Serving in Samoa: Feb.17/2019

Feb. 17/2019

I can’t believe it’s the middle of Feb. already, where does all the time go? Elder Cameron is feeling the pressure to get things done and in order and I’m feeling like wow I can hardly wait to hold my grandkids again, see my family, to drive again and cook in my own kitchen just to name a few things, I could go on but I shouldn’t.

We have had some wonderful experiences these last few weeks, water tank and school handovers, and some site visits and have been richly blessed to be able to participate in them and get to know some more amazing people.

We had a handover of 3 water tanks in American Samoa to schools that are relief centers if there is a disaster. Water is shut off after a disaster and they need tanks so that the people can have water to drink and other necessities.

Aua Primary School

Fagaitua College (High School)

Laulii Primary School

We also did a handover of a project in Samoa that Elder Cameron was instrumental in getting, 3 10,000 litre water tanks for a village, what a party it was!

Elder Cameron showing that the water is good to drink

Cutting the Ribbon

3-10,000 L Water Tanks

We were able to give several schools desks and chairs this past week. We received 2 containers full and this time we had the villages come to collect the desks. We had previously done site visits so we knew what schools to contact and had them bring in a truck load it up and take the desks back to their schools. It was great but between Scott,me and Elder Schwenke we had to really keep an eye on these guys, they were trying to take anything that wasn’t tied down including other schools desks and chairs.

We also took one full container out to a College (high school) that was just recently rebuilt from a fire. They were so excited to get desks and chairs.

Elder Cameron opening the Container

Palalua Students

Palalua College Students unloading desks and chairs

Palalua Handover

Palalua College Handover

We started our Eat Healthy program in American Samoa on Friday, gave the training to some Stake President’s, Bishop’s and facilitators, they are eager and ready to start. We had the manual in English but it just translated into Samoan which will be great for many. This is such a great program and badly needed here in the Polynesian countries. We really hope and pray that they will grasp hold of it, Diabetes 2 is highest in American Samoa. We are really hoping to get this off the ground and the Samoan people will love it as much as we do!

Samoan Eat Healthy manual

Some exciting news, I had talked a bit in another blog about a mother with 5 kids whose husband left her and she lived in small broken down fale. Great news, they are starting this week on her fale. It has been a touching experience to get to know Emele and to be able to help her in a small way to try and make her life a bit easier and let her know that she is important and she is loved.

Emele's home

I saw this picture and thought how much I loved the Chinooks that would blow in especially after such a long cold snap. I heard there was one coming your way, enjoy it. Spring is just around the corner and that means crocuses, Buffalo Beans, Pussy Willows and gophers!

What you have to offer is more than enough—even with your human frailties and weaknesses—if you rely on the grace of God.

Someone near and dear to us sent this quote to us this week along with some great words of wisdom, and it came at a perfect time as we are working and wondering if we can get done all that we need to before we go home. There are times when you feel that there is so much more that you need to do and so many more people that you need to help

The parable of the loaves and fishes is a perfect example,

The disciples were right: they didn’t have enough food, but they gave what they had to Jesus, and then He provided the miracle.

Thank you for sharing and the gentle reminder of who is in control and who to turn for help and guidance.
I have been thinking that over the last 15 months we’ve been blessed to see miracles, so many tender mercies, receive promptings and inspiration and our love for the people,each other and our Savior has grown. We are so blessed and grateful for all we have and for the support we receive from family and friends.

I hope this week is good for all and you take the time to enjoy and appreciate what's around you and what you have been blessed with. Remeber Be Kind and Be Happy.

Love,
Pam

This picture should give you a good laugh for the week. Mandy and Andrew are aging quicker than we are, they went to a fund raiser with the theme, " Florida Retirement." I think they should fit right in! Love the velour, white socks, glasses, you guys nailed it. Love it! oh ya, the fanny pack!