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!