Pacific Tales

Takalisi served his mission in Tonga and loved his experiences there. He ended up later adopting a Tongan daughter. He said his life is married to Tonga.

My sister-in-law shares how she uses what she learned in school to keep several businesses going. She has a large family and they all live in the Salt Lake area and work together to make a Zion family. 

Coming from Mesa, Arizona, Scott Baker had several friends that were Tongan, so when he received his mission call to Tonga he was so excited. His friends didn't believe it and thought he was kidding until he showed them his call. He was loved by the Tongan people and although he had many obstacles, the people wanted him to stay there. He married a sweet Tongan lady named Seini and they have one beautiful daughter Iolani who is very active in track and field. Listen to learn much more about this stalwart missionary and his family. 

From the North Island of the Long White Cloud in the Southern Hemisphere to the land where time begins and ending up in Ogden Utah, Celeste has kept a positive outlook and followed her heart.

Norman Harris was born in Vava'u and shares how he was able to travel throughout the Polynesian Islands and learned valuable lessons along the way. He shares some stories that are in the book "Tender Mercies of the Lord in the Tonga Nuku'alofa Mission from 1989 to 1992" which also contains many more inspirational stories from missionaries as they served the Lord in the Isles of the Sea. 

Brent Anderson was a missionary companion to Isi Kongaika and has remained a true friend throughout the years. He shares many stories about his experiences in Tonga. It includes spearfishing at night, learning how to eat the inside of the coconut (flesh and juice), weed the taro fields, and he was taught by a noble how to sit crosslegged, drink kava, and learned many other things including being fluent in the Tongan language. He was given a chiefly title after he was tested in a ceremony and had to show what he had been taught.

How did two strangers who were from two genders, two cultures, two upbringings, and two places come together to ultimately create Pacific Island Tales? You will hear about some differences and some likenesses of the hosts of the show for your amusement. There were many naysayers when they met and decided to marry, but October 2022 marks 50 years of ups and downs and give and take. Golden Anniversaries are not for the weak. They are earned, especially when the couple has so many differences. We hope you enjoy this episode of Pacific Island Tales.

Liana has moved together with our family throughout the South Pacific, Tonga, American Samoa, and Hawaii, as well as to Arizona, Provo, and Orem, Utah. She has been able to overcome many obstacles to advance in her schooling, serve a full-time mission at Temple Square, support her husband and daughter, and help many people with their health concerns as a Doctor. 

Although Robert was born in the small islands of Tonga in the South Pacific, he went on to serve as a Colonel in the United States and has been a shining light for all of us. He and his family have sacrificed much to help in keeping America a free country. 

Our family met Samuel Eghan at Brigham Young University - Hawaii when he was a student there. 'Isileli was Dean of Students and would often invite foreign students over to the home on Sunday evenings to eat. Sam was one of the boys that our family got to know quite well. After his graduation, he went on to become quite accomplished and he also became a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This podcast is very inspirational and we hope you enjoy this episode of Pacific Tales!!   ~ Ruth

Hesekaia Vaohingano Fakatou, former missionary with the Kongaikas, shares how he and his family ended up In the United Kingdom with his lovely wife Sela and four children. 

This broadcast is designed to inform you of the cultural and spiritual practices of the Polynesians and others who have chosen to live among them in the Pacific Triangle. It may help you prepare to travel to the islands as you will hear individuals share their journeys, including challenges and fond memories. It includes hilarious as well as sorrowful memories, and depictions of honorable and courageous people. Come with us! Let your minds enjoy the wonders across the vast Pacific Ocean.  Ruth and 'Isi Kongaika

Aloha ka ko, Malo e lelei, and Talofa!

I have a new broadcast called Pacific Island Tales.

There is a lot to look forward to with stories of the Friendly Islands of Tonga, the rugged cliffs of American Samoa, and the beauty of Hawaii nei. E komo mai - welcome!

What do Minersville, Utah and Tonga have in common? If you listen carefully, you may find a few things in Steven's stories and experiences while on his mission.

February 2022 was a bittersweet month for us as we got Dad's house ready to sell. 

We were invited to a wedding of a wonderful Tongan couple. It was typical of many of the wedding receptions that are held by Tongan families in the United States. The traditional dancing and money that is thrown or placed on the dancer is gathered and given to the bride and groom. The groom's friends presented a dance and then the bride's friends presented a dance. There was so much food also that was not shown that consisted of traditional Tongan food including taro, kumala, lu pulu, garlic shrimp, fruit salad, and topai. 

We have known the Taukiuveas since we were poor students in Provo at BYU. We have had a sweet association with them in Tonga and now in Utah. Sesili tells about his journeys growing up, joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, courtship, work experiences, family life, and funny stories from the past. You can find him on Facebook and he currently lives in Ogden, Utah with his lovely wife and close to his children and their families. 

My experiences living in Tonga in the early 1970s with my husband and two young children.

I moved to Tonga with my husband and daughter in 1974. This episode is taken from my journal and also includes music from Tonga and also from The Jets (a Tongan musical group). 

My paternal grandfather was orphaned at the young age of eight. He was born into a polygamous family so he was raised by siblings and other mothers and relatives. Although he never traveled to the South Pacific, I am sharing this recording so my children and grandchildren will know a bit about him. He lived during the Depression and because he worked hard raising sheep, he was able to put himself through college and had a job as a welfare worker while others were out of work. I looked up to him and he was very loving and kind to me. The recording of him has quite a bit of static, but it is fun to listen to his voice and some of the nuances in his speech. 

For those with access to familysearch.org, you can go to Hugh Cheney Anderson/Memories/interview with Hugh Cheney Anderson by Robert H Anderson and find a written copy 

Our granddaughter, Princess has worked so hard to graduate with her Bachelor's Degree and I wanted to celebrate with her. She studied marketing and graphic design. She is quite an artist and we are so proud of her. Love you 'Esa!!

Our eldest grandchild graduated from Brigham Young University - Hawaii and I made this video as a gift for him.

We were fortunate to become acquainted with the Massey family when we were at Brigham Young University Hawaii. We are still in touch with them and our son is now living there and has the opportunity to get to know him. Enjoy this episode of Pacific Tales.

The Kongaika family loves singing together and this podcast includes some of their favorites. 

Simulata's 80th Birthday Party with traditional Tongan dancing and other customary tributes.

Joel was born in Provo, Utah, but spent most of his youth in the South Pacific. He has raised a lovely family who shares their love of music. 

Video of my father's funeral - Robert H. Anderson.

Fun, crazy, and inspirational stories from thirty years or so ago when a skinny palangi boy began to serve his mission in the islands of Tonga.

I almost got deported from Tonga for working without a permit.

It took me thirty years to get my bachelor's degree. What took me so long?

The Fahu tradition and how it affects daily life in Tonga.

Youngest son of the Isileli Tupou Kongaika family tells of his journeys in the South Pacific in school, on a mission, in music, art, and in raising a wonderful family. 

Kingi started off in Tonga, went on a mission to Canada, met his sweetheart in Hawaii, and now resides in Ogden Utah. He shares his many struggles and immeasurable joys. 

Story of a young girl from Wyoming who was raised by a single mother, followed her to Hawaii, met her special man in Hawaii, and ended up raising her own children in Utah. Mandy shares stories about her athletic ventures, living with ADHD, empowering women and children, and she shares her testimony which she has led her throughout her life. 

Our sweet daughter-in-law, Meilani Smith Kongaika shares her love of growing up in Hawaii, attending BYU-Hawaii, dating and marrying our son, Joel, and raising her family of four beautiful children. 

Beautiful pickleball enthusiast, loving grandmother, and dear friend shares her love of Tonga, family, and Ogden, Utah.

Fokikovi Overcomes Much Adversity to Raise her Seven Children. Fokikovi was one of 15 children raised mostly by her mother. Lu'isa and Vili helped as well as many other relatives. She shares her feelings about her mother and others who have helped her along the way.

Riley Moffat, Surfer, Librarian, and Historian shares his experiences in the Pacific Islands

The Ukulele is not native to Hawaii, but it is very popular in Hawaiian music now.

Father Damien was a Belgian priest who just wanted to help others. He served in the island of Moloka'i in Hawaii among the castaways who had contracted leprosy or Hansen's disease.

Although quite sick, Viliami wanted to be part of our Podcast. He put forth much effort to answer the questions given to him and we appreciate all he does. 

So happy to have my grandson, Israel and his girlfriend Emi on my podcast. They tell of their many moves, what they are up to now, and share how they anticipate their upcoming nuptials.

Nolan Stradling tells of the blessings, struggles, surprises, and challenges of taking his family to Tonga for the purpose of building church buildings in the South Pacific Islands of Tonga.

The True Island Girl who comes from Texas and travels from ocean to ocean sharing her favorite Pacific Tales.

Patrick and Crystal Killary were drawn to the Pacific Islands and ended up giving and receiving service in the islands of Vava'u and Tongatapu. 

A long-time friend shares her experiences in the islands. 

Family friend, Harvey Niu, shares his past, present, and future plans as he sojourns on this earth. 

Tone helped our family so much during our three-year missionary service in Tonga. Here is his story.