Captain Cook's Landing Site

This little adventure happened about a month ago and I'm finally posting about it. *blush*

While my cousins and I were visiting in Mu'a, we went to the Captain Cook Landing Site. It's pretty close to our residence so our professional-walking legs transported us there.

The sign describing the site.

Quote-

Famed British explorer and navigator Captain James Cook visited Tonga three times, first in ‘Eua. 1774 in Ha’apai and again in 1777. It’s said that on his third visit in 1777, Cook came ashore at this point from his anchorage in the bay, and then rested this Banyan tree (‘Ovava). The present tree is a descendant of the original, which was named Ma’malu ‘o Fulilangi meaning Shading Under the Sky.

While Cook spent on the islands of Tongatapu, Nomuka and ‘Eua, it was Lifukam, among the Ha’api group that he was promoted to name the archipelago “The Friendly Islands”.  Cook and his men enjoyed the lavish feasting and entertainment of the people of Ha’api so much that they stayed for several months , from April until July of 1777.

It was not until years later that it was revealed that the High Chief Finau ‘Ulukalala and his nobles had planned to murder Cook and his men, and to raid their ships. There was an argument between the chief and his nobles over whether the deed would done by day or night, and eventually the plan was abandoned. Cook left Tonga none the wiser, and The Friendly Islands continues to be used as the nickname for the Kingdom of Tonga today.

Upgraded by:

Tonga Visitors Bureau

For some tourist information on Tonga, please visit www.tongaholiday.com or Phone (676) 25334

The Banyan Tree

A monument 

Here stood formerly the Great Banyan “Malumalu-‘o-Fulilangi” or Captain Cook’s Tree under the branches of which the celebrated navigator came ashore on his way to Pau. The Tu’I Tonga (Sacred King of Tonga) on the occasion of the Inasi (Presentation of the First Fruits) in the year 1777. 

and the other side 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 and their royal highness The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne visited this landmark on the 7^th March 1970.

The view out to the lagoon. 

I can go on and on about the peace that surrounds this setting, but a picture should help.

Imagine the calm water out lined with towering coconut trees, low clouds, the cool air brushing your cheeks, the sound of tapa cloth being beaten and the occasional car passing by and maybe a fish jumping out to say "Hi".
You now have a taste of this scenery.

To the left side. 

Olivia demostrating her ability to rock-climb. 

To be honest, I was waiting for her to fall back into the bushes and straight into the water.

Lute and I just chillin.

On the site.

:) 

The trio. We all met each other around the same time. It's a blessing that it happened that way, because if two of us already knew each other really well, I'm not quite sure how well we would've meshed. But because we were all still getting to know each other at this time, the relationship was the same all around.

Our view of the moon on the way home.                                                                         

R-A-N-D-O-M

This post does not follow any one topic and it’s kinda R-A-N-D-O-M.

I read this on a Peace Corps blog and I totally relate.

“…Sure, it sucks taking cold showers and sleeping with mosquitoes and 100% humidity, and I can't find a decent salad to save my life, and the list continues, you know?  But the real hard part is that I can't just be somewhere... I always have to intentionally be.  I mean watching football with my brother, or drinking beers with friends at home, I don't have to worry about saying ridiculous stuff or even not saying anything at all.  Whatever I do, or do not, at home just adds to the inexhaustible list that is "Sean"... there are infinite references for those people to know "who Sean is".  Here, the list is so short, limited and interrupted that one becomes that moment, that comment or action.  I guess that's really why some people like to just travel around and some people really don't... to continually have or continually avoid those circumstances.  And geez!  All that gets really compounded with cross-cultural miscommunications! …”

Basically, it’s hard sometimes because my identity is still becoming. I have to be very alert, aware of everything I do. I was a bit paranoid when I first got here, but people know me better now so I can kinda-sorta-chill. The thing is- I am a deep-rooted- Westerner. There are just small things that Tongans take great offense to that Westerners don’t even think twice about.


This identity crisis has made me more aware of who I am in Christ. ( I am TOTALLY going into a FULL ON identity crisis post later.) I try to remind myself daily that I am of Christ. It makes it easier when people misunderstand you, when people plain just dont get you, when people want you to change. I remember that I need to learn, respectful and be open-minded of the culture. Even though my every action and every move is analyzed and interpreted differently, I remember that God has accepted me. and that's what counts. I just need to be humble and accept certain facts of life- understand- and just plain-move on. 

CROSS-CULUTURAL MISCOMMUNICATIONS- let me be the first to tell you that translating a joke from English to Tongan is a NO NO. You cant just translate a sentence from English to Tongan thinking they’ll get it. You have to culturally translate too. This throws me off cause I act like a Westerner but speaking Tongan, so it’s a really weird mix and I get mixed reactions. *sigh* It’s just one of those things I am learning and trying to find the right balance. Or maybe just trying to jump from culture to culture as I transition from language to language. Such.a.challenge.

The Peace Corps also said this “It’s the little things folks… the little things that mean the most.” And seriously, it’s the truth.  You never realize how many LITTLE things it takes to make life super easy.

For example-

Dryers- we all have access to a dryer in the States. Not here. Drying your clothes on the hang line is a pain in the butt. It’ll be perfect and sunny day. I say to myself “oh, I’ll go hand wash some of my needs-to-be-handwashed- clothes and hang it up”. It takes a while to dry. The humidity keeps the clothes kind of moist so its weird. The clothes are super close to being fully dry. Then, it gets a bit dark, random clouds show up and *BAM*. Showers. The showers only last for 5min at the most. I’m not kidding. But the after-math is frustrating. The clothes will now have to hang for a couple hours, hoping that another random shower doesn’t show up. Yea, be thankful for SEMI-PREDICATABLE WEATHER.

*note- this only happen s with my clothes that need to hand-washed. All my other clothes go in the dryer. We have the luxury of a dryer.

Running Water. There’s running water here but different kinds of water. “vai tupu”- water from the ground- paid water. “vai meiliei” – rain water. And I guess I could also add “hot water” because warm showers are a luxury. My current residence- I have access to all three. Which is the equivalent of living in Atherton.  This little detail in my American Life, this detail we don’t usually think about it unless we are reminded that there are starving children in Africa, makes a BIG difference here.  .

While I am on the topic of water, I want to just letchall know this funny little thing I do. I’ve been called a freak for doing it. I’ve been called WEIRD for it. And I agree. But it’s definitely logical.

Due to the warm weather, I never experience COLD weather. Duh.  Which means my body will slowly loose it’s ability to adjust quickly to cold weather. That’s why kids here get running noses right after staying outside for a “cool” night. The body doesn’t have to adjust to cold weather and it freaks out when it does. Soooooo to combat this- I take COLD showers. Yes, that’s right. I have the luxurious option of taking WARM/HOT showers- but I take COLD showers. And it’s not even “cold”. It’s like cool water. Plus- who wants to take a warm shower when it’s already warm and humid? …and they call ME the freak. Sheeesh. 

*if the power goes out, you don’t get warm water

*if the power goes out and if the house fully relies on electricity-relying pump, you don’t get water.

Beach and the Christian Life

I am going to blog more about the actual outing that took place at this lovely beach, but I just want to post this right now.

After swimming, and eating, I sat there at the beach and just cried. Crying on the beach.

I had listened to this sermon http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/we-were-eager-to-share-with-you-our-own-souls#/listen/full - by John Piper earlier in the morning, and one thing that really stuck out to me was the fact that The Christian life is hard. H-A-R-D. hard.

I swallowed the pill that things will never be easy. That I’ll never just float on by. That I wont always be happy with the status quo. I faced the fact that this life will always be a struggle uphill. But I was comforted, encouraged, and motivated by the fact that I will be rewarded to the fullest. I deceived myself into being disheartened by the reality of the Christian life, but I quickly realized my mistake. Life is hard-just in general. The Christian life is harder because we are going against the natural tide. (aka in Christian terms "sinful nature"). but the Christian Life is definitely the most rewarding. I know that even when it sucks, God will continue giving me peace beyond understanding. Unimaginable joy. I remembered that I will be in Heaven and bask in Christ’s awesomeness. I remembered that I will soon look back at these “mountains” of troubles and realize they were just hills. Ant hills. I was no longer sad, but excited for the adventures God has for me. I was happy. I wiped away the tears and frolicked down to the cool, clear water.

"Materialistic Specific Things I Miss" List

I love making lists so here's to list making...

Since I've been here, I've been a bowl full "missing this and that" such as friends, family, mindset,

but here's a "Materialistic Specific Things I Miss" List.

Basically, it's tangible things- inanimate objects that I miss.

The two top things are in this picture- how convenient-

The top of the list-

Good Coffee- and if I wanted to get even more n picky- Good Decaf Coffee. I dont even care about brand anymore- Starbucks, Peets, or Zoes. I just miss GOOD COFFEE in general.

My Guitar- not that I was really on my way to being really good, I just miss strumming the beautiful instrument. I play some guitar here, but it's different when it's your own.

Fast Wireless Internet- I am very thankful that we even have internet at the house, and WIRELESS internet at that...I just miss FAST internet. You know, where Youtube loads in 5 seconds instead of 5mintues and pictures upload in 1 min instead of 10min.

Dishwasher- I really dont mind washing the dishes, cause I know it's a big help. I just miss rinsing the dishes and shoving it into a dishwasher.

Sidewalks- I dont think theres a generic sidewalk measurement here, so it can range from 2-3 feet off the ground. Totally throwing off my muscle memory. I'm very cautious where and how I walk.

Car- Walking is great for the health. But sometimes I need to go a bit farther than just down the street. and it's not just the convenience of car that I miss. I miss FAST cars. I miss going 65-70mph. What's the average speed here? 40kmph. 25mph. Which is not slow, but it's ridiculous doing 25mph for 30min. Omygoodness. I want to scream.

More lists are coming soon...probably something along the lines of "things I took for granted" and "things I am thankful I have here cause it's definitely a luxury in Tonga" and maybe even "the little things that make me happy here"

to be continued...

Wounds and Wussy makes me go Whaaa

I got three cuts/scrapes/the first layer of skin has been torn off n now there's blood. How did I come by such luck?
Slipped on rocks and fell with the aftermath of a stinging scrape. The car had some rusting, sharp parts and my leg offered itself leaving me with a sort-of-deep wound. and some sharp object decided to make a small, yet deep incision into my big toe just for the heck of it. 
 I had to tend it to myself. =( whaaa. I wish I had someone, anyone...just to hold my hand and then clean my wounds. *sigh* made me think of Jesus washing the Discples feet. I had to clean it so it wont get infected. All the wounds were covered in sand- so fun to get out. <-- sarcasm.
Drowned each wound in iodine and slapped on a good ole band-aid and I'm hoping it's going to stay. Basically, I hate tending to my own wounds.
and it hurt.a.lot. I'm such wussy. 

Wharf America

I am still oblivious as to why it's called "Wharf America", but that's its name. If anyone would like to fill me in, that'd be great.

While we were still in Mu'a, we took a trip downtown. Olivia had classes (even though she was on break- c'mon school system!!!), but after her classes, we went "eva". Eva- translation- exploring.

We walked along the pier and came to Wharf America. (At the time, I did not know it's name so I just called it "the pier the went out". It's actually the only "pier" or as they call it-WHARF, so everyone knew what I was talking about but no one ever bothered informing me of its name. I shouldve just had TOURIST written across my forehead by the way I was referring to things.)

and this brings me to an interesting point. Tongans here dont refer to locations based on street names and sometimes, even the towns. Locations are based on land marks such as: stores (haha yes, a store is a landmark), churches, and government buildings .For example "The place youre looking for is right next to the guitar store and across the bakery". okkkkkk. That's great if I knew where the guitar store and bakery is located. I ask for a street name but that's just pointless because they always say it's off the main road- Taufa'ahau Road. haha. It's taken some time to get use to this sort explanation, but I'm a bit more familiar now with Town, so it's all good.  Also, everyone is always friendly and willing to help me find my destination and most of the time, I'm walking with the relative.

This trip took place on the Friday the Tongan rugby team (Ikale Tahi) played the Canadian rugby team in the Rugby World Cup Tournament. Who knew Canada had a rugby team? haha. 


On Fridays, everyone would dress in Red in support of the Tongan Team "Ikale Tahi". Vehicles would be decked out in red flair and each vehicle was a site to behold.

The Main Market was in full Ikale Tahi Support Spirit with signs and music .

The beautiful, clear, warm, clean (should I go on?) water was so tempting. I didnt plan on swimming, but it was lovely to see.

On the edge of Wharf America. You can see the other group of islands from there. God blessed us with a beautiful day- clear skies, cool air, sunny weather.

Like I said,I wasnt dressed for swimming.But that didnt stop me from dipping my feet.

and who greets me but a pretty blue fish.

I realize I am in a gigantic, fresh water aquarium. =O DREAM COME TRUE!

I am using my handy,dandy underwater camera. such a nice little camera to have.

I highly recommend it. Olympus. (They should be paying me. Free endorsement)

 

Can you see the fish BEHIND the blue fish? I only saw it when I uploaded the picture into my computer! VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY COOL. My cousins and I were amazed. MAJOR CAMOUFLAGE IN ACTION.

Dory and her twins swimming around.

Lute. She is just so cute. and very funny I might add.

My favourite shot of the day. Olivia and I. 

I love the never ending horizon, our pose, the lighting, and Oli's facial expression. haha.

Tongan Dora the Explorer- equipped with a backpack and a knack for adventure.

Fisherman...he's fishing...

On our way back, I treated all of us to some delicious, freshy, cold coconute juice. Yup. Straight from the Coconut. Then, the coconut is cracked open and the meat inside just tops it off. It's like drinking a really good cup of coffee and then finding a pastry at the bottom of the cup to go with it. God, you are absolutely BRILLIANT and super creative to create such a fruit.

I would like to mention that due to my ignorance of the bus schedule, we missed our bus home. We walked probably about 5miles to Olivia's house, watched the Tongan Team get smacked by the Canadian Team, and then finally made it back to Mu'a. oh- did I mention we walked FIVE miles?!?!?! I've never been so tired of walking. On the bright side, it was great way to see a lot of villages and experience the daily lifestyle of the people.

I'm just glad we made it to Olivia's house before dark.

Thanks God. :)

the lack of internet is one excuse

but it's not a good enough excuse as to why I have not posted a lot. well, today marks TWO MONTHS of being here. I will definitely go into more detail later. but please pray that I have the patience to just finish all the other blog posts and get em up.

i hope i dont have many of these "pending blog posts are coming soon" posts. i've got lots to share. so just give me a little more time.

for HIS glory and the furthering of HIS kingdom,
~!_eita

Koe Tohitapu

Since I’ve been here in Tonga, I’ve been getting better with my Tongan. I’ve also been listening to the beautiful, melodic Tongan hymns at church and even at home. This one is my favourite one so far.

The Title is Koe Tohitapu, “The Bible”.

Koe Tohitapu koe kapasa  ia ‘o ‘etau folau

Ko ia pe a e nonga pea moe  u

Ngaue aki ‘a e Tohi ni  ki he houa ‘o e mo’ui ni

Ka ta a’usia ‘a itaniti

Ala  mai ‘Eiki kiate au

Ngaohi  au keu taau ma’au

‘Ala mai ko’ eni pe

Me’a  kuo u  ma’u

Pukepuke  atu  pe ‘a ho‘o  Tohitapu

Ko ho ‘o folofola ‘Eiki te u  fufu  ‘i hoku loto

Ke oua na’a ku toe  angahala kiate  koe

Kau muimui atu o fai ki he Tohitapu

Kai kehe  pe  tu’u ‘a lupe ‘iate  au