March 4/2018
Time seems to be flying by, I mentioned to
Scott that I feel like I just posted my last blog and here I am writing
another.
We had a really busy week, we were in Savai’i
for the first part of the week doing site visits and joined in a diabetes
meeting. We listened to the member’s talk of how difficult it is to break old
habits, to try eating less and drink more water but not having clean water to
drink. They eat a lot of Taro here, it is easy to grow and is very available.
They cook it in many ways and is like a potato, I still have not acquired a
taste for it yet. Mangoes are out of season right now and pineapples will soon be,
you can get them in stores still, but it is getting rare to see them on the
sides of the road for sale. Fruits in season right now are lychee, pomelo, vi,
sour sop, tangerines and avocados. There are bananas but many of the trees were
wiped out in the storm and will take years to grow. In the Pacific only 1 out of every 10 people
are getting enough fruits and vegetables to keep them healthy and protect them
from developing diabetes and heart problems. There is a lot of fruit here in
Samoa, but everything has a cost. Listening to the many testimonies of how
important this program is to them and their families was very inspiring to me
and once again I’m reminded of how grateful I am for all I’ve been blessed
with.
Scott and I visited several more schools
and found once again there is necessity for desks, chairs, books and running
water. The list seems to grow and grow and we’re hoping to have enough to fill
many of the needs because the happy faces and thankful hearts we see each time
we talk to a teacher or student is heart warming and enriches our lives over
and over again.
On Friday we had the opportunity to listen
to Brother Brent Buckner Director of Temporal Affairs in the Pacific Area. The
message he gave was to simplify, Strengthen the church in Self Reliance, adapt
to local conditions and the importance of change. We were asked to have lunch
with him and had the opportunity to talk to him about what we were working on,
the diabetes program and some of the humanitarian projects we are doing.
I saw a question a while back that I often
think about “What can I accomplish with the Lord’s help" My mind goes back to a large mural I saw when
Scott and I were at the mission home in Provo. A beautiful picture of Queen
Esther, a woman who had strength, conviction, and a love for her people. At the
peril of her life she goes unto the king to try and save her people. Esther
4:14 “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as
this. ” I know with the Lord’s guidance we are able to help, love and serve the
people here, the tender mercies I see everywhere, the testimonies I hear and
the love I see, and feel are a witness to me that the Lord loves and cares for
everyone of his children. That he is in the details and a constant reminder
that we are not here for us but for him.
Saturday was Zumba, at 6:00 am, that’s
right you read it right. Our one Stake in Upolu involved in the diabetes
project runs a Zumba class and weigh in. The gym is full, and it is amazing the
energy and fun that goes on. Scott being a great morning person is up and ready
to go and I’m trying to drag myself out of bed, so I can go sweat and hurt
afterwards. I must admit once there it was good and a wonderful way to start
the day.
Scott and I love to get the pictures,
videos and all the great reminders of what we’re missing back home. Scott and
Janelle, what beautiful family pictures thanks for sharing, I’ll get those up
on my family wall here in Samoa, so I can brag. Nate your video was pretty
good, Grampa and I got a good laugh over it. I was finally able to not only
talk to my sister Madge, but I was able to see her. She is counting down the
days till she and Lynnette head to Florida to spend some time with our sister
Sandie in the warm sun. They are going to a pre-season Blue Jay game and I’m
pretty sure there will be some trouble and a lot of laughs involved in this
little get away. I’m a bit envious but excited for the time and memories that
they will make. Mom and Dad, hang in there, I know it has been a long chilly
winter but soon there will be signs of Spring. Just keep looking for them and
enjoy them when they come.
I love you all and miss you. I hope and
pray that each one of you can have the courage and patience to simply face life
and do what you need to, to not only simply face life but to simply love life.
Be happy, Be kind.
Love you all,
Sister Cameron(Gramma)
Bread fruit
Savaii
Savai
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