Homestay

Some of my most significant experiences in Tonga happened during my Pre-Service Training. I spent my first two weeks in Tonga living with the Mo’unga family in the village of Ha’atafu on the main island of Tongatatpu. The next six weeks of my training I spent with the Hoeft family in the Ha’apai island group in the village of Koulo. This "homestay" portion of my training was an extremely formative period of my Peace Corps journey and I thought it best to share some photos from that time.

Ha'atafu, Tongatapu Homestay

My homestay mom, Nahi, sitting outside the house where I spent my first two weeks in Tonga.

My first night with my new homestay family we had a bbq on the beach. My homestay brother and sister, Mateika and Anita, were characters to say the least. I definately had a "we're not in Kansas anymore" moment sitting on the beach that night.

The Mo'unga family goes to church. They're Mormon if you couldn't already tell...

My homestay brother Tevita and father Pulotu roasting a pig.

Nahi preparing the 'lu early in the morning.

Eating 'lu and much, much more after church.

Hanging out in the kitchen- most likely practicing Tongan language...

Nahi and Mateika came to see us off at the wharf on our way to Ha'apai.

REUNION! My homestay family came to my swearing in ceremony over two months after my stay with them ended.

Koulo, Ha'apai Homestay

My homestay mother and father, Tupou and Taniela.

Me and my homestay sister Toti along with Karen and Jessica.

Jessica and her homestay mother from hell.

Swimming with my homestay sister Arina and some of the Koulo kiddos.

My homestay sister Aneti who prepared my meals and braided my hair everyday.

Here is a piece I wrote for the newly created Peace Corps Tonga Website (http://www.pctonga.com/) that has been developed as a resource for future Peace Corps Tonga Volunteers if you're interested in learning more about homestay:

Throughout the first two months of pre-service training Peace Corps Tonga trainees live with Tongan families in what is called “homestay”. The homestay portion of training is an invaluable part of the Peace Corps service, as it allows trainees to learn about Tongan culture in a completely authentic environment. Homestay can be difficult, yet it is undeniably beneficial and vastly rewarding. Throughout homestay you will observe what daily life is like for Tongans and actively participate in their daily routines, such as helping with the laundry, going to church, drinking kava, or merely laying around watching movies. Throughout homestay you will witness firsthand the roles and responsibilities of family members within a traditional Tongan household. This inside look provides trainees with an exceptional opportunity to learn about the Tongan way of life, and is the cornerstone of developing a greater understanding of Tonga throughout two years of Peace Corps service.

Although trainees are given their own bedroom to sleep in and keep their personal belongings, lack of privacy is a definite hardship that many trainees face throughout homestay. Within the Tongan culture private property and personal space do not typically exist, especially within a traditional Tongan household. Not being able to communicate effectively with your Tongan family is another frustrating aspect of homestay. While practicing Tongan language with you homestay family offers a great opportunity to expand your language learning, it can be extremely exasperating not being able to get your point across. Food is another cause of distress for many trainees during homestay, as the majority of your meals during pre-service training will be provided by your homestay family. While most volunteers acquire a taste for Tongan food throughout their service, initially it can be difficult to adjust to eating traditional Tongan food. Also, having little control over the amount of food you are given as well as lack in variety of food you eat can be trying. Fortunately, if there is an issue with food and you bring it up tactfully with your family they most likely provide you with food that you desire.

Despite any difficulties and frustrations trainees may encounter during their homestay experience, the knowledge gained about Tongan way of life resulting from living with Tongans at their level is immeasurable. Tongan families who open up their homes and hearts to trainees genuinely care about sharing their lives and culture, resulting in both a better understanding of Tongan life as well as strong attachments created between homestay families and trainees. Visiting homestay families throughout Peace Corps service is a major part of many volunteers’ Peace Corps service. Even throughout the most difficult times of homestay, lessons are learned and understanding about Tonga and its people is gained. Augmented understanding of Tongan culture and sense of accomplishment felt upon the completion of homestay offers trainees with a newfound sense of confidence going into the next step of life here in Tonga: two years of service! Good Luck!