Happy New Year

Looking back on 2017, it was filled with so many great memories. Getting ready for our mission to Samoa, Scott's retirement, trips to Bozeman, the lake, kids moving in, kids moving out, kids moving in again, planting trees and more trees, working on our little cabin, swimming and so many family get togethers. It was a great year and 2018 will be even better, a few different kinds of activities but I'm sure memorable ones.
This past week has been busy with two trips to Savaii. We travel 1.5 hours by ferry to this beautiful island just off of Upolu the island that we live on. There is a sea-can there filled with emergency supplies that needed to be gone through, now that was hot, Scott was dripping by the time we had checked out and unpacked all the boxes. We needed to go back on Thursday to finish the job and organize the shelves. It is now done and we feel much better knowing that if there is a disaster there are some supplies to help the people. We need now to go through the one here in Upolu, and then to Pago,Pago American Samoa in the near future.
This next week we will be going through projects that people have put in requests for and trying to organize the 2018 year. There are many villages, schools, communities that need help. Although we work for the church 95% of all the work we do is for other faiths and denominations. The people are always so grateful for anything the church can do to help, Samoans are a very humble and kind people and quick to show their gratitude.
Saturday was beach day, I know "yes" again. It was great fun, we went with some other senior couples, packed a lunch and headed out for some much needed rest and relaxation.I saw some young elders walking up the road pushing their bikes, I felt a bit guilty having so much fun in the water, but the guilt only lasted for a few minutes. The water here is so warm, I'm surprised at how clear and warm it is, it helps to make my fears of the ocean so much easier. I'm even thinking of snorkeling sometime in the future, I'm not saying when but seriously entertaining the idea.
Scott and I spoke in church on Sunday (today). I mentioned it was -35 at home, their faces were in shock, probably wondering how anyone could live in that that kind of weather, we're a tough bunch up in Canada. We're just waiting and wondering what our church calling will be, maybe primary teacher, that would be great.
Well I'm always so happy to say all is well here and I hope and pray all is well with each of you. 2017 was a rough year for some of my dear friends and loved ones, I think of you often, pray for you and love you. May 2018 bring you the joy, love and peace that you're looking for and remember Proverbs 3:5,6.
We love you and Aiga tausaga fou fia fia ma uo.

Waterfall in Savai'i

Savai'i

The bluest water I've ever seen, picture doesn't do it justice. Savai'i

Scott in his Lava,Lava. Looks great!

Manuia le Kerisimasi

Dec.24/2017

It seems a bit different this year for Christmas, no snow, no turkey, no grand kids,  no family or children but swaying palm trees, a lot of ocean, eggs and spam, lots of smiling children, a few cockroaches and a couple geckos. All is well.
This past week was a bit slower with school out and Christmas almost here. We had the opportunity to meet with some people and get to know some of our contacts. We met with the Ministry of Education, we work with them in helping supply desks, chairs, tables for students here in Samoa and neighboring islands. We also met with a village that is constructing a fale. Fale's are everywhere here. Villages and  families use them for meetings, school, family gatherings and celebrations, many families actually live in them.
Being here in the rainy season is quite the experience, the sun will shine, it gets really hot and humid then the sky opens up and a torrential down pour will come lasting for maybe a few minutes or sometimes an hour flooding the streets and roads because the ditches can't handle all the water. Crazy to see and crazier to be driving in it.
On Tuesday Scott and I are headed to Savaii, a small island just off of Samoa to go through an emergency container (a large sea can) that is filled with emergency response items that are needed for natural disasters such as cyclones,hurricanes,typhoons, and yes, tsunamis.Which I am told can and do happen here. Better to be prepared.
Scott and I went to a Fia, Fia Thursday night, a celebration that had a lot of Samoan culture dancing, it was really good.The Samoan people love to sing and dance. This past week, every night in celebration of Christmas they have had different church denominations and  groups sing and dance in a program that is put on by the LDS church. The people love it and it helps kick off their Christmas season.
Well it is the Christmas season, and we are wishing you all, family and friends A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or as they say in Samoa, Tausaga fou fiafia fiafia ole Kerisimasi.
Remember to always "Light the World". 
How will you remember the Savior this season?  Take time if you can to watch and listen to this beautiful video.
Love and miss you all,
Grandma and Grandpa
Elder and Sister Cameron

Christmas program

Fia Fia night

Fia Fia night (Larissa, Just for you)

Apia Temple

It's almost Christmas,and It"s 81 degrees.

Dec.17/17

It has been a very busy week, with the Vellinga's leaving, the humanitarian couple that we are replacing, it has been very eventful trying to finish and finalize many of the projects they started. Projects from water tanks,new bathroom facilities for schools,office equipment for National council of churches, construction of new fales, kitchen supplies,wheelchair initiatives and table and chairs to those in need. Scott and I had much to learn in a short time and the Vellinga's were great teachers, introducing us to many people and a lot of contacts. Sister Vellinga says she is palangi (white) on the outside and Samoan on the inside. I'm sure I'll feel that way when we are ready to leave and come home. The Samoans truly loved the Vellingas and appreciated all the did for them.They will be missed.
It is summer here right now so the children are out of school till the end of January middle of February. Which means things are slower and that  gives Scott and I an opportunity to get familiar with the files, computer system and finish a couple projects that still remain open, and get ready for the projects that we will be doing in 2018.    .

Now on to something really eventful, last Monday evening Scott and I got home rather late. I went to our room, opened the door and stepped on something, it took off under our bed moving very quickly. I screamed, Scott came running, scared the guards out front. After catching my breath, I told Scott something large ran under the bed. He looked but couldn't see anything, we or should I say Scott, fumigated the room, took all the sheets off, removed the mattresses, and there it was, a gecko. he picked it up by the tail and took the little fellow outside. I'm sure he was thrilled to get outside away from me.
After our busy week we went to a place called Clam Beach, it was beautiful. If you snorkel, they say it is amazing, and Scott agreed. I didn't snorkel but I did go in the ocean and I loved it. It was warm, and as clear as could be, it was a little bit of paradise here on earth.
We are truly blessed to be here and be able to serve our Father in Heaven. I know he watches over us and blesses our family. We see many tender mercies and are continually grateful for all we have. We love you all, and wish you all A Very Merry Christmas. Be safe and be happy.
Alofa,
Sister and Elder Cameron

The bananas here are so good, especially these little ones and this whole bunch was $2; we love them along with the pineapples, mangoes, papayas, Wonderful!

We are here in Samoa

Well we made it. Now that was a flight, not only was it 26 hours including layovers but we lost a day in there as well.
My heart was full and it was a very humbling feeling when we were coming in for a landing in Samoa. From the sky it was breathtaking, looking down on this little island surrounded by the most beautiful water, knowing that this is to be our home for the next 18 months.
The drive from the airport to our modest little home was great, the ocean with views that go on forever, fruit trees, people selling coconuts,pineapples, mangoes,papayas and fish were everywhere in their little stands on the side of the road.
It was the Samoan stake conference this weekend, we got to our place around 4 on Saturday and our first meeting was at 5. It only takes about a minute maybe 2 to walk to the church,a bit different than our one way drive of 40 min. to Olds. The choir was amazing, these people love their music and it shows. There were a couple deacons (12-14 year old boys) behind us that loved to sing and they really belted out the hymns, it was wonderful. I thought our deacons,teachers and priests could really take a lesson from these young men. On Sunday we attended conference it was all in Samoan except for some of the singing by a children's choir, again so great. Music can certainly touch the heart.
We have a very busy week planned, the Vellingas, who are leaving on the 18 of December are trying to get many of the projects that they were over seeing finalized and wrapped up. We will be going with them to meet with city officials, ministry of education, village chiefs and others to do some hand over ceremonies. I think that means a lot of food and visiting.While they are excited to go home and
 see their family and friends it is with some sadness to leave many of the friend they have made here
in Samoa. I'm sure we will feel the same when our 18 months are over.

First Handover Ceremony at the Malie primary school. It was a great experience. The church partnered with the village and the Ministry of Education to have bathrooms and showers built for the students and teachers.
 A handover ceremony is similar to our ribbon cutting but with food, dancing and a lot of very thankful people.The children were so cute, it was great.

MTC

 Well we survived our first week in the MTC (missionary training center). The spirit here is strong with a great emphasis on learning, strengthening your testimonies and eating. Scott and I have learned so much this past week and really enjoyed the challenges we’ve received. I can see why it must be difficult for some of these young Elders and Sisters to leave the MTC, it’s a safe environment and a lot of food. It’s a lot different out in the world and requires a commitment, dedication and a love of the Savior. This has been an opportunity that we will never forget and will always cherish. We’ve made many good friends and will keep in contact .
We’ve seen and been a part of many little tender mercies along the way this past week that have testified to us that this is where we are to be at this time in our lives. I’m grateful to family and friends and your love and support. At this time I’m so thankful to the Lord, as some may know Ali was in an accident on Friday and it could’ve been so much worse. My first instinct was get on a plane, my family needs me. After some tears, maybe more than some, I knew all would be well and I was right where I needed to be. She was well taken care of by our kids and the Leavitt’s (Maybe they really don’t need me).
Scott and I had the opportunity to go to the Provo Center Street Temple Thursday evening, what a beautiful Temple it is. On Saturday we went to Temple Square and saw the lights, watched a few videos and had a picture taken in front of the Light the World vending machine. What a great idea for people to be able to give back. So many ways to help and be of service, we only need to look around us.
Well we head out to Samoa on Thursday, we are truly excited and a little nervous. This next few days is humanitarian training, I’m sure so much to learn, but the real training will be in Samoa.
We love you all and are grateful for each one of you and how you have impacted our lives in some way. The next blog will be from Samoa, in the heat and humidity☀️😉.

On our way

Talofa,aiga ma uo,
Scott and I were set apart last night and we are now officially Elder and Sister Cameron.
We leave later today for our trip to Utah with a stop along the way in Lethbridge to see my parents and then on to Bozeman Montana to see our oldest daughter Mandy, her husband Andrew and 3 of our Grandkids. We then fly from Bozeman to Salt Lake City on Monday Nov.27 to report into the Provo MTC for about 10 days of training before a very long flight leaving Salt Lake on Dec.7 and arriving in the Samoa Apia Humanitarian mission on Dec.9.
Scott and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to meeting the wonderful people of Samoa, who we hear are a loving,kind and generous people.
While we leave behind a wonderful family(and amazing grandkids) that we will miss, and many great friends, we know you will be watched over and blessed abundantly. I hear time flies when you're having fun. Find Joy in the Journey, and in the service that you do, as I know we will over the next 18 months.
God bless and Stay the path.
     " Everything you are learning now is preparing you for something else"
 
     Alofa,
Elder and Sister Cameron