Borderless

In case anyone still follows/is interested I am pretty much only on Instagram now. I miss Tumblr but it's hard to use with my internet/lack of electricity. My Instagram is: @phoebenishimoto

Some photos from the Peace Corps Tonga 50th anniversary celebration. The last pic is of 5 members of Peace Corps Tonga's very first group (1967-1969). It was very special to connect with them and other RPCVs. Happy 50th, PC Tonga. 🇹🇴 ofa atu.

Camp GLOW Ha'apai is right around the corner! Please consider a donation to help make this camp happen! Thank you for your support. https://donate.peacecorps.gov/donate/project/camp-glow-haapai/

“The ultimate goal of Camp GLOW is to encourage the next generation of Tongan female leaders by connecting them with role models, knowledge, skills, and peer support networks necessary to make sustainable advances in gender equity and the livelihood of people in Tonga.”

It has become a habit of mine to take an hour long walk every evening before sunset. The road that runs alongside the bush between the two villages on the island is quiet and peaceful, the perfect place to let my mind wander. My mind usually starts off with simple thoughts-what will I have for dinner? Eventually though, and always, I become very reflective. I often think about my life here in Tonga, my goals and ambitions, my mental health, my relationships with other people, and just life in general. Yesterday I reflected on how much better things have been lately. I love the work I'm doing, I'm developing deeper relationships with my counterparts, and I find myself more at peace with my mind and every day life. I've been in country for 11 months, and I'm so happy that I have another 16 ahead of me. I still have my moments but I'm finally feeling settled in and connected with the community. These 11 months have been the most challenging of my life. And I'm just so happy and grateful to be here.

Ha'apai, Kingdom of Tonga July 2017

July 2017

The kids' low tide findings. Ha'apai, Kingdom of Tonga July 2017

Had a great time at the agricultural show! It was great to see contributions from all the islands of Ha'apai. The royal family is here in town and it has been joyous!

Boat to boat food delivery Ha'apai, Kingdom of Tonga July 2017

Do what you need to do, I guess 😄

Na'a ku 'alu ki he matatahi 'o sio toe la'a mo Lesieli mo Mele. Faka'ofo'ofa. I went to the beach and watched the sunset with a couple of my class 6 girls who I caught on the way to night school while on my bike ride. It made for a nice evening :)

Peace Corps is hard. It challenges you in ways you would never anticipate. Some mornings I wake up uncertain and sad, and that's okay. I've been taking time for reflection and I'm learning a lot about myself. I took a long walk around the island and enjoyed the quiet beauty. Life here has been difficult at times, but that's what has made the experience more fulfilling. Looking forward to what's to come.

Hi all :) It's been a while since I've been on but things are going fairly well here in the Kingdom of Tonga. I bought a bike while I was on the main island and it's my new favorite thing. I'm still trying to navigate my way through building relationships here and forming friendships. it will take time! My camera charger is broken and my phone is no more so right now I only have my instant film camera. I have some pictures that I haven't posted yet and I will get some of those up! And woah! I got some notes on my sunset pics! That was a nice surprise. One last thing, I've decided to no longer keep my website. With my not-so-hot internet and lack of camera right now, it is hard to keep it current and I don't want that. So ill be sticking to Tumblr! Almost 6 months in Tonga. Wow.