Well, the answer is yes. I was home for an unexpected couple of weeks, but have returned to Tonga. I'm so sorry that there are so many of my friends that I wasn't able to see and that a lot of you didn't know of my return. It was a sensitive and limited time. I will give a brief account of what happened, but for many reason I am keeping it short and simple.
At the beginning of March I went to church with the SAMs for a youth program that Sami's village was participating in at the local prison in 'Eua. It was a very short service and enlightening experience. About two weeks post church at the prison, a man knocked on my door wanting to ask me some questions. He was very polite and nonthreatening (and it was raining) so I allowed him to come into my house to ask me his questions. Once in my house, he revealed that he was a prisoner. This immediately put me on alert and I began to internally weigh my options on how best to handle the situation. After a few minutes of conversation with the man I began to feel uncomfortable. I nonchalantly texted Alatini to please come over and help me. Alatini came over as quick as he could and was able to get the man to leave my house without conflict. As soon as I saw Alatini the realization of the situation I was in hit me hard. It was like because he was there to take control of the situation I started to lose my own control. As mention earlier the man left upon Alatini's request. For the record this man never attempted to touch me or hurt me and ultimately, had an okay outcome.
My village immediately took action calling the police and filing report, as well as, the Peace Corps. My country director came to my island the next day to help make sense of what had happened. After a few days of discussion and being taken off my island and moved to the main island it was decided that I would be sent home for a few weeks. Within 24 hours of being told I was going to America I was on my first flight. It was really emotional. I was so afraid if I got on the plane to go to America I was never going to get back on the plane to Tonga. In the end it all worked out. Peace Corps Tonga worked together with the Tongan police to insure my safety in 'Eua. The man was moved to a prison on a different island. And most importantly I got to return to my site to finish my last 6 months of service.
Being in America gave me a chance to recharge and gain some perspective on the situation and it really cemented my choice to join the Peace Corps. As nice as it was to see my friends and family the whole time I was home I was waiting for the day I got the clearance to return to Tonga. After 33 days at home I was able to go home to Tonga.
From this experience I came to a lot of realizations. To name a few...
1. How much my village wants to protect me from harm and cares about me.
2. How lucky I am to have Alatini in my life.
3. Bad things can and do happen everywhere, but they shouldn't stop us from living.
4. Tonga takes up so much room in my heart right now.
5. No matter what part of the world I am in I have the best support system.
6. As it turns out, I don't miss the cold that much. It snowed my first day back in KC and I spent the majority of my time home cold.
7. American food, man.
Highlights of coming home 6 months earlier than expected.
1. I got to spend Easter with my family.
2. I got to celebrate my Grandfather's 88th birthday.
3. I got to meet my Goddaughter, Hazel Kallal.
4. I got to go to my sister's baby shower and see her quickly growing belly.
5. I got to go to Katie Loew's wedding shower.
6. I got to see friends and family that I haven't seen for 20+ months.
7. I got to eat Chipotle.
