Jordie's (Vic) mid year report from Tonga

Well its been a while between updates - and things have been great being back in the Kingdom of Tonga. I have been housesitting with Caitlan and Rachel, two other Aussie volunteers. The house we are in is a bit far out of town - but it is worth it. We are on a huge block of land, in a 2 storey open-plan living house, and it feels like a retreat!! The only down side is the animals. They have 3 dogs - that bark and howl at anything that moves, about 50 roosters and chickens - love that 5.30am wake up call, and they have two exotic parrots kept inside the living room, caged. Parrots, we have discovered also have a good set of lungs. Everytime we put an action movie on to watch, the parrots like to join in on the noise making during the exciting scenes. Needless to say we have been watching quieter movies of late. Its like a Zoo!!
There were massive celebrations for the Kings birthday. His birthday falls in Heliala week - Tonga Festival Week, so there was so much to see and do. There were marching parades and floats - the Miss Tonga 2006 competition and so on. There was also a French Navy ship in town, which I somehow yet again managed to score an invite too! Not quite up to scratch like the US Navy ship, but they did have some amazing French pastries!!
The tertiary institute I teach at had a graduation ceremony and feast. It was such a great day. I was treated as a guest of honour which was extremely special. I sat on the table right next to the princess. The reason being that my neighbours - who have adopted me this year - the father is the Principal of the Institute. Each family usually pays for and cooks for the family table - we just happened to be lucky enough to be on the 2nd best one! (Prinecess had the best - but I'm working on it!)
The King's Nephew, his wife, and their driver died in a car accident in the US. All the buildings are draped in purple or black. There is a month of mourning - which means wearing black everyday, no music or celebrations, and a state funeral.
School is back into full swing. The students are doing well, although some of their mid-year exams results were a bit disheartening. But it has made me even more determined to see improvement before the end of the year. I can't believe I only have a few months to go. Time is truly flying. Ofa Atu, Jordy

For information about the People in Mission program, contact Kathy Periera, People in Mission Coordinator, Ph 02 8267 4230, kathyp@nat.uca.org.au