The Methodist group from Gilroy currently serving on a goodwill
venture deep in the south Pacific islands of Tonga experienced a
delay in plans when a cargo container didn’t arrive as quickly as
expected.
The Methodist group from Gilroy currently serving on a goodwill venture deep in the south Pacific islands of Tonga experienced a delay in plans when a cargo container didn’t arrive as quickly as expected. But once the equipment for installing a solar-powered water pump arrived, Gilroy engineer Cara Silva teamed with three mechanical engineers from a fledgling non-profit called Engineers Without Borders. Soon an existing well was regenerated and able to pump fresh water once again. A pump like this makes a vast difference in the quality of life for all those using it – in this case, an entire village.
Silva emphasized that this type of mission trip is different from the traditional concept of a missionary trip. “We’re not here to preach, but rather to serve. We’re not here to make converts but rather to look for ways to work together in developing and nurturing relationships. We only go where we’re invited and we follow the lead of our hosts in the areas of most need as we work side by side. The idea is to exemplify Christian love in action by example.”
“The Tongans know how to improvise with what is at hand in creative ways,” Silva said. During her two and a half weeks in Tonga, she often didn’t have access to everyday tools we take for granted. “There were times when I was engineering off the top of my head,” she described. Situations where she measured without having a tape measure (by using her hands), or figured out solutions without the use of the Internet.
The fact that some items were delayed in getting to the island meant the scope of the work changed as some additional tasks were taken on. Silva said the joint team of Sanger and Gilroy Methodists accomplished more than had originally been envisioned. They not only worked on repairing broken air conditioning units in Vava’u (very appreciated in a place where it’s hot year round), but Joe Martin, an AC expert from Sanger, conducted training sessions, so that the villagers will be able to maintain the units in the future themselves.
Silva’s ingenuity was put on the spot when she was unexpectedly asked to design a library room for the Advent School on the island. Her design will be used in the effort to raise funds for future work; she even provided a detailed cost estimate.
Computer analyst Steve Teraji said the way one gets to interact with the people and their culture makes participation a truly unique and special experience.
“We were treated as honored guests, and feasts were held for us,” he said. “Once, while driving around the island, we made a coconut stop. One of the natives swiftly climbed up a tree and proceeded to cut coconuts and toss them down. On the ground, a couple of guys with machete knives chopped the skin off one end of the coconut and cut a small hole through the shell. From there we could drink the coconut milk inside.
“Mind you, the food served was often different from what we were used to in the United States. As a result of our domesticated stomachs trying to assimilate these third world delicacies, we all at one time or another succumbed to what we affectionately referred to as “Tongan Tummy.” Regardless, what one should realize is that these people, who have little, gave their all – in fact, gave their best – to us in generous appreciation of our efforts.”
