Shoveling Sunshine here

Well, today (Saturday) was our P-day and it finally happened.  Becky convinced me to get up with her at “Oh, how lovely was the morning o’clock” and go walking to watch the sun come up.  I have to admit that it is pretty pleasant out at that time of the day here in Tonga.  I must have been quite a sight as the birds all kept whistling at me.  The roosters were also crowing at every turn.  We have about a one-mile lap to walk around the campus and it’s very clean, weeded and neat.  Some other couples got up and started walking around 6:00 am just as we were finishing our walk so Becky did an extra lap without me (3 was enough for me).

I was able to send out a few email and text messages today and it is strange to get a reply marked “yesterday” to an email I just sent out.

Today was also our first day driving ourselves around.  Driving on the left side of the road is strange but not as strange as being a passenger in the left seat (no brake pedal).  I did most of the driving today but Becky did get behind the wheel a couple of times and we both seemed to live through it.  We did take one scenic tour (not on purpose) but quickly found our way back to something we recognized.  There’s not too many places to actually get lost on an island this size.

Finding some of the MQ’s (missionary quarters) can be challenging as there are no street signs or addresses here.  Most directions are something like … turn right down the second lane past the building with the blue roof.  I am trying to document with GPS coordinates and photos in the contacts but most missionaries don’t have smart phone.  I couldn’t do without one so we paid for our own.  We are having a great time and I haven’t been able to wipe the smile off of my face.  I actually chuckled out-loud as I was praying yesterday morning (maybe a bit irreverent but I think God understands my joy).

Our apartment is the right side of this duplex.  The driveway is
shared by three families as there is a small home behind ours.

The place is beautiful and our apartment has all the comforts of home (at least for the most part).  We are right behind the Temple on Liahona campus, just as we thought.  The mission office is across the street as well as a Church distribution center (limited material).  Still working on internet connectivity at our apartment but we should have it in the next few days.

We do have cell phones now, a car, and our Tongan driver’s licenses.  There was only one question on the drivers license test, “Do you have 60. Pa’anga?”  (About $30 each) …  We both passed  We have a fridge, stove and microwave (we’re still working on a toaster).  Our office is right across the street so it’s very convenient.

Becky is already taking care of her nursing responsibilities and has treated several minor injuries and illnesses.  I wouldn’t expect anything less of her.  My training will start next week when the person I report to gets here.  He is located in Auckland New Zealand.  It may take us a little while to figure out how we can best fulfil our individual responsibilities while working together but we are confident we can do it.

Our ward just prior to sacrament meeting. Probably 75% HS students, on-time,
and very quiet and reverent.  The singing is amazing!  Everyone sings and the
room fills with music and the Spirit.  Not extremely loud but just very full.

Kumala and long beans are two food staples here.

The beans are cut to desired length and cooked as normal.

Kumala is like a potato (in flavor) with just a hint of sweetness.
They are kind of dark purple  when peeled and cooked
(see next photo) and a little bit drier than a potato.

Two coconuts (with straws)
Uncooked kumala (top right)
Kumala peeled and cooked (bottom)