Hess Visit

We were surprised when Julie told us she and Darren could come visit! They had decided they could leave the kids during spring break. Jennica is 18 and can drive the car to get everybody where they need to be and to do the shopping and other errands, in essence being the mom. Marlean, Darren’s mom, had agreed to check in on them and help where needed plus stay the first night or two to be sure they were fine on their own.

Darren and Julie wanted to see what we have been doing. We loaded the big truck with desks and chairs, bookshelves, etc, for Folaha GPS (see separate post). Our our little truck was also loaded with the preschool play equipment. We had a fun handover. After the usual welcome and speeches, there were dances by some older children and singing by the preschoolers. Julie even learned that we put $$ on the dancer to show appreciation.

 





We walked to the preschool to play with the kids. Julie built a tower of Lego-like blocks, which the kids loved to see. We helped them on the trampoline (about 6 inches above the ground), and showed them how to use the teeter-totter/walker board. We also gave rugby balls, net balls, hula hoops. We will come back for a play day soon.

 



 We stopped at a water project we had just finished. Darren was able to visit with the water engineer and town officer about their system. The village has solar backed by an aging diesel engine. They had asked LDS Charities to help with an electric water pump so they could have backup during the peak hours. Folaha now has water all day, which not many villages have.

 

We drove back to our office to load the truck again, this delivery to Fahefa (see post). The atmosphere was full of excitement! This little school has done without for so long, the anticipation of desks and chairs was overflowing. As we drove up, the kids cheered. They were dancing as they awaited our arrival. 

Darren and Julie brought gently used books to give to poor students. The children were so excited to see colorful books, just for them! The little ones will enjoy the pictures and teachers reading to them. The older students are learning English and will be able to read the learn-to-read books the Hesses and friends provided. 

We went to the temple this night, and are so happy we did as it probably was the only time we could have squeezed it in  during the Hess stay in Tonga.The only English session is Thursday night so, this being Wednesday, we used headphones -- a new experience.

 

Thursday we caught a boat to Fafa Island, a 15-minute boat ride out of Nuku’alofa. Fafa is only inhabited by those working at the resort. We had our own fale with a private yard and beachfront. There are no colorful birds in Tonga except ‘Eua and Fafa Islands. A few parrots were introduced on Fafa about 10 years ago from Fiji. These birds thrived, reproduced, and now live happily on Fafa Island. They came right to our fale, in fact even into our bedroom through the open ceiling!

Julie had never snorkeled so this was her first experience – she and Darren described it as swimming in an aquarium. We saw blue starfish, clown fish, and many others. Their second time out, (Monte and I had elected to kayak instead), Julie and Darren were watching a school of pencil-thin fish when all of sudden they scattered. They looked around to see what had frightened these fish, and here came a group of large tuna (looking for dinner no doubt). The other thing we noticed at Fafa was the live coral - red, purple, green, even orange. It was brilliant and something we have not seen at the beaches around Tongatapu.

Friday after being awakened by the birds, we got up and walked around the island. We were able to see the sunrise on the other side of the island. The vegetation was so thick and definitely what one would expect on a tropical island. We got to stay at our fale until 3 o’clock because no one was coming in behind us! So we spent a relaxing day in the hammock, snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring the island. Fafa Resort was a wonderful escape from our every-day work day.

When we got home, we quickly got ready for dinner at Hina Caves. We had reservations at Likualofa (another dinner show) but got bumped because the Queen was going there Wednesday and also could not go Friday because the King of Norway had it reserved. We told them we would be happy to dine with the Queen or King, but no. We had a lovely evening at Hina Caves. Elder and Sister Palmer and Sister Locke had never been to Hina Caves so they joined us. The show in the cave after dinner was great, with lots of dancers and the showcase fire dancing at the end by a young boy and his father.

Saturday we visited one of our chicken projects. Keleni showed us 3 coops in Tokomololo. The widows of this group are working together to make tapa for each of them. Darren and Julie were able to see what goes into making this cultural handicraft. The mats are used for floor coverings, wall hangings, to wrap bodies for burial, as well as given away as wedding gifts. Clothing is made out of tapa cloth, especially women native dance dresses. Many hours go into making a large tapa.

We visited the Huni family. Julie and Darren had saved a couple books for these kids. Before we left, JJ and Loueni were looking at the books. 

We went to the market for souvenirs.Then drove the island stopping at sites … Cook’s landing, monument of the first LDS missionary landing, Ha’amonga (there is a blog on this), and Anahulu Cave. The cave is the only place to find fresh water on Tongatapu. Stalagmites and stalactites hang in the cave. We were able to go for a refreshing swim in the pool. Tongans were jumping from the rocks, about 25 feet high. As we were getting out, I could tell Darren was stalling. I asked if he was going to jump from the rocks. He said he was thinking about it. I told him he better because if he didn’t he would wish he had. He will not have this experience in North America…not swimming in the water or diving in. Darren jumped 2 times. It was fun to watch him, as well as the Tongans having so much fun.

Time was running out, but Hesses really wanted to snorkel at the missionaries’ favorite beach, Ha’atafu, AKA Surfer’s Beach. We hurried home, grabbed an orange for lunch, and drove out west. We only had about half an hour to snorkel, but it was worth it. The seas were the same temperature as the air and the water was clear. I loved snorkeling today as it was crystal clear water, the best in a while, but half an hour goes quick. We hurried to make our dinner reservation with the Huni family at a new restaurant where Kaleni and Chris had just finished the plumbing for the grand opening. We had prawns and snapper; it was delicious! 

Sunday we attended church. Julie and Darren gave bunnies which the Young Women in their ward had made to the primary children. 

After church, the Finau family came to our house for a special book donated by Lydia (3). Julie told their children about Tonga and how the people were poor. The kids picked out some of their gently-used books to donate. Lydia picked her favorite book, Pete the Cat, I Love my White Shoes. Julie explained to Lydia if she gave Pete to the children in Tonga, it would be gone. Lydia said, “I want to give Pete to the poor children who have so little.” Julie taped Lydia's picture in the book. We elected to give Pete to Semisi and Joanne Finau’s daughters; they speak English and would understand the humor of the story. Joanne is a school teacher and will read to them. Julie read the book, and they laughed through the story. We took their picture. When we get home, we will buy another Pete for Lydia and tape the Finau girls picture in the cover for Lydia to remember this gift she gave to children in Tonga. -  Lydia's choice reminded me of the Widow's Mite; she gave her best.

Monday came too soon. Julie and Darren caught the plane to Fiji for a couple days and then back to Utah. At our parting, there were no tears. We know we will see each other in a couple months. Thanks for the visit Darren and Julie.

“God’s plan provides a way for family relationships to extend beyond the grave. We can return to the presence of God, eternally united with our families.”    —Quentin L. Cook