in Fiji we were
forced to clear immigration in order to gather our wronged carry-ons. (Ok, you
can laugh at me for being pathetic). I quickly snatched our things off the
conveyer belt (and Arody and Bryan’s things as well as they were still filling
out the immigration card) and did a careful inspection of my violin. Thankfully
it was unscathed although it was very cold, which is bad for the wood. I swear
if something happens to the sound of my violin, I’m blaming them. I waited a
long time for the rest to join me and after a once-over the gear was deemed ok.
We were playing BS on the ground of the baggage pick-up area before being
kicked out of the customs area b/c they were closing. Lol. It was already dark
by the time that happened (b/c it took them so long to get through immigration)
so we decided to have dinner at the airport. I really wanted to walk outside of
the airport so Bryan, Sophie, and I walked across the parking lot…bahahahaha.
They’re such good sports. Ok, I’m not so sure about that Ginger since she was
complaining the whole time. Lol. Good thing I love her. ;)
The six fearless leaders
(Netanya, Henry, Bryan, Arody, Sophie, and I) ended up at some Indian pizza
place where we ate till we were stuffed and reminisced (yet again) about the
trip. We really are pathetic. Hahaha. But I love us. So much. =)
It was a full flight back to LAX
which meant we couldn’t switch seats easily, but it was ok b/c I got to sit
next to Netanya and Henry. =) Well, it was more like sleep and doze next to
them. Lol. We’re boring people. Since there’s a drastic time change we landed (which,
btw, was one of the smoothest landings I’ve ever experienced) the same day we
had left Tonga except earlier. Yay for going back in time! We spent a long time
on the runway which is when we all pulled out our phones and promptly got bored
with them after a few minutes. It was so weird having a phone that when I went
to put it back I put it in my backpack instead of my pants pocket. We traded
numbers and were texting each other…even though we were all sitting within
talking distance of each other. Lol. Told ya we’re pathetic. When we finally
disembarked we all went through immigration (where I totally forgot that I had
given my violin to Bryan to hold for a second and freaked out to Arody when I
realized I didn’t have it…I have such a great memory), waited for our bags, and
went through the long line for customs which is then where we said hasty
goodbyes to everyone since you must choose whether to go out or transit and you
can’t stand there b/c there’s a little old lady that yells at you. Lol.
I got to meet Netanya’s family
while I was waiting for my ride. Awesomeness must run in the family. Lol.
Ryan and Sharien picked me up and
we went to Sanamluang, which is one of the BEST Thai restaurants I have ever
been to. Then we stopped by Forever 21 b/c I had no clothes suitable to wear in
the US. What? I wasn’t really thinking about Vegas when I packed. Who cares
about Vegas when you’re going to Tonga for a Mission Trip?! Oh, yeah. I forgot
to mention that I had to go to Las Vegas when I got back to babysit my cousin (Baby)
since my aunt was there for a class reunion. Mission trip to Vegas. It sounds
bad, I know. Hahah. Got back to Ryan’s house and took a HOT shower. OH EM GEE.
You have no idea how good it felt after having cold showers for two weeks. We
Skyped with Lindsey for a bit as I cooed over Ezzy, the extremely adorable dog,
who also likes to chase and bark at birds flying in the sky. Crazy dog. Anyway,
Sher and I went to the Boba Tea House to get some yummy boba and sweet potato
fries. Dude. They had the small boba/tapioca pearls. Do you know how long I’ve
been looking for those?!?! It was amazing. Ariana then came and joined us and
we had girl time (read: catching up with each other) for a while. Even after
the place closed we talked outside until Sher stated she had to pee really
badly. Lol. So we ran off to In-N-Out to meet up with MyMy. So, umm, funny
story about that. We get there and before we get out of the car Sher spots
Scott and Vicky (Vicki, Vickie…I give up) giving their order at the front. So
we decide (brilliantly) to go scare them since we’re creepers like that. But we
were afraid that they might see us if we just sat in our car and waited. So we
sneaked inside…and when I say “sneaked” it was really us running and ducking
(and giggling) behind all the tables with everyone staring at us weirdly. We
finally made it to right behind and stared them down for a good minute before
Scott turned around and saw us. Lol. Then there was a happy reunion and at that
moment Uncle Gary (Cali’s UG, not Southern’s!) popped out of nowhere and says
to Sharian and I, “The last time I saw you guys was in TN and now I see you
guys crawling the floors of In-N-Out!” Hahahahaha. True that. Then MyMy finally
arrived and we all hung out for a bit before Sharien and I decided it was time
go back home for some sleepy time. Although it was bittersweet leaving Tonga
and all of its amazingness, it was good to be back to the US of A. =)
0 comments:
Post a Comment