Serving in Samoa: March 25/2018

March 25/2018

What a week,

We were fortunate this past week to be involved in the handover ceremony of a major vision project involving medical eye equipment and technology. Scott was able to pull it all together in a very short amount of time due to his great organizational skills under pressure. The MOH, the Ophthalmologist, a rep from New Zealand and one from Salt Lake were all in attendance to hand over the equipment including a portable Fundus camera that will make it possible to help and visit many in the outlying areas and Islands to improve overall care for the people of Samoa. It was a great gift and I know it will be used a lot. It is amazing what the church is involved with and the help that they give all over the world without a lot of publicity.

In all the craziness of trying to get the handover done we forgot about an appointment with a village about water tanks, they called Thursday morning to see if we were coming, Scott rescheduled the appointment but neither one of us felt good about it, so Scott called back and asked if it wasn’t too late that he could be there in about 45 mins. They were thrilled, so Scott headed out the door and over to the Village where a group of Matai’s were waiting with a feast. The Matai’s had been up early killing chickens, preparing fish and other delicacies. It was a great experience for him as they ate together then climbed the hills to their village and Scott was able to see why they need tanks, it’s a project we are hoping to come up with very soon.

Also this past week we took some tables to a Primary School that has no tables in their library. Sometimes there are left over tables, teachers Desks and other furniture from past shipments and we happened to have some that would work perfectly for this school. The teachers and kids were so happy and it was so fun. The kids sang and danced, we laughed, we hugged and it was wonderful. We will be heading out there again when we get some desks in. After our visit there Scott and I headed to Clam Beach which just happened to be right down the road. I saw the clams this time, I snorkeled out to them! Sometimes I can’t quite believe that I’m doing that!

I’m not very good with dates but I do always remember Gramma Cameron left this world on March 14/2002. She has been in my thoughts a lot lately and I am thankful for her. She was always an example of love and unselfishness. Sometimes when Scott feels the need to invite someone over or volunteers me to make something I remember the saying “just throw another potato in the pot.” How I miss her in my life and I know our kids do too. Also in March are several birthdays and I want to wish Scotty and Andrew, two of my son in laws a very Happy Birthday, I know you did and will celebrate in style cause that’s what you both do, enjoy life to the fullest.

Conference next weekend, I’m looking forward to the words and direction that we will receive from our prophet and other leaders that will speak to us. It is amazing to me that no matter where we are we can all hear the same council and receive our own revelation. Easter is also on that weekend a perfect time to ponder and contemplate our relationship with the Savior. I am thankful for my Savior, my brother, my friend. His entire existence witnesses to me that death is not the end. He came to earth not just to provide a perfect example for each one of us but to make it possible for each one of us to be together with our families forever despite our imperfections. Tasha's 37^th Birthday was on Friday March 23^rd we still get messages from friends that remember her and loved her. Thank you for those messages we love them and they continue to be a source of love and strength to me and a reminder of the importance of this journey we are on.

I am hoping there will be an Easter Madden get together, a time to visit, catch up and know where everybody is and of course what everybody is doing. I know we will be thinking of you all and the great food we will be missing. MMMMM, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, buns and PIE. I can’t go on anymore it’s making me homesick and hungry. If you are getting together enjoy and know we love and miss you. Sheila I heard you are flying to the Island to see Nancy. I’m so glad you are doing so many fun things, stretching yourself and seeing that there is a big world out there just waiting for you. It may never be the same once you get out there but what fun it will be.

At church today our primary and youth sang, they did so good the chorus of one of the songs touched me and I want to leave it as my closing thoughts.

“God gave us families, to help us become what he wants us to be

This is how he shares his love, for the family is of God.”

I hope your week is filled with everything good and that you take the time to enjoy all you have and have been blessed with. We love you and are grateful for each one of you and what you bring to our lives. Remember to be kind to one another, you never know what may be going on in someone else’s life.

Eat lots of Turkey! Grandkids, I love each one of you and miss you all like crazy.

Love,

Sister Cameron ( Gramma)