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...