Dad's Birthday

So, we had our second Tongan birthday… but this time we were actually in Tonga. It was absolutely amazing. Sarah, Petesa and I got ready, and the family picked us up around 4:30. We went back to the home place while all the cooking was going on. I’ve never seen so much food before! We had two roasted pigs, grilled chicken, fried chicken and fish, octopus, cabbage salad, crab salad, stir fry, and, of course, cake! We stopped at the bakery and bought Dad two white cakes on our way to the feast.
The family set up a tent for us to eat under. The inside was lined with tapa, and it was beautiful. When we all sat down to eat, the speeches began. Dad’s uncle Seti said the prayer, and Langima’a made the first speech. Then almost everyone around the table took their turn making speeches for Dad’s birthday, including Dad, Sarah, and Petesa. It was a really emotional thing for all of us, and by the end of dinner everyone was crying together. Taufa’s son Sione played a beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday on his brass horn, and one of the girls sang Happy Birthday. After we all had cake (which was delicious!) I sang one verse of Amazing Grace.
It was truly an unforgettable night, and we all agreed it was one of the best nights we’ve had on this trip. This family of ours is so incredibly loving, and they make us happy just by being near them. They all want us to come back next year for Dad’s 60th!
The three of us crashed after the party, but we were up early on Saturday to watch the Heilala Parade. It is part of the Heilala Festival celebrating Tongan heritage. We got to see some great bands and floats, one of which had Miss Heilala on it. Later we went to visit with the family. We played cards and sang a little Country Roads! It was fun, and I was pretty impressed the girls knew our little West Virginia song. I’m pretty sure all Tongans have fantastic voices and a great knack for picking out harmonies.
Vava’u awaits us next week. I’m keeping my fingers crossed the boat ride is smooth.
Hope all is well in America and anywhere else you may be reading this. Until next time…

-Maria