Above: Dancers at the Tahiti devotional
OhanaOhana means family in Hawaii... and no one understands it better than these people. Our guests at the PCC are referred to as family, and called that while visiting. Family matters most to them and they show up to demonstrated their love and support.
I talked to a lot of missionaries, and they have all commented on the beauty of this. The Polynesians haven't forgotten who they are and where they came from. Hawaiian Food GlossaryNow that you are here, you are starting to hear food terms that you are unfamiliar with. What are they talking about? Here are some typical foods and how they are pronounced:
Taro RollsHistorical TimelinesHistorical Timeline for Hawaii- You're going to be here for a while, so you might as well learn what you can, right?
How do you say _______? |
The Coconut Story
Most of the coconuts here have a soft meat that is not crunchy at all. Fresh coconut is very healthy for you and I had been hungry for a crunchy one. So last week, we stopped on the way home at the local stand for a fresh pineapple/mango OTAI (fruit drink). There it was!! One of the crunchy coconuts and for the amazing price of just $2! I snagged it up quickly. The problem came when we got home and didn't have anything to open it with. My husband said, "Just take it in to work tomorrow. One of the Tongans or Samoans will open it." I agreed and took it in the next day. I asked someone to open it and they took it outside to open it. A few minutes later, they returned 1/3 of it to me. No appologies or explanations. I smiled and thanked them, secretly wondering about the rest of it. My husband just happened to be outside when they finished cracking it and gave the larger part away. This is so much the Samoan/Tongan way. They gladly share everything. Selfishness isn't in their vocabulary. Consider this if you are tempted to eat in front of them. They wouldn't do it, and simple put, can't understand those who don't share. The Tongan/Samoan wayI've learned a lot about culture since we arrived here. For instance:
To learn more about this beautiful culture, click any of the above links. I too, have been offered many a meal by the Tongans and Samoans. They simply wouldn't consider eating anything without offering half to me. This totally explains my experience with a coconut the other day, which blessed me with understanding.
The diversity of cultures here will fascinate you, and strengthen your testimony of Heavenly Father's love for all of his children. During your mission, take the opportunity to attend the various devotionals held in the various villages, where they explain, dance, and give you the opportunity to enjoy the food from their culture.
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