Peace Corp Volunteer in Tonga
What is the problem?

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Here is my theory. I wanted to leave the country and culture I was raised in and I am comfortable with so I could learn about a new culture and language and help where I could. Right, well I am definitely out of my comfort zone, but I am learning about another culture, and therefore completing my goal. But there are several aspects, one; I don’t know what I am doing. Every word, direction, interaction is new. Two; The culture is inescapable, even if I try to escape into a little personal sanctuary for a few hours when times are especially tough, the radio, the food, the noises of dogs, roosters and pigs outside is all still Tonga. Three; at any moment someone might stop by, cue language and culture studies!

All of this put together means there is no way to fully relax. Not entirely true I can relax, but the effects don’t last as long, it is easier to snap back into being stressed with a little incident. In the end I am just on edge a lot and I think it is effecting my immune system and concentration. At least that is my theory as to how after having tendonitis in both of my wrists, which got better only when I got Dengue fever, spraining my ankle a few short weeks later, now I have a cold. Yes it could be because this is my first year teaching and the students who are currently sick are also my neighbors. Or it could be that I don’t have a sink to wash my hands with soap, the best alternative is the shower which works at least half the time or the simavai (rain water tank) where there is no soap. In the end I guess it is a little of everything, but I will say I hope I can get comfortable soon because this is a hard experience anyway and being sick and hurt every other moment is not making it any easier.

So what is the bright side? Well all during training I was having varying levels of intestinal trouble ranging from true sickness to just not right. So the good news is since I got over the dengue, I have had normal poops. Almost 6 weeks! There is always a bright side.

Well I am sure you all have had enough of me complaining about being sick and wounded so…

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