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