June 4/2018

June 4/2018

Going on 7 months already, time seems to be going by so quickly. We got a letter from Daniel Blackwell and he is heading home very soon. It seems as though he just went out. Mary and Cliff, you must be excited to see him and have your family all together again.

This week was exciting, we had a family from Utah come over, Dr. and Sister Mehr are Vision specialists for Samoa they did another handover of a OCT machine (used to diagnose and monitor diabetic retinopathy and other macular degenerations) Now we got that out of the way!

 They also brought their family, their one son Stuart did an Eagle Scout project for here by gathering books, pencils, crayons and other school supplies. We took Stuart and his family to a couple schools where he delivered his supplies to children that were so happy to get these gifts, they showed their appreciation by singing which is always a treat.

 We showed Stuart around the classrooms afterwards and it is always a humbling experience to see.

Manono Primary School

 Stuart also made 85 hygiene kits to give to out, so we then went to The Red Cross and handed those to them.

Stuart with his family at The Red Cross

 It was a great day of service and the 2^nd Eagle Scout project I’ve been able to work on. My first one was with my grandson Nate in Bozeman Montana and that was pretty wonderful!

The UVU girls’ volleyball team is here and staying in the houses beside us and we do have a young couple staying with us. It’s been fun to see the team and the energy they bring. I think Elder Cameron is enjoying this as it brings him back to his coaching days.

 They come every other year and this year they  brought 2 Sea Cans of donations, clothes, canned goods, tarps, footwear, sports equipment, sewing machines just about everything you can think of. They travel the Island doing firesides and handing out much needed items to so many families and groups in need.

UVU with New Zealand Maori Poi dance team

We had our Break the Fast on Sunday and heard from 2 couples and a single Sister that will be heading home in the next couple weeks. After serving the Lord for 18-22 months they are headed back to family and friends that so generously shared them with us and the Samoan people. We heard their testimonies and every one of them mentioned how they have witnessed on a daily basis the Lord’s hand in their lives. Also how the Lord has blessed their families back home. I too have a testimony of the Lord’s hand in my life and I know that the Lord continually watches over and guides our family while we are away. It was a touching evening, we have come to know and love the senior missionaries and the many different gifts and talents each one has.

Our senior missionary group

 Seniors leaving with Mission President Elder and Sister Hannemann

 

The Samoan people have a song the sing when people are leaving or when missionaries are leaving it is called Tofa Mai Feleni ( Goodbye my Friend). I love it and when they sing it, whoever is leaving come and stand at the front and as the congregation sings members come and put leis around their neck, it is always an emotional time and it always touches my heart. If you google (Scott always says Google knows all) this song Samoan Chant on You Tube will come up. It is a great song and very traditional here in Samoa.

. Karie, loved your blog, welcome to our life of food. It’s crazy isn’t it, all the food, dancing that they do is so great, life is definitely a celebration here. I was sorry to hear about Roger not feeling well after consuming too much food, our stomachs are just not built the same! That snake in the window would have done me in, I’ll stick to geckos and cockroaches.

Saw the pictures of our Caroline girls with Nancy and one with Jana and her girls; that was I’m sure a great get together, a lot of laughs, stories and moments to remember.

 Happy Birthday Lynnette on the 4^th, have a great day, we have 2 birthdays coming up the end of the week. Mandy and Callum, celebrate as I know you both will! We Love and miss you all.

Remember to always Be kind!

Our Caroline Crew with Nancy

Elder Cameron with Alysana

Isn't she adorable, I love it!