An Encounter to Sia'atoutai Theological College, Tonga

Dear Friends,

After our arrival and a few travel adventures, we arrived at Sia'atoutai Theological College, Tonga. We were quite overwhelmed with people's generosity and the Tongan capacity for putting on a feast. After settling in, we were taken out for an impromptu welcome dinner at an Italian restaurant where they ordered many varieties of food; some menu items even looked Italian!

 Initially, we have been placed in the girl's dormitory; as we await the preparation of our guest house. Following our arrival, we have had several outings to familiarise ourselves with the islands. Two of the teachers have been taking us to different historical landmarks, a resort evening out to enjoy some Tongan cultural entertainment and of course, another feast. Since I said the opening prayer at the feast, our table was able to be first through the serving line.  

 On our first Sunday we were taken to a 2 hour service in town at the Centenary Church, completely filled with impeccably dressed people, most in traditional clothing, Kiekie for women and Tao'vala for both women and men. Men wear Tao'vala every day, women only Sunday. The Tao'vala is a woven mat wrapped over a skirt. Both (Kiekie & Tao'vala) are made of pandanus leaves, which are woven, braided or tied together in unique patterns. Kiekie is a more stylized ornamental-type belt with long hanging strands tied. Men's skirts, called Tupenu, are calf length and women's down to the ankles. Both are black, quite thick and kind of wrapped around and tied. A few women wear more western style elegant clothing, but also with Kiekie or Tao'vala over them; at the college everyone wears traditional clothing.  Back to the service: We sat in a box for dignitaries, opposite Queen Salote and enjoyed the famous Tongan singing. Their wonderful voices were accompanied by a big orchestra (about 20) of mostly brass instruments; they also had a huge choir. September is the traditional 'Women of the Wesleyan church' month and it was their first big service. We were introduced to the congregation and the queen in english; otherwise all service elements were in Tongan. After the service, we were invited by the Dean of Sia'atoutai Theological College to a traditional supper. On the menu was: raw fish salad with coconut sauce, huge slabs of yam, Taro leaves wrapped around either minced lamb or corned beef (these were baked in a traditional earth oven), baked oysters, battered deep fried fish & salad. 

 While we await our guest house, we have been going on several independent outings.  These usually involve getting lifts/hitchhiking into Nuku'alofa and then riding the Hihifo Road bus back to Sia'atoutai Theological College. One of the outings even included a swim and snorkel adventure at Ha'atafu Beach. 

 As this week begins, I will be engaging the students for the first time. Renate & I will be assisting the students in the editing of their research papers and aiding them before the final submission of their work for assessment. Other opportunities are emerging for possible interactions with the primary schools in town; as well as a primary school and kindergarten classes on campus.  Many changes to come but I wanted to give you an initial understanding of our current status: well cared for and well fed.

 Best Wishes,   Revd Bill Tardy & Renate Lalloo