So some months ago I heard a knock at the door. I answered and there was a young woman who spoke very good English. She said her name was Asolua and invited me to go to her youth group dance practice. I was slightly overwhelmed as I usually am. Knowing I would never remember her name and the dance would probably be uncomfortable and excruciatingly long I thanked her and said I would think about it. My neighbors also invited me for dinner that night so I chose to eat, at least that has a time limit. However a few days later on a night where I had nothing to do (in Tonga? No!) I decided to check out this dance. Luckily my friend Va was there sitting and watching so I sat with her. Under the pretense of helping me learn names she pointed out her brothers and maybe one other person (she has since tried to sell me her brother). It was fun to watch the rehearsal and meet new people, maybe I was jumping to conclusions, this isn’t so bad. So after going to the performance on Friday I decided I might go again. The next week when I went to watch they wouldn’t have it and made me join in. I had no idea what I was doing, but I tried. It is amazing how hard it is when ALL the instructions are in Tongan, but I had fun trying and folks seemed to realize and laugh that I didn’t understand and translate when really necessary.

Well now Asolua is one of my best friends (and yes I remember her name) we go walking in the mornings regularly. Also I have basically joined the youth group. Dancing has been a fun way to have something to do, meet people, listen to Tongan speakers and be part of a community. I feel like I am part of the group even though I don’t understand most of what is said. I didn’t know if they just put up with me or the other folks in the group really thought I was part of their group.