The List (so far)

Sometimes as a Peace Corps volunteer, it is easy to focus on the things you DON’T have versus the things you do have. As Ryan and I get closer and closer to our NZ trip, many of our conversations are dominated by the things we are so excited to have access to that we have gone without for so long. In an effort to think about something else, we decided to make a list of all the things we have here in Tonga that we are so thankful for.

The List:

1.      So much time together. While this often is one of the hardest parts of service for us, it has also been such a blessing for our marriage. The last few years in Denver, Ryan and I spent very little time together as I maintained a breakneck work schedule. Here, we have lots of time to talk and connect. The other night we spent sundown trying to play a game of uno dice but couldn’t finish because Scamp and Lucky kept crawling all over us competing for attention. I haven’t laughed like that in a long time.

P.S.- Scamp is a super cute, malnourished puppy I am trying to adopt. Neither Ryan nor Lucky likes this. But he’s sooo cute!

2.      Time to cook and try new things.  We never really took the time to explore in the kitchen or cook for ourselves. But, living here we really do use the time to try to make new dishes just so we can taste something different every once in awhile. We eat so natural and healthy here because often times it is the only option. Ryan can whip up homemade tortillas now at the drop of a hat. They are awesome.

3.      A connection with our neighbors/ community members. It is so uplifting to walk through a village and be able to greet everyone by name and see what they are up to. It is even more fun to be the ones to share new gossip! We have never really taken the time to get to know the people we live around. But, that is something we have come to really love here.

4.      Getting up before the sun. Yes… EVEN RYAN! The mornings here are amazing! The village is so still and quiet, the air is so fresh. Both Ryan and I love to watch the sun come up over the bush and the ocean as we finish our morning run. Lately, we have been going straight to the ocean for a quick dip right after our run to try to conserve water. The sharp blast of cold is so refreshing after the heat of the run. Pretty great way to start every day.

5.      The physicality of daily living. While often this feels like a nuisance, both of us really like that just taking care of our home everyday works up a great sweat. It is so cool to lose ourselves in the process of hauling water, sweeping, scrubbing, and cutting various plants in the yard. All of it is like a mini-cardio workout and gives us such a satisfaction at the end of the day.

6.      The lack of internet access. While we bemoan this all the time, it is also a blessing. Ryan used to spend a good majority of his time online, always hyper connected. But now, we look forward to our two hours every Friday and have found that we can really get most of what we need. Now, Ryan still bugs his guy friends to keep him updated on football scores, but it is still a drastic difference. We have found ourselves turning to our dictionary and Encarta encyclopedia to search information as opposed to endless googling. Without endless access to the internet we engage so much more with each other and the people and environment around us.  This is something we want to work hard to maintain once back in the States.

7.      Lucky- Ryan and I had often talked about getting a dog in America, but when push came to shove, it always seemed like too much work. Lucky has been an unexpected joy here in Tonga. He is wonderful company and often is our sole source of entertainment on a slow day. Tonga is the perfect place to have a dog because he eats all your leftovers and doesn’t require walking. Lucky roams at will and only returns when he needs something. The perfect relationship.

8.      Our Peace Corps Friends. Even though our best friends are on a different island, they are always willing to listen on the phone to us (I mean me) yammer for hours. It still amazes me how quickly time passes when we are with them. We have had the pleasure of forming such a deep bond with Mark and Alissa and it is the one thing that singlehandedly brings us the most joy here in Tonga.

Here are some pictures I stole from my friend Mandy’s blog. She takes really great pictures! Thanks Mandy J