Post 1 – I’m Going to Tonga!?!

Post 1 – I’m Going to Tonga!?!

Malo e Lelei! Six weeks ago I had never even heard of Tonga, or if I had it didn’t stick with me. Samoa? Yes. There are quite a few Samoans in Alaska, plus the famous Orthodox NFL linebacker Troy Polamalu is of Samoan Descent. Fiji? Best I could tell you is it was...
Post 2 – First Day in the Kingdom of Tonga

Post 2 – First Day in the Kingdom of Tonga

Hot, but not too bad. Partly cloudy, so the sun isn’t killing me. I rode in front with His Eminence, and Fr. Paul behind, helping to translate as necessary. His Eminence speaks English fairly well, but he’s only been in New Zealand a year or so, and he’s still getting...
Post 3 – Sunday in Tonga

Post 3 – Sunday in Tonga

His Eminence Metropolitan Myron officiated the Divine Liturgy this morning, and I helped Fr. Paul with the singing. About a dozen local Tongan people came to the service. Afterwards His Eminence and Fr. Meletios spoke with the small congregation a bit about the Church...
Asta – the Electrical Inspector

Asta – the Electrical Inspector

It’s Monday. Sakini (the Tongan electrician) has been drawing out his wiring diagrams, and His Eminence is helping me take measurements of all the windows and doors. I climb all over and get the numbers, and he’s writing them down. After we wrap up, everybody took off...
Seta

Seta

Eseta (or Seta) lives next door to the church, and has been a big supporter of the mission. She keeps an eye on the property when no one is onsite. On Monday, she came over to visit and meet His Eminence Metropolitan Myron, since it was his first visit to Tonga since...