These are my journal entries I turned into the peace corps, thought you might enjoy them.

I am integrating more each day. My language has improved greatly since moving to site, but I still use English a lot with a few people. In fact some people refuse to speak Tongan to me because their English is so good. I still have a vast majority of the village to speak Tongan to though.

I have found that I have made some groups of friends and I try to branch out a bit, but it is all I can do to keep up with the friends I already have. Not to mention learning the names of their family/ housemates. I feel like there are probably some people in my village I haven't even seen yet! But everyone knows my name and I feel bad when I don't know theirs (which is often).

I am starting to figure out this food sharing thing. I was on the bus and the woman sitting next to me offered me an apple. I declined as I had my own bag of apples, but thanked her. Then 'Ana my neighbor got on the bus and I said hello and handed her an apple. The woman sitting next to me smiled and nodded her approval. So I try, but I know I don't fully understand yet.

My main challenge is that I don't like teaching English. I don't really know how to go about it and the lax environment at school is nice for days that I am having a nervous breakdown, but it is no help in the area of curriculum or guidance. I am immensely enjoying my community and secondary projects, but sometimes dread going to school. On the flip side when I am in front of the class I feel ok. I can deal with the kids, it is mainly the teachers I don't like dealing with. Now if only my planning made any sense.

I guess one of the main lessons I have learned is to go with it. I try to go with it and say yes to everything and so far that has worked and I definitely feel integrated into the community, participating in the work and the play. Sometimes something doesn't make sense and I try to intervene and change it. If it is straight forward, no 'Alisi you rest, we will cook, I might just start chopping anyway. But a few weeks ago I was invited to a feast and we all went and set it up and waited. Then Everyone left the hall and sat outside, but they told me to stay alone? I didn't understand what was happening and of course no one would explain in English or Tongan slow enough I would understand. So I said I didn't want to stay alone, I would rather go with my friends. We did all go outside but 'Evalata just marched me around until she found a way for me to get back in! No matter what I wanted, I was back at the table alone so I should have just trusted they knew what was right and stayed. In the end I was able to eat with the ministers during the actual feast instead of waiting until the rush afterwards. It was a place of honor. Thanks 'Evalata!

I have not felt unsafe personally, but there have been two break ins at my school this year. One involved a fight, but not while school was in session and no one from the school was involved.