  John H. Groberg (qv) ( Christopher Gorham (qv)), a farm kid from Idaho Falls, crosses an ocean to become a Mormon missionary in the remote and exotic Tongan islands during the 1950 s. He leaves behind a loving family and the true love of his life, Jean ( Anne Hathaway (qv)). Through letters and musings across the miles, John shares his humbling and sometimes hilarious adventures with "the girl back home", and her letters buoy up his spirits in difficult times. John must struggle to overcome language barriers, physical hardship and deep-rooted suspicion to earn the trust and love of the Tongan people he has come to serve. Throughout his adventure-filled three years on the islands, he discovers friends and wisdom in the most unlikely places.  John H. Groberg (qv) s Tongan odyssey will change his life forever.