Our last visitors to Tonga left a few days ago and it’s a little sad to think that our influx of house guests (nine visitors in 11 months) has ended. I’ve really enjoyed opening up our home to family and friends from Sydney, playing tour guide to what I consider my adopted home and getting to know people better.

This has been one of the blessings of Tonga.

People I would have previously considered more my husband’s friend than mine; I feel that I can now call a friend in my own right.

I’ve had some great theological conversations with Dousty, who loved Tonga so much that he returned a second time. Jooney introduced me to the joys of Community (the TV show that is). Matt reminded me of the wonders of Tonga, at a point when I was feeling pretty low and Jono, I discovered, has a really great sense of humor.

Thank you Dousty and Jono for a great week spent zooming around on scooters, messing about with bush knives, being gracious when plans fall apart and the plane to Eua breaks, teaching me how to dougie and not teasing me too much about spoiling my dog.

And thanks to our other guests… my sister, my mum, my dad and Bron (even if it was for two days). Your visit meant the world to us. See you at the end of the month!