April 29/2018

April 29/2018

Another month come and gone, time seems to go by so quickly. We had a very busy week, which is always a good thing.

Last Sunday for Family Home Evening we watched a video called “Celebrate What’s Right with The World” by Dewitt Jones, a photographer for National Geographic. Loved the message about finding the good, being positive and appreciating what is all around us. There are so many wonderful things out there we just need to look and be thankful for what we have. “We live in a world of possibilities…. when we believe it, we’ll see it.” Here is a link to one of his many videos. They are all so good I think you will enjoy them. 

Tuesday morning before we caught the ferry to Savai'i we did some site visits for water tanks. After traipsing through tall grass, mud, weeds, over barb wire, we saw several fales that caught water in barrels and saw a huge need for water tanks. We have several water projects to submit and hopefully they will be approved. We were able to deliver a water tank to a family this week that will help about 8 families in the area. A company donated a tank to this family and we bought the catchment system and were able to have it all ready before that rain fell on Monday. It was a great day and to top it off one of the kids climbed up their tree to get me some lemons, he was up that tree in no time throwing lemons down to me, they smelled so good.

Family with Tank

Getting Lemons

Can you see him?

We gave a presentation at NUS (National University of Samoa) this week about Eat Healthy and Be Active, Elder Cameron nailed it! After the power point presentation, we gave them a 12-week challenge to keep track of what they ate, to eat healthier, and to exercise for 30 min. a day. They liked it so much they invited us back in 12 weeks for a follow up. The funny part was though the lunch they provided for us was a lot of cake, sandwiches and Koko Laisa (rice and chocolate). We are hoping to take this presentation to the high schools, so it was great to try it out on the Faculty of Education at the University.

The couple next door to us went home after serving for 2 years. It was sad to see them go but it was also exciting to see them prepare to go and see their family. They were the Zone leaders and did a fantastic job of planning activities and making sure the senior missionaries were aware and informed of things they needed to know. Our mission President Elder Hannemann asked us to be the new zone leaders- just wondering if that was inspiration or desperation? FHE is usually on Sunday evenings at our place now and this evening we planned to do humanitarian kits, we did 50 of them. We like to always have some with us as we travel the Islands, there is always a family that can us a kit and are grateful for it.

Spent some time at Sauniatu this week, such a special place with a special feeling. The pioneer sacrifices, and the blessing of an apostle on the people and the land make it a sacred place, you can feel that as you look around and read the plaques that share the story of this special place. It is a testimony to me of a loving Father in Heaven who loves and cares for each one of his children.

Cemetery at Sauniatu

Tangerines are in season right now, they are so good. At home if an orange is green they are probably sour and not quite ripe yet, not here, we bought a dozen from a road side stand in Savai'i, 50 cents or 1 tala an orange. We are heading back to Savai’i next week and will stock up. I was thinking Donna, maybe you can grow these in your amazing garden you grow everything else. I bet you’re excited about this great weather and to see all the little sprouts starting to peek out from the ground.

I am glad to hear that the weather has improved so much, the snow is gone, and the sun is shining. I think it was a hard winter on mom and dad, but I’m glad you both can now get out and be a bit more active and get your garden going. Andrew has hung up the skis and is now floating the river, in search for the big one. The last picture Andrew sent was a bit tough on Elder Cameron! I saw a picture of Dixie in her little pool, so cute. Only in Alberta can you have snow one day and be outside swimming the next. Ali was talking to us about gardening plans with Rissa, getting the pool ready, putting out the summer furniture. She said that this is going to be the party place this summer. Now that was a bit tough on me! We know that this is where we are to be at this time in our lives, but we do miss you all and love you and are so happy that our place will continue to be a home of fun, laughter and love. Jordan has been busy making a table and benches for the family, it is absolutely beautiful. Well done Jordan, another hidden talent.  Speaking of love, Happy Anniversary to Madge and Don (can you believe it, how many is this), and to Lynnette and Kevin. Happy Birthday to MaryAnn, I heard most of you're family was there to celebrate. I bet there was some crazy partying in Caroline.

These are so yummy!

I found out a little fact the other day, we call our church women’s organization Relief Society in Samoa they call it Au’alofa meaning condition of love. I love it, I think that is a name so fitting for our women’s organization. I love the idea of ministering, it is something that really isn’t new because we know the Savior did it all the time. If we are to follow in our Savior’s footsteps or as the song goes “I’m trying to be like Jesus, I’m following in his ways, I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.” It’s important that we strive to help, serve and love those around us especially those that at times are the hardest to love. Ministering is about caring, nurturing, and comforting not only in times of need but always.  Mosiah 23:18 we read “They did watch over their people and did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.”

 I love the gospel and am thankful for a forever family, for a testimony of the truthfulness. I’m thankful for my parents and for their commitment to each other and the gospel. I’m thankful for The Book of Mormon and for the testimonies that are written on those pages. I’m thankful for a husband who has grown so much in the gospel and leads his family with righteousness and love. And most of all I’m thank full for a Father in Heaven and a Savior who love me unconditionally even with all my weaknesses and flaws and continues to guide and bless me and my family. I know the church is true and I know that through Temple covenants we will again be reunited with loved ones that have gone on before and I look forward to that reunion.

I hope this week is great for each one of you, remember to always Be Happy and Be Kind!

Love,

Pam

One of our School Visits

Isn't she Adorable

This is Menu, no he isn't locked up. So cute! 

April 15/2018

April 15, 2018

We were sorry to hear about some of the tragedies that have happened back home, the Humboldt Broncos bus accident was a devastating loss to families and to the community and one that will affect many people for years to come and one that many people can relate too on many levels. We were also sorry to hear about the loss of one of our church ward members Jack Humphries. Jack joined the church later in his life, he had an unwavering testimony of right and wrong and was truly converted to the gospel. We wish his family well and know his reunion with his wife Shirley must have been wonderful.

We had the opportunity to skype with Elder and Sister Baldry(Karie and Rodger)the other day. It was so good to see them and hear about their mission and see how busy they are. It was crazy to think they are so close yet so far away still. Who knows, we are heading to Fiji in June for a conference and hoping that while we are on our mission we can maybe somehow get over to New Zealand and maybe even Australia.

A funny story this week, I got such a chuckle out of it. Mandy and Andrew were headed to St. George Utah and had both boys with them. They decided to pull over into the parking lot at a Holiday Inn and stay in their Adventure Van for the night. In the morning Nate woke up decided to go in to use the washroom he came out with 2 plates of food and something to drink from the buffet. I guess he figured staying in the parking lot qualified him for the breakfast buffet.  Also, Nate well done on your achievement for rock climbing. I have a picture of Grampa trying to rock climb, I think he could use a lesson from you.

Last week we showed you a picture of a family and their little Fale, well grampa worked his magic. He and another senior missionary strapped a water tank to the truck and took it along with some other items to this family, it was a wonderful experience all around. We will be heading out that way again this coming week to see how things are progressing for this little family.

We went to Savai’i this past week and did quite a few site visits to schools. We are really hoping to get a couple of Sea Cans of furniture over here in Savai’i, they desperately need desks and chairs. We also visited with our Diabetes group, they are doing so good, and working hard. We are sure proud of them. They only have about 3 more weeks left in the pilot program.  We also visited with one of the village mayors that we are just finishing up doing a 25-3,000-liter water tank project for. While we were talking a car load of people drove up, clothes were flying in every direction, kids were naked, laundry baskets were full, and it was a party. We figured it must be bath, laundry and swimming day all in one.

We ended our week with a Costal Walk on Saturday. It was beautiful to see the power and force of the waves coming in and splashing along the coast. It was truly a magnificent sight. The size and the color of the waves was something that I have never seen before and it left me thinking that there is so much beauty in this world and how important that we appreciate it and take care of it. We were walking up along the lava fields and I was amazed to see the growth of grasses and small yellow flowers in the lava, it shows me that even in adverse conditions that there can still be growth and beauty. I think that can be like our lives, when tests and trials come our way it’s hard to see the good at the time but as we keep moving forward and trying and with the help of our Heavenly Father we too can see the beauty and growth along the way.

Time here seems to be moving quickly, we will be saying good bye to several senior couples over the next few months, some are going home, and some are getting papers ready for another mission.  We’ve enjoyed their friendship and knowledge and it is kind of sad to see them go but new missionaries will be coming, and Elder Cameron and I are no longer the new ones! We’ve made some great friends and will look forward to catching up with many of them when we’re home.

One of my most favorite people is Sister Hinckley, she always had something great to say. I want to share with you one of her quotes, “Who knows but that something wonderful may happen today. Have faith that it will. After all, every morning is a chance at a new day.”

Family and Friends, we love you and are grateful for your love and support, it makes our mission much easier knowing that you love and care for us and what we are doing. We feel it such a blessing and a privilege to be here serving in Samoa, as we try to meet the needs of Our Heavenly Fathers children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always and know that we think of you often.

Have a fun week and remember, Be Happy and Be Kind!

 Love Pam

We came across this wonderful little gem while travelling the island of Savai'i

April 8/2018

April 8/2018

This week has been a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions, from sadness, heart break to feelings of gratitude, joy for the miracle of life and thankfulness for the messages we heard at conference.

Scott and I did some travelling around the island this past week and went back into areas not travelled much. We saw a need to help and those feelings were multiplied after listening to many conference talks on ministering to the one, looking to help and ease the burdens of our Heavenly Fathers children. We had made up several hygiene kits last Monday as we felt we needed to take them with us when we travel. They contain some basic items like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and other personal items. We were able to give many away and hope that this will help in some small way.

Often we are led to a person or family and that was the case this past week. We met with a family who live in an open Fale about 10 X 16. They are a very humble family, they sleep on the floor and when I say floor it is lava rocks, there are no mats just rocks and the room is 6X8 for all five of them. There is no running water, only what they can catch off the roof into a barrel; there’s no electricity and in a corner of the fale is the kitchen where they cook over an open fire. They have a small table and 1 chair in their kitchen and a couple plates, a pan for cooking and a bowl for mixing. After visiting with this family they gave us a bag of cucumbers, all they had.  It is so difficult to accept these gifts when you know it is all they have and they may go without food because they are so grateful that you came to visit and to try and help them. My heart was overcome with humility and love that I wanted to just fix everything but I also know it is a step by step process for them and for us that involves hard work, commitment, time, money, a desire to want something better. They have saved up and are able to get enough cement for the 6x8 bedroom area and will continue to save and do it all in stages. Scott and I are hoping to be able to help with a water tank and with a bathroom area so they no longer have to go in the bush. I feel a deep gratitude that the Lord leads us to people, sometimes through others and sometimes as we are travelling. To be an instrument in the Lords hand is a humbling experience. We pray together every morning to be led to those in need and when we find a family like this we know our prayers are answered and he is guiding our way.

This past week a good friend of mine had another granddaughter come into this world. There are many heart breaking and heart-warming stories leading up to this precious little miracle making an entrance into this world. Thank you Cheryl for sharing something so personal and wonderful. It helped to lift my spirits and remind me in some of the difficult moments this past week that our Father in Heaven loves each one of us and cares deeply what we feel and what is happening in our lives.

Now on the lighter side, I ordered a snorkel mask and it came on Thursday! Well we tried it out this weekend, it works great, no water got in and I survived. It is one that fits over the whole face, I have a picture of it. I look a little or a lot scary but it works for me. I still get a bit anxious especially if we are over a lot of corral and I can’t stand up or we go through a channel and I can’t be out for really long stretches. Scott stays pretty close which is a good thing cause it helps to calm me especially in those anxious moments. The fish are beautiful and it is an amazing world below the water, I don’t know what I’ll do when I come across an eel, a turtle, or something a bit more threatening than a small bright coloured fish.

Things seem to be going great at home, at least that’s what I hear. I can’t imagine they can get along so well without me there! Rowen’s Birthday tomorrow! I saw a great picture of The Sauve grandkids, I can’t believe how big they’re getting and how old I must be getting. Good looking kids, there must be some great genes mixed in there somewhere. Mom and Dad, I need you to send me a picture of you two to put up on my family wall. I keep telling you guys to hang in there, Spring is around the corner, then I hear there’s another snow storm so I’ll quit saying that and see if that helps. Time is going quickly and it won’t be long till Rissa is here and staying for a month-one of the perks for working in the school system. We are looking forward to the visit. Andrew we hope you are up and around soon, back to your busy, hectic but very exciting life. I think you can still sit in a boat and fly fish with your leg elevated can’t you? A gentle reminder family if you were unable to watch all of conference please take the time to watch it or read it. It was wonderful and I promise you it will help to increase your testimony and give you answers to the questions that you may have. We love you and are grateful for each one of you.

 I love the changes in Visiting and Home Teaching, I want to share something Sister Bingham said “And what better way to prepare to meet Him than to strive to become Like Him through lovingly ministering to one another!”

Have a great week, Be Happy, Be Kind!

Love,

Pam, Sister Cameron, Gramma (I answer to all)

Who wouldn't love looking at this while sitting in church? Chapel on the East Coast.

East Coast Shore Line

The 10x16 Fale

I love fresh Coconut, did you know it is high in calories, Why are all the things I love to eat high in calories?

A little family we met on our island travels.

Here it is, my snorkel mask, crazy huh! And no I'm not going to model it for you!