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.