September Member Spotlight: Jeff Guenther

Please meet our monthly spotlight for September- Jeff Guenther!
Jeff Guenther arrived in Tonga as a Peace Corps Trainee one month ago, and is currently in a 9-week technical, cultural, and intensive language training before he starts his service. Upon completion of training, Jeff will swear-in as a Peace Corps Volunteer! We interviewed Jeff to learn about his first impressions of Tonga:

1. Where are you from?
I am from the San Francisco Bay area, specifically Marin County.
2. What made you interested in joining the Peace Corps?
I had been considering joining the Peace Corps since early adolescence after hearing the stories my dad's friend told me about his service in Mali and Jamaica. I have always been interested in cross-cultural friendship and understanding, so Peace Corps has been the most obvious way to build those bridges in my mind. I also wanted to give of myself and my time to others, which makes Peace Corps service the perfect fit.
3. Did you know anything about Tonga before you heard you were going?
I knew that Tonga was a country in the South Pacific, but not much more than that! Every day here so far has been a rich learning experience.
4. What are you looking forward to learning about the most?
I am looking forward to learning the language the most, I love foreign languages and I find it to be a fascinating window into the cultural mindset of its native speakers.
5. Since arriving in Tonga what has surprised you thus far?
I have been surprised with just how much the "Friendly Islands" live up to their name. Tongans are among the most generous and welcoming people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
6. What item did you bring with you that has the most sentimental value to you?
I brought a framed photograph of my family at my middle school graduation, so probably that!
7. What do you want your future self (27 months from now) to remember about this moment?
I would like to remember all of the calm afternoons spent drinking coffee with my host father and the overwhelming kindness that I have been shown on a daily basis.