Week 9th in Tonga, 3.11.-9.11.2014

Week 9 in Tonga; 3.11.-9.11.2014

Monday 3^th of November

I woke up late this morning, today was a public holiday. I did some work on my computer and then in the afternoon I went to see Filimone and Sofi Fifita in Tu’atakilangi. I lived with them for few years when I was in USP. 

I went as a private student and I supposed to stay with a Fijian friend. I only knew when I arrived in USP that my friend already left to Australia. The cheque with my school fee for the whole year was not enough for one semester with boarding. After the first semester living on campus, Filimone and Sofi took me in. I was very fortunate not only the financial aspect of my studies but also the moral support and advice given as if I was one of their own.

I went two times already looking for their house. Filimone and Sofi were both in good shape. They do some exercise daily and they seemed to be in good health. We talked and catched up with what have happened in all these years. I was so happy to see them again. I was invited for the lunch next Sunday. 

Tuesday 4^th of November

I talked to Latu, the administrative deputy principal that I would like to be one of the internal supervisors for the exams. I wanted to see how the process was done. I could go to one Form 5, one for a Form 6 and one Form 7 exams. There were external supervisors who were in the exam’s rooms supervising. We, from QSC on the other hand were there only to give admission slips and get the students ready for the exams. Latu granted my wish...

I went to the Palace Office to remind Suka ‘Otukolo about our community work on Friday and to cut the grasses at “Mala’ekula before our clean up. Suka was not in the office and I left a message. I continued to the Environment Department to drop a letter asking for sponsorship for getting the trees for our tree planting session on Friday. The responsible person, Meli was not at work so I left the letter to one of his colleagues. I continued to the Immigration office to pick up my passport. It was not ready and was told to come back tomorrow. I stopped by at the shop to get spare parts for my bicycle, it needed more repairs…

We agreed with our kava drinking guys from “Kai’angakai” to play touch rugby at the yard of QSC. No one was in good shape even the younger guys. There was a young boy, Sekope who was in class 2, 6 or 7 years old and he did most of the running. Some of us were a bit round and we spent most of the time laughing at ourselves. It was really fun.

Wednesday 5^th of November

This morning, I woke up early. The Form 5 had mathematics exam and they met at 8:00 outside the exam rooms. There was a devotion and they got their admission slips before the exam started at 9:00. Four of the students did not show up even though they paid more than $100 registration fee for the subject. Lilio, the deputy principal asked me to come again tomorrow...

 

I called Mr Melitiana Kaisamy (Meli) and Giz (German Technical Cooperation) of the Environment Department and Climate Change to ask whether he got the letter I delivered yesterday. He did not, and I decided to go down to their office. He still did not find the letter, fortunately I had my laptop with me and we printed the letter again, signed and he sent it to Suva. All financial decision was made there...

We played touch rugby again at “ako’alu” yard. It was fun unfortunately I hurt my thigh muscle. I left early and walked home in paint. Toni called that his wife gave birth for a boy and they wanted me to name the baby. I tried to convince him to let someone else did the honour… Oh no, what should I do now?

Thursday 6^th of November Thursday 11.9.2014

On my way to “ako alu” where the classrooms were around 7:30, I saw there was something going on in the dining hall. I went in and of course the exam students were having their breakfast. Those who sit the exams have special meals during the week, for breakfast was bread and a cup of cocoa. 

I saw Toni drove passed and I came out.  He came for the name of course. The Tongans are still very superstitious, they named their children as soon as possible because they think if the child was not named fast enough then s/he would become deaf... 

I needed more time for the name, I could not just put any name, I had to give it a thought, pray and see what the spirit would give me… we could do it in the Finnish way also, no hurry and you can get the name after weeks… I explained.

In the afternoon, I went to the "Tau’olunga computer" to edit my 2 songs. I gave Sela the versions that I had and she found some mistakes on the lyrics syllables. I was so excited with the songs and I tried to get those songs ready. Tau’olunga komipiuta had a newer version of the Tongan notation software, Tu’ungafasi. It has more features, easier and it was much better to work with. 

We visited "Liukava" the resident of King in Kolovai. The reason we went there to meet her Highness the baby Princess Halaivalu Mata'aho, daught of the Crown Prince Tupou To'a and Princess Sinaitakala. I was asked to take pictures of the princess with the school's camera. I always nervous doing it with the school camera which I did not know how to use...

In the evening, I was in FB with Rozza and Fiona discussing the possible names. At the end we decided to name the baby “Onni Valo Tu’i’ile’ila”. Onni is happiness and Valo is light in Finnish, Light of Happiness is the explanation for the names. It was late, but I called Toni and told him I got the name… I went to our kava party at Kai'angakai to celebrate the new name of "Onni Valo"...

 

Friday 7^th of November

I woke up early, thankful for “Kaimapu”, even I left after 3:00 am from the kava party, I woke up without much difficulty. The Form 5 had breakfast at 7:00 before getting ready for their morning exam. Both students and teachers delivered speeches during the breakfast. It brought some memories from my high school years, I had similar experiences...

We had a guest speaker during the morning devotion talking about evils presented in music and movies. It was interesting to hear that some of the posture and signs popular for the kids when taking pictures were all Satanic. It is another authoritative young figure telling what the kids should do without asking them what do they mean when posting with the signs... I was amused with his conclusions one of them was encouraging the kids to watch only religious cartoons... I wonder what kind of movies this guy have watched to come up with his conclusion...

Meli called from the department of environment that our application for the sponsorship was approved from Suva. We could have 70 trees from the Agriculture Dept. for our tree planting and for promoting concrete good environmental practices.

 We had our community work on the environment with a cleanup campaign outside of Mala’ekula (Royal Tomb). The classes were divided into 4 and they worked in groups with assigned teachers cleaning the perimeters. Lisiate Raass’s boys came with their truck to help taking the rubbish away which was a great help. The students were amazing and I was so happy with the results of the work today. We would do the tree planting part later.

In the afternoon, I cycled to Vaiola hospital to see Toni and and the family. I told the parents they still could change the name if they don't like it. "Onni Valo" must be it then. We talked for a while then I left. Of course, I was visiting to the hospital and I had to say a prayer blessing the baby and the family. 

Saturday 8^th November

I woke up after 10,00 after talking to Finland then I went to the market. I stopped by at one of the food hut at the seafront and it was owned by a Tongan lady, Mele who lived in Auckland. I had a good conversation with her and her friend Susi, a "fa'afafine". We talked about the changes in Tonga, about the Chinese, about the coming election and politics etc. On my way back, I met my cousin who was selling food at the sea front. I stopped by at their stand every Saturday but none of us recognized each other. One of her grandchildren who was at our aunt house, Filipine in Veitongo when I visited pointed that me out.… 

In the centre, I saw few people in the Democracy Movement political tent. I went in and joined the conversation. I found out three of them were Viktor Mataele, Paea Taufatofua and Siate Tome. The conversation was mostly politics but also other issues. It came out that Viktor and Paea used to sing together a while back but Paea is doing gospel now. Viktor composed some popular songs and one of them was "Fefine Vava’u". I figured from the way he talked about the song, there was something about it he could not say… I got his CD but the song was not there… 

Sunday 9^th November

Filimone came to pick me up. We went straight to the "tali malanga" had some kava before the church service. Mone was the "setuata" and in the middle of the service he had some annoucement. He also introduced me to the church... It was not me, he was saying Sam is a son of late Rev. Tevita and Ipu Elone... Members of the church remembered my parents... Once again, there was youth choir and I listened to the voices of those young people and appreciated the opportunity I had to be there. It was beautiful and the kids were even younger than the Kepeta youths. They would visit New Zealand in the beginning of December. After the service, we went to Filimone's house for lunch. We had a very delicious lunch...

My 9th week was over and see you next week.

Week 8th in Tonga 27.10. - 2.11.2014

Week 8 in Tonga; 27.10-2.11.2014

Monday 27^th of October      

                               

I got the call around 10 that the swearing ceremony for readmission to Tongan Nationality would be at 12 noon. I have waited for this call for a while and I was so excited. At 11, I cycled to the office of the Foreign Affairs. When I got there the security guard did not know anything. While we were talking someone called and gave him our names and informed that we would come for the ceremony. There were four of us, new comers. 

While we waited, we were given instructions what we should do and what to expect from such a ceremony. We held the bible and took the Oath of Allegiance to the King… The officer signed the documents, we took photos and it was over. There was not praying, Really?   

After our staff meeting we had to retake the staff members’ picture for the magazine. There was a real photographer this time. I distributed my songs to some of the teachers and asked them to write the lyrics. It was more of less forcing the guys to take part. I hope they didn't  mind and would help out with the lyrics for my Tongan Youth Hymn Book project.  

  

Tuesday 28^th October

Last night I did the passport application and took it to the immigration office today. My neighbour, we were in high school together Rev. Simione Halaifonua signed the form as guarantor I was real and was the one who was applying. Naitoko gave me a lift to the immigration office. I would get my Tongan passport in a week time. Sione and I went to pick up some food, time for celebration…

After school, we played ping pong. The school internet did not work and I decided to use the internet café this evening. I updated my blog which I had tried unsuccessfully to do since Monday. Knowing Tonga’s situation did not help with the level of frustration you got when the internet connection did not work.

 

Wednesday 29^th October

The school magazine’s committee has been working hard to get the magazines ready for printing. I played my part taking photos for them. I was stood by with the camera taking photos whenever someone was sent for a photo. The magazine would be printed in New Zealand and it has to be back by the 25^th of November for the prize given ceremony.

Today was the last day of lower classes’ examination. There was an air cerebration both for the students and the teachers. No more classes except correction exam papers. I went to play touch rugby and when I came back I saw the "kai'angakai" was opened. Few of the guys already started. I went home took a shower then joined the guys drinking kava...

Thursday 30^th October

All the internal exams were over and teachers were marking the papers and I was told to take more pictures for the magazine. At lunch there was food for the teachers. Everyone seemed to be happy. After lunch, I went home.  I was still tired from last night kava party and I took a nap.

The lost Sandal Wood Trees

Meleane wanted some help with her mathematics. We discussed some of the examples then she did the exercises. I was not sure whether I helped at all but it was nice to give her supports with her studies.  

At 8:00 pm we had meeting for all the teachers living in the boarding school. Among other things, someone stole 2 of our sandalwood trees from the school garden. On Tuesday night was the first one stolen and last night was the second one. We had few more around the school therefore we, the male teachers were responsible for guarding the trees. Sandalwood is sold at least for $90 kg. No wonder the thieves took the risk… 

Friday 31^th October

I came home around 5:30 in the morning after guarding the sandalwood. We had kava at "Kai'angakai" and took turns checking walking and checking the garden. I was so tired but had to wake up for the assembly at 7:30. After the devotion the upper classes were free to do their revision for their external exams. The lower classes had singing practice in preparation for the price given ceremony at the end of November.

I tried to sleep but unfortunately one of my neighbours was cutting the grasses therefore I decided to go to Tau’olunga Computer to write the lyrics for the hymns.  I wrote one of the two songs and I was impressed with the new software program for writing Tongan notations. It was the first song (Kosketa minua, Henki) to have a Tongan lyric. I was so happy with the result and I stopped at the Friendly Islands Bookshop to give a copy to Sela. Sela wrote the lyrics.

In the evening, I went to the kava party at Kapeta's hall. It was a fund raising of the church youths. There were many peoples even youngsters form Toloa and Tonga High Schools. More and more young people are drinking kava. I wonder how well they do at school. Kava is not something you take if you are serious with your studies or whatever you do.

Saturday 1^st November

Fili and I planned to go for a walk in the morning. Unfortunately, I came so late last night from the kava party and over slept. I woke up and went to the market to get some mango and faikakai. In the evening, I went to the internet café. When I finished, I cycled just around the corner and there were two kava parties. I looked in to the first one and someone called my name. It was Siola’a, my friend from USP. I did not stay long though, I left at 1:00 am.

Kava in bottles!
I was surprised to see kava in bottles. There was a funnel and bottles were filled up. You have your own bottle of kava and you drink whenever you feel like. It is also hygienic since you have your own not like the cups which are shared. of course you can also bring your own cup if you want...

Sunday 2nd^h November

I got my mail and there was a message saying that Fuapau Ika passed away at the hospital in Vava’u. Fuapau was one of my friends and I saw him during the TTI graduation, in my first week in Tonga. He was few years younger than me. We were in the brass band together and I knew him very well. He was the Dux att Mailefihi and he was also a teacher. It was a very sad news… 

The students were spending the weekend home since Monday is a holiday. We did not have a morning service in the school. I decided to attend the service at the main church since the Theological College students led the service. The service lasted 2 hours. It started with the normal service followed with the sacrament. 

In the evening there was a “pohiva”, 9 choirs from different churches and different denominations performing at the main church. It was the start of the “hospital week” for the whole kingdom with the theme “we are one/together…”. The choirs have 2 rounds and at the end they all sang together the Handel’s Hallelujah. There were more than 500 singers and the Tongans never failed to amaze me with their choir singing. It was so beautiful and you can feel the presence of God through these voices…

My 8th week  in Tonga was over, see you next week!