Almost every day, our group has a HOGAR meeting, HOGAR stand
ing for: Health, Observations, Gratitude, Announcements, Reflection. But today, I want to focus on the G. Over the course of this trip, I have met and talked to so many people that I am grateful for.
Thank you to Raihere, the 19-year old girl that was the first person to start a conversation with me and Sophie at the Puohine Heiva dance rehearsals. Being the first, you had to endure a lot more of my “Qu’est-ce que tu as dit?” (What did you say?) and broken French, but you being so eager to talk to and learn about us made everything so much better. I remember once during a rehearsal where you, from the corner of your eye, saw us watching. You shouted, “Les Americaines!”, and broke formation to quickly run over and talk to us. It has been fascinating to learn about your life and the way it differs from mine, and every conversation we’ve had has been lovely. Wishing your kids well, and happy dancing!
Thank you to Clayton, the police officer that helps with so many of our activities. Thank you for always looking out for us quietly. During our service in the water, you noticed that I was cold and helped move everything along so that I could be on land soon. Thank you for always making sure I don’t trip walking along the rocks to the pier, telling me “Faire attention!” (pay attention) at exactly the right times. You are the chilliest and funniest police officer I know, and your 200kg bench press will always amaze me.
Thank you to Nina, the fisherwoman who is often present at La Mairie and always comes to our dance practices. It has been very entertaining to listen to your dramatic Tahitian-to-French translations of the songs we dance to, even though I’ve picked up that it might not be the most accurate. Your energy is so fun and warm. Thank you for all of your help!
Thank you to Popino, our dog. After being told “Dehors!”, you always understand and go outside. You guard the house very nicely, and eat my food scraps when very often, I am not able to finish all of my food. Lots of stomach rubs for you!
Thank you to Tati Celina, a friend of my host mother that often comes over for dinner. You make the table much more lively. Thank you for fishing with us during the fishing competition. I believe that you were the one who led us to our overwhelming victory, because I do not remember catching that many fish.
Thank you to Heiano, the 23-year-old girl that dances with us at our practices. Thank you for going in front of all of us and demonstrating the dance when I asked, or else I would’ve continued struggling for a long while. In the time it takes for me to learn one move, you have already learned the entire song. You are such an amazing dancer with such a kind soul, which is apparent by the way you greet everyone with a warm smile and hug. Also, I really admire the health and length of your hair.
Thank you to all the kids at Puohine Elementary School. Thanks for all the giant group hugs and for shouting my name every time you see me, even if you are supposed to be in class. Thank you to Mihiani for always tagging along for activities at La Mairie even if you grow bored and start finding ways to distract me. Thank you to Mihi for teaching us a dance on our first day at the school, and also for trying to make a TikTok with me and Sophie. Sorry that we didn’t know enough. Thank you Hanare for the extremely constant hugs and your bright and cheerful energy. You are always so eager to include everyone, telling them to “Regarde!” (look) as you make me hold your feet for a handstand you’ve done 10 times already. These kids are probably the cutest I’ve ever met.
Thank you to Uraria, the girl’s dance teacher. We students often describe your dancing using the word “floating.” Everything is always in the right place at the right time, so elegant and graceful. That being said, I did think you were a bit intimidating at first. After teaching us a new move, we could always expect you to yell “Reprend!” (do it again) and we would review the whole song from the beginning. But my perception of you shifted when you eagerly came over to talk to us at a Puohine dance rehearsal. You said that you had work during the day, then dance with us, then dance with Puohine dance group later at night. You said you wanted to go to sleep and then proceeded to lie down on the concrete floor outside. Despite the silliness of that moment, it made me admire your work ethic so much. Hope you visit next summer when you come to Seattle!
Thank you to Tana, our main dance teacher. I don’t know where we would be without you. You’ve somehow choreographed 12 songs for us, and you remember it all so well. You are an excellent teacher. With a big smile on your face, you break apart a dance routine, feeding us the parts bit by bit efficiently, so that we can learn even 2 dances per practice. Really, whenever anyone says that our group learns quickly, that can all be attributed to you. You are so positive and have so much joy in your teaching, and I am so impressed by how you have time for everything that you do. Not only have you put everything together for us, you did the same for Puohine’s Heiva dance group, ending our rehearsal at 6pm to go teach them into much later in the night every single day. And as if that wasn’t enough, you also dance in Puohine’s Mama group. You’ve been on stage at every Heiva festival I’ve seen, whether placing yourself in the background or front and center. Thank you for everything you have done for us, I hope we make you proud!
Thank you to Donald, Noeline, and Moana, Imani’s host family. Living next door to us, we often spend lots of time together. Thank you to Donald and Noeline for always driving us somewhere cool, such as going to feed cows or going to the beach. You guys make everything more fun, with a very “Aita pe’a pe’a” (no worries) mentality, apparent when the truck got stuck in the mud during the cow feeding. Thank you to Donald for always letting me play your guitar and ukulele, always eager to join in on our songs. Thank you to Moana, Imani’s 7-year-old host brother. You are always so curious about everything, wanting to learn. You also always want to make everyone smile, saying the same silly things that got a response out of us before (“Om nom nom!”). Don’t get discouraged and never lose your curiosity.
The people that have truly made my trip are my host mother Jeanne and my host sister Lokelani.
Thank you Jeanne. Your hugs in the morning make my day. Your love, the enormous amount of love in your heart, is apparent in everything that you do for us, quietly when we are not there. Making our beds, folding our clothes, washing our water bottles—everything we didn’t know we needed. Though you are always calm and collected, your love is loud—when you hug us during church and when you keep reminding us to eat our dinners. Wherever we go, everyone of all ages will come up to you to talk, to share what is on their mind—I can tell that you are so loved, treasured, and valued in this community. I will miss you the most. Thank you for everything.
Thank you, Lokelani. You are the truest, you are brave. You have been such an amazing friend and companion to me on this trip. You are always happy to talk or help out with anything—whether it be my Orero, tying my pareo, or teaching us how to farapu—though I’m still struggling a bit with that last one. I loved watching you perform. Though anyone can immediately tell that you are soft-spoken, kind, and cheerful, your Orero shows another side of you. It’s strong and celebratory, it’s sure and inviting. You are an amazing dancer. Watching and cheering for you have been some of the happiest moments I’ve had. You are strong. Despite loss, you keep going—with your work, with dance, with singing, with everything, you keep celebrating everybody around you. Don’t forget to celebrate yourself too. Thank you for everything. Keep shining bright and keep being you.
Thank you to everyone who has taught us on this trip. Everyone here is so eager to share their culture with us, teaching us traditions and practices. Whether it be dance or Va’a or the Tahitian language, everyone has been so kind and patient when teaching. Thank you to Veronique for always teaching me and Sophie the French phrases that we were having trouble without, answering all of our translation questions. Thank you to Auguste, who taught me a couple songs on ukulele that I now cannot stop playing every time there is a vacant ukulele. Thank you to Rava for teaching me how to weave a leaf crown, encouraging me even when every braid was wrong. Thank you to Djelma for teaching us everything, really, since we got here. From singing to our Orero to AME, you have taken on so many teaching roles, and you really just want for us to take in the culture and information and be more connected because of it. I will always remember you showing me all of the interesting anemones and sea creatures, just wanting to share the wonders of the world. Another case of teaching can be found in our GSL group, which has been united by many different card games. Thank you to everyone who was patient and willing enough to say “Do you want to play?” I can teach you!” My card game inventory has doubled, and I have really enjoyed our Kaboom tournaments to pass the time (thank you Fisher!). Traditions or card games, being willing to teach someone something can go such a long way. It builds connections and brings people together. You teach, and everyone learns.