Return Journey from 'Eueiki Island - A Real Tongan Adventure

I noticed the winds pick up during conference Sunday morning. As we walked to the boat, I also noticed the seas were stronger. The boat had been anchored down around the bend for the weekend. The boat operator brought it over to the opening in the reef, then pointed it bow out toward the sea. 



Several men were needed to hold the boat pointing out and to keep it still while we loaded - gear first, then carefully us passengers. After each wave crashed to shore, 2-3 people hurried to climb aboard before the next wave came in.





Finally with 18 of us on board, the boat operator said it was time to go for the reef opening. He timed the wave; when it crashed in, he gunned the engine. We sailed through the opening; several of us exclaimed "We're through!" That was the first test.  

We turned and watched a smaller boat repeat the procedure to get more of our group in that boat and maneuver through the reef. Once through, we again marveled how quickly the boat rushed through the opening in the reef. The little boat pulled up next to us. We found that the 5 in that boat were transferring to our boat!

With the boats riding about 6-foot swells and the boats coming toward each other then moving away, the transfer was made. Three sister missionaries: Sisters Nuku, Na'a, and Fotu, sucked on the courage pill and made the leep. Of course, they landed on us already seated, but there were no injuries and no one landed in the sea! Stake President Tevita Hikila and his counselor President Neamani Sateki next made the transition. 

We felt like boat people crammed on a small boat

Sister Na'a (yellow), Dianne Lomu (President

Tikila's daughter) and baby

We were all relieved when everyone was in the boat safely ... but now we felt like "boat people" fleeing  a dangerous situation. Our little fishing boat was filled with 23 people!



Our boat operator skillfully guided us through the crests and peaks of the waves which were 6-8 feet deep. Many waves splashed over the sides. 

This picture does not do justice for the size of the waves

Elder Thomson who was sitting next to the edge was drenched from chest to toe. One wave broke over the boat; we all were soaked with that wave. 

Elder Thomson and I were not scared. Both of us had our eyes on the boat operator; he showed no sign of concern, just carefully studied the water and got us through the best he could. 

We calculated we were closer to 'Afa than 'Eueiki, and sighed in relief as we neared the shore. 

Once on the beach in 'Afa, we scrambled out. We unloaded the boat, stacking the gear on the shore. We formed a line and passed the gear from the boat, one person to the next. Then our boat operator set out for his return trip to 'Eueiki.

All 3 sister missionaries say they will not get back in a little fishing boat again. As for Elder Thomson and me, we can't wait to go back to 'Eueiki! 


Before leaving on our separate ways, many of us posed for a memory picture. This is not all of us that were on that little fishing boat, there were 5 more, and we all will remember this day!

Elder Ma'u,Sister Fotu (looking back), Sister Na'a (yellow), Sister Nuku, Saia Vai (red shirt in back), President Hikila, Elder Thomson, Sister Thomson, Sister Hikila, Sister Ma'u (in back by Elder Thomson), Elder and Sister Kolomalu, Neamani Sateki in front of Kolomalus, Sister Sateki (white hat), Meleseini Finau Piuleini, _____ (man in back), Dianne Lomu (President Hikila's daughter), Ti Lomu holding baby.

The winds and the waves shall obey thy will: Peace, be still.

Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea Or demons or men or whatever it be,

No waters can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and skies.

They all shall sweetly obey thy will:

'Eueiki Island Beauty

After the painting was done and the lunch/feast eaten, we had free time to visit, walk the island, or play in the water. We were going to have conference Saturday evening, but the generator did not work so there was no light.




This is the view from the path up to the school, churches, and homes. We had landed at the ocean straight ahead in the picture.

We walked back here several times because it was so stunningly beautiful.










The ocean has always captivated me. I love the crashing of the waves, the beauty, the peace I feel when I look out across the sea.

As we look out at the ocean, we can see the varying colors. Where there is coral, it is darker. Where there are channels, it is lighter. There appears to be a kaleidescope of green/blue. I love it.






We first walked the beach around where we had landed. These children were playing together and building sand castles. When the boy saw my camera, he scuttled away.

Later as we walked back to the path, he was playing with his sister again.









We carried our gear to the LDS
Chapel where we slept. As we walked from the LDS church to the beach, we looked out at the sea. I often walked out to this spot just to enjoy the beauty.

If you look closely you can see people playing in the ocean. As the waves crashed to shore, they would time the wave and dive through the wave. What joy they were having! We wish we had remembered our towels; we would have joined them.





We walked along the beach and took pictures of the vegetation.


The island is beautiful. It is so green and lush. Lots of underbrush, palms, coconuts, and other vines.

We also enjoyed sitting on a log and watching the hermit crabs move along the shore.

The coconut tree has often been referred to as the "Tree of Life" throughout the Pacific Islands. This name was given because of the tree's many uses and flexibility within the culture. It sustains communities and helps them survive. The leaves, the bark, the husk, and the flesh all have a functional use. This tree in its various forms gives food, drink, shelter, warmth, materials and sustenance to people. Additionally, it provides a source for arts and crafts.



We made our way back to the church site and enjoyed visiting with our new friends. All who could speak English were kind to include us in the conversations. 

Left front to back: Sisters Mau, Fotu, Na'a,  ____, Nuku
Right front to back: Sister Thomson, Kolomalu, Meleseini Finau Piuleini, _____

                                                                                               For the beauty of the Earth 

Going to 'Eueiki Island and Painting the School

Tonga Stake President Tevita Hikila invited us to branch conference on 'Eueiki Island, a very small island off the NE coast of Tongatapu. We gathered at the beach at 'Afa at 7 a.m. We carried our luggage to the beach and waited for the boat. When it arrived, we loaded the boat with our gear, then waded to the boat, climbed into the small fishing boat and settled in for the hour ride to 'Eueiki..

LDS Charities had given school furniture to 'Eueiki GPS in April. Now we were going to help paint the one room school, classes 1-6, about 16 students, 1 teacher/principal. After primary school, the students go to Tongatapu to school, living there during the week and traveling home on the weekend.

Neamani Sateki

           
                       Elder Thomson                                       Sione Pasoni

Pink hat Sister Ma'u, White hat Sister Kolomalu
ladder Sione Pasoni, Sister Thomson

Sefo 'Uvea

               

Folau Veaiomounga

Elder Kolomalu, Filivalea Piuleini

The school really looked nice when it was all painted!

Standing: Neamani Sateki, Filivalea Piuleini, Elder Thomson, Sione Pola'apau Tonutonu (principal and teacher), Tonga
Soane, Folau Veaiomounga, Elder Ahokilisimasi Kolomalu.
Sitting: Sefo 'Uvea , Sione Pasoni

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much ...  Helen Keller