A Princess, a Doctor, Aussies,and a Mutant Bomb

Hello from the island paradise of Samoa where we have just celebrated 51 years of independence! Today is a holiday.  There is a US Navy vessel in the harbor, the skies are once again blue after several days of rain, and we are enjoying our P-Day, awaiting the hour when we will take a tour of said ship. We have been saddened by the news of terrible destruction and loss of life in Oklahoma from hurricanes.  We hope all is well with you.

This is the season when senior missionaries come and go.  In my last post I shared with you about the mission nurse and her husband, the Hanson's, now back home in Payson, UT, enjoying their family again.  Last week the Johnson's, auditors for the church here in Samoa and in American Samoa, said their good-byes. and flew home to Detroit, MI. This was their fourth mission, and as Sister Johnson said, this was the icing on the cake.  At their farewell dinner last Monday night, we were all introduced to the Goodlets, our newest missionary couple who hail from Australia in a very rural area, the nearest city is Perth.  Their property backs up to a 45,000 acre reserve.  They have kangaroos hopping across their property all the time. Elder Goodlet says "Kangaroos are delightful animals. They destroy the garden; you have to choose the garden or the kangaroos. We choose the kangaroos."  Elder Goodlet's assignment is to oversee the technical classes.  He is a retired large equipment diesel mechanic.  Sister Goodlet will look after home economics classes.  Delightful describes the Goodlets.  He has a mop of white hair and until this mission had always sported a handlebar mustache.  He feels quite naked w/o it.  She has rather wild yellow hair, long and contained with clips, and a whimsical face, with a turned up nose and beautiful blue eyes with brows that ask a question.  He said the students asked if he could speak Samoan. When he said, no, he is pretty sure they said, "Good".

So, do you want to hear about the Princess?  Good, because I want to tell you about her.  She is four years old.  At that tender age, she has learned to do the traditional siva (dance) done by the daughter of the village chief or matai.  Her name is Whitney. She is the granddaughter of the mission cook whose name I cannot remember.  She, the cook, became close to the Hanson's as they were in and out of their office in the  mission home and tending to sick elders.  When she was off island for a couple of weeks, Hanson's stepped in and fed a huge number of missionaries during her absence.  She and her husband were guests at the Hanson's farewell dinner.  They surprised us all by bringing little Whitney, dressed in the traditional village princess attire, who danced for us to the accompaniment of her grandparents and her mother who sang and played as she danced. Little Whitney sat directly across the table from me after her dance and let me tell you, she is a good little eater!  We loved each other with our eyes and my heart was full, thinking of my own precious grandchildren. Her grace in dance at such a tender age was truly remarkable.

Two weeks ago, a visitor at church introduced himself as Scott Hurd, here in connection with Pacific Partnership 2013, a medical humanitarian project. We spoke with him after the meetings and invited him home with us for lunch. He spent the afternoon with us and we felt that we were old friends by the time he left.  Dr. Hurd is stationed at Virginia Beach, where he is responsible for readying the troops before they are sent to Afghanistan and such places, by educating them about how to maintain their health and how to treat themselves when necessary. He is a preventative medicine doctor.  He is also a faithful latter-day saint, father of seven and husband of the newly called stake relief society president in their stake. His job here was to take care of all the logistics and make all the connections to prepare the way for the medical team that arrived late last week to conduct educational health clinics all over the islands of Samoa.  The ship in the harbor brought all the needed equipment and the medical team.  With Dr. Hurd's help, we organized a tour of the ship for the senior missionaries this afternoon.  That will be a subject of a future post.

And then there is Henry.  And his Mutant Bomb, aka 199_ Mitsubishi.  Henry is probably the youngest temple worker in the Apia Samoa Temple. He has an irresistible grin.  He lives far away and upland on the mountain, which requires him to walk an hour just to get to the road where he can catch the bus for another hour ride to the temple. Leon became acquainted with Henry by enlisting his help in learning the veil ordinance in Samoan. Then Henry came home with Leon and had lunch with us after the temple shift. This has become a pretty regular occurrence. As they became acquainted, Henry began telling him about a car that had been given to his father and that it needed brakes.  The more he shared about the car, it became apparent that it needed more than brakes. A lot more.  Finally, Leon suggested that Henry take pictures of the car's innards, so he would have a better idea of what it would take to fix the car.  On his most recent visit, Henry brought pictures, and a friend, whose English is better, to translate.  I felt like I was in a doctor's office with the doctor and the family of the patient. The doctor was as diplomatically as possible explaining to the family that the patient was terminally ill and the best and most humane thing to do would be to pull the plug and end the suffering.  There was that look on Henry's face that said he had not realized it was that serious. It was shock and what I thought was acceptance.  Not so. Within days, a wiry little bit of a man with a grin that strongly resembled Henry's, knocked at our door and handed me a key.  It seems that against the doctor's precise orders that the patient, - er- the car NOT be moved, for goodness sake and for the sake of all involved, that it not be driven OR towed off the mountain, because with all its other failings, the car definitely did NOT have brakes, it had indeed been driven, towed, levitated, however in the world it was done, the car was now at the Pesega School Auto Shop awaiting a miracle cure. The end of the story will have to wait.

The vibrant colors of Samoa are not restricted to the vegetation, the sunrise and sunsets. They are in and part of the human experience here in this unique and beautiful part of the world.  

This little area between the mission home kitchen and the conference room served as Whitney's stage.

Doctor Scott Hurd. He's the one not wearing a missionary tag.

Do you ever have to stop and think about on which side of the car you are currently driving is the gas tank located?  Not a problem in the Mutant Bomb. It's inside the car.  Yep. fill 'er up, Matey. I'll hand it to you. Now you understand the Bomb part of the name of the car.

What a beautiful temple!

"... I Remember Those Who are Upon the Isles of the Sea"

When the Lord says, "I am able to do my work", I believe that promise included providing for his children upon the isles of the sea, even providing for their medical emergency needs when logically there is no help available in many such cases.

Just last week the mission nurse and her husband, Elder and Sister Hanson, completed their 18 month mission and returned to their home in Payson, Utah, their four married children and the grandchildren they had missed so much, ....that is when they had time to think about home.  Their mission, Elder Hanson serving as his wife's assistant (as he expressed it, he paddled her canoe) took them all over Upolu, Savaii, and Tutuila ( American Samoa), treating any and all physical complaints of the young elders and sisters serving in the Samoa mission.  They were essentially on call 24/7 for a year and a half.  Besides the young missionaries, they were a comfort and a help to the senior missionaries and the mission home staff as well.  Elder Hanson told a story from their mission experience that I want to share with you.  He was kind enough to leave a copy of a newsletter he sent to family and friends telling of this extraordinary experience.

Before I share the Hanson's experience with you, let me share some of the miracles that we were close to forty years ago. While in Salt Lake for the October General Conference in June of 1971, Percy Rivers, one of the priesthood leaders from our stake here in Pesega, had a heart attack, which would have taken his life had he been here at the time.  Elder Russell M. Nelson was the surgeon who operated on him and extended his life and service here among his people.  We learned that the exact scenario had taken place with another priesthood leader from Samoa not long before we were here; that is he experienced a heart attack while attending general conference, and Elder Nelson was the attending surgeon. Coincidence?

Just a few weeks before we were scheduled to return home in June of 1974, Leon was in his wood shop at CCWS in the middle of the school day.  One of his students was shaping a bowl on the lathe.  A screw came loose and caused the lathe to increase to full speed, throwing the bowl into the face of the student with such force that he was flipped over, head down and feet up.  When Leon got to him, he saw that the blow had opened a hole in the young man's cheek and jaw exposing his throat.  At that precise moment, school superintendent, Sam Atoa drove his station wagon up to the dock connected to the shop.  The two of them loaded the student into the vehicle and drove to the Moto'otua Hospital, now known as the National Hospital, minutes away. It happened that a visiting plastic surgeon from Germany was just exiting surgery as they arrived. He quickly prepared himself and the room and immediately began to put this boy's face back together.  After eight hours he emerged from the operating room to report that he had successfully connected the nerves, the glands, secured the bones supporting the eye, put his jaw back together and the prognosis was that he would have full function of his eye, facial nerves, saliva glands, would have no permanent damage and little scarring.

Let's count the miracles:

1. Superintendent Atoa had not once before in the 3 years of Leon's tenure visited his shop.
2. A renowned  plastic surgeon just happened to be visiting the hospital.
3. The surgeon had just finished a lengthy surgery and was available.
4. All of the intricate pieces were in tact enough to reconstruct the boy's face.
5. Those who knew him have said that you would not ever know he had been injured.

So if you're still with me, I will give the Reader's Digest version of the Hanson's miraculous story.  I will use quotation marks when quoting directly from Elder Hanson's newsletter.

He tells the story of Sister Aiono (Eye-oh-no). When Maggie Aiono was four years old, she was hit by one of the many buses that provide the main source of transportation for Samoans all over the island. The accident resulted in the loss of her left leg and left her a cripple. "Probably with the assistance of a missionary or a doctor, the Shriner's Charity in the US found out about little Maggie. . ..took the needed measurements, and Maggie received her first prosthesis. Her life changed once again--she learned how to run and play with her friends, and was even a severe threat on the volleyball courts seen in every Samoan village."

Maggie continued to get help from Shriner's, receiving her last prosthesis leg at 16. At 18 she was no longer eligible for help from them.  When she turned 21, she turned in her papers and was called to serve her mission in her homeland of Samoa.  "By now she had grown another inch or two . .. .and the leg had taken a real beating. The foot had literally been worn through by the steel post that gave strength to the leg and she found herself walking on the metal end. Somewhere she found some heavy industrial rubber pieces and attached them to the post to soften the shock of each step. To maintain the appearance of a foot, she taped the remnants of the old one to the leg. The result was a hobbling limp that brought pain to her hip and back, but at least she could walk."

Serving in the Samoa Apia Mission, her main mode of transportation was walking. Six to eight miles a day is usual.  "In spite of Sister Aiono's determination, she had finally been faced with an obstacle she could not surmount. Sister Hanson, the mission's Registered Nurse, sought help from the Area Medical Advisor, Dr. Anton Anderson, but although a search for a solution was made, nothing came of it."  

Though the Hanson's had previously been attending a Samoan speaking ward, they "had strong feelings that they should be attending the only English speaking ward on the island -- the Pesega 5th. Soon after [they began attending the new ward], some visitors came -- Brother & Sister Bracken from Saint George, Utah.  They had business in American Samoa,, and although they had not planned to travel to Samoa, they yielded to an impulse and made the flight across the ocean to Apia and sought out a place to attend church."  As Nylene Bracken was being introduced in Relief Society, relating this unexpected visit, she was asked,"what is your husband's business?"  "He's a Prosthetic Engineer"  "Sister Hanson felt as though she had been hit by a bolt of lightening. She jumped to her feet and said, "I know why you are here. Can I talk to you when this meeting is over?"

Arrangements were made for Brother Bracken to meet with Sister Aiono the next morning in the mission compound. Brother Bracken assessed what was needed to repair and rebuild the leg; parts were ordered and arrived 6 weeks later. Brother Hanson worked through the night rebuilding the badly damaged leg, being coached via skype by Brother Bracken who had returned to the states. A trial fitting, adjustment made, and Sister Aiono was walking 3 miles a day and no longer needed a cane.

"A month later all of the missionaries on the island were called to a special meeting presided over by Elder Dallin H Oaks who was visiting the mission.  Elder & Sister Hanson were seated in the chapel across from the Apia Samoa Temple when Sister Aiono walked down the aisle with her companion to take their seats. Tears came to both of the older missionaries eyes as they watched this beautiful young lady. There was nothing that would tell any observer that she was walking on an artificial leg. The limp was completely gone, and in addition she had lost about 20 pounds. She was a beautiful sight to behold."

Are you still with me?  Then this is meant to reward you for your persistence.  I've mentioned that President and Sister Ho-Ching of our temple presidency left nearly two weeks ago for their home in Arizona to receive needed medical attention for an undiagnosed debilitating pain that Sister Karen Ho-Ching was experiencing.  It turned out to be a pinched nerve and resulted in surgery to remove and replace two discs with stainless steel discs. Thankfully the surgery was successful and she is doing well.  As Karen was coming out of the anesthetic in ICU, a nurse, obviously distressed,  rushed out of her room and asked her daughter, "Does your mother speak a foreign language?"  "Yes, why?"   "Because we can't understand a thing she is saying."  Her daughter followed the nurse back into the room and translated.  She told the nurses, "Mom is asking to see your temple recommends."  Ha ha!  We are hoping to have them back to finish out their mission. They are sorely missed.

Thanks to all of you for prayers and sustaining words.  "God bless us, every one!" ~ Tiny Tim

Sister Crowley

Growing Pains

What a week this has been!  Did you ever have 'growing pains' when you were young and growing?  I did.  I guess my mom asked the doctor about the pain I experienced occasionally, which to be honest I couldn't accurately describe today. I do remember a specific time that whatever the pain was, I found it difficult to walk home from a friend's house some distance away due to this 'growing pain'. So maybe the doc told her not to worry, that it was just 'growing pains'.

This week I have experienced 'growing pains' once more, but not the kind that respond to a heating pad. These are the areas - and I can clearly identify them for you - where growth (hopefully) is occurring. I may not be as accurate in identifying the cause. My experience is that it can usually be traced to one or all of these three common problems: pride, vanity, or selfishness.  Hey, that can't be. Can it?  So the areas that are causing so much pain are (1) Samoans speak waaay too fast! Samoans speak slang, which greatly hinders learning by listening.  For nearly every 'T' they substitute a 'K'.  Believe me, this is a problem.  (2) When you ask a Samoan a question, no matter what the right answer is, they may smile and nod "Yes".  That may mean they do not speak English and did not understand, but sometimes the answer to 'do you speak English' is also a smile and an affirmative nod.  Communication is a real problem when they ask you a question as well.  Especially if you don't understand that you have just been asked to do something and you didn't get that message at all so you don't show up for an assignment.  (3) Samoans don't like to be corrected. Of course that is not true of all Samoans, . . .. Okay, three or four patrons this week.  Combine the speed of their speech, and their determination to press forward and not respond to gentle, persistent efforts to instruct, well, it's a problem. It's especially a problem when the 'instructor' has just barely learned herself.  "Did I hear what I thought I heard? or Did I not hear what I should have heard?"  It's not possible to have an instant replay.

Growing pains also came as a result of facing a very real possibility that the Ho-Chings, our friends and mentors, may not be able to finish their mission.  We have grown to love them and we have depended on them like a new convert depends on the missionary who introduced them to the gospel and baptized them.  They have played such a crucial role in helping us in the temple, and in everyday life. Sister Ho-Ching is very ill and as a result she and President Ho-Ching, counselor to president Fitisemanu, are back in the states to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.  He also has severe pain in his ankle, which has been getting worse. He is diabetic. Of course we are anxious to hear from them and pray a positive outcome and for their return, the good Lord willing.  Without them, we have had numerous and varied opportunities for growth.

This is what the "Doctor" ordered for these growing pains: a big dose of humility and patience, to be taken daily as needed, preferably with a large glass of understanding.  The fine print is the most important part.  This is what it says.  "These children of the Islands are My children. Do you see the evidence of My love for them?  Is there any hunger here? Any war? Poverty?  Is there beauty here?  Abundance?  Do you know of their sacrifice to visit My House?  Do you understand the miles they walk, the hours they spend waiting for a bus?  Do you see how they love each other?  Do you feel the love they show you?  Do you notice the limping ones, the blind ones and the aged? Do you sense their faith, how strong it is?  Have you ever seen a House of the Lord more beautiful than this one I have provided for My Samoan children?  Do you realize what a privilege I have granted you to serve them here in My House?  Were you not aware that serving a mission is hard work? That it requires sacrifice and obedience, and selflessness?"

He promises if I will continue to take my medicine every day that I will grow strong and capable of serving my mission with honor and without regret.  I have the best Doctor. I've learned to trust His diagnosis and treatment.

What is the Meaning of This?

Today is your Sabbath. We hope you enjoy it fully and are spiritually nourished.  We certainly were yesterday, our Sabbath. The Pesega 5th Ward which we are attending is the 'palagi' ward, but that is misleading.  What it really means is that the meetings are in English.  Most of the members are Samoan. The bishopric is Samoan, the priesthood leaders are Samoan, the auxiliary leaders are either Samoan or spouses of Samoans.  We palagi's are by far in the minority, but most of the palagi senior missionaries attend this ward.  Before we came to Samoa we intended to attend a Samoan ward, meaning a Samoan language ward, which would be any of the other wards on the island.  However, we soon realized that we have the same need now as we did at home to be nourished by the word.  To regularly attend church in a language we don't understand would not be helpful to us at this point.  

Within the past week we have learned the meaning of two important words: palagi and Samoa.
President Ho-Ching explained that 'pa' means 'burst forth' and 'lagi' is the Samoan word for 'heaven'.  Their point of reference for a white man is their 'tradition' of a White Man who 'burst forth' from (or suddenly came down from) heaven.  Palagi.  That is a humbling thought.  Sadly, the experience some Samoans have had with our ethnic group has not been all that positive, so it is not always thought of with respect.  

As for 'Samoa', we always assumed and laughed at that assumption, that since 'sa' means sacred, and 'moa' is the word for 'chicken', that for some unknown reason, this nation was called "Sacred Chicken".  It made no sense since Samoans don't consider chickens to be sacred, but in our ignorance we never bothered to ask.  Until some days ago. President Ho-Ching explained that the center of the body is referred to as 'moa'.  Samoans believe that the first people to inhabit Polynesia sailed with the current from South America and landed in Samoa, which they refer to as 'The Heart of Polynesia'.  He remembers as a youth of 12 years old in the early '50's, living in American Samoa, watching as a man arrive on his raft, as the Samoans and the media welcomed him after he had done exactly that, ridden the ocean current which landed him there.  He remembers that the same man repeated the voyage with a similar result.  This was a confirming witness to them.  They believe that from Samoa the people explored the South Pacific and spread to the other islands.  Scripturally, they site the voyages of Hagoth in the Book of Mormon and others who followed (Alma 63:5-8); "And it came to pass that they were never heard of more. And we suppose that they were drowned in the depths of the sea." v. 8.  

We obviously have much to learn.

So much for ancient history. In recent history, we have all been blessed by the visit of Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and members of the area presidency over the South Pacific.  They began their tour of the islands, including New Zealand and Australia, right here in Samoan. They arrived Thursday night, April 18th. During the following 3 days, we heard them speak at a mission conference, a cultural celebration, and a stake conference.  What a wonderful thing it is to be in the presence of an apostle of the Lord.  As a Special Witness of the Lord, Jesus Christ, he not only bore his witness in the form of a testimony and inspirational, enlightening teachings, but by his very personality and love for all of us, his cheerfulness and good humor, he bore witness of the reality of a personal God that, if the veil were lifted and we could taste the joy of His presence for just a moment, we would do anything necessary to qualify to live eternally in that Joyful Presence.  Those qualities are apparent in every apostle or seventy that we have had opportunity to meet.  They all reflect a joy and a love that comes from Him.

I'll share one glimpse with you of Elder Oaks' inspired teaching.  At the mission conference, he entered the chapel, walked to the front and stood in the aisle beside the front row.  Row by row, each one of us passed by him and shook his hand, looked into his eyes and felt such gratitude for the opportunity.  He began his remarks by referring to that experience from his perspective.  He quoted from D&C 121:45, asking, "What does it mean to have your 'confidence wax strong in the presence of the Lord'"?  He answered his own question, searching for the right word, he said, it means to feel like you 'belong'; that you are 'comfortable' in His presence.  He then said that with almost all of us, he sensed that we were comfortable in his presence, that we felt that we  'belonged'.  In a few cases, however, he said some of you didn't make eye contact, and it was apparent that you couldn't get away fast enough. You didn't feel that you belong.  He emphasized that it didn't change the love he felt for each and every missionary, but said, "I don't know why you felt that way, but YOU know. My counsel is whatever it is, 'fix it'".

We have only one picture of Elder Oaks, which Leon took at the cultural celebration, so we'll include that.  

Have a wonderful Sabbath and week.

Elder and Sister Crowley

A Broader View

On our P-day, Monday, April 15, the Ho-Chings invited us and the Fife's to travel across the island with them in the mission van. It was a very memorable day.  We drove over the mountainous region, which was shrouded in clouds. This was the first overcast day we had experienced since arriving on the 20th of March. Actually much of this week has been overcast with much rain. The rainy season officially ended with March, confirming that weather patterns here are as unseasonable as yours at home.  Our first stop was to enjoy lunch at a lovely seaside resort called Coconuts.  As we ate, we watched huge breakers crashing on the reef far off shore.  We wandered through the gift shop and I pretty much wanted 85% of what I saw, most to give as gifts, but some to enjoy for myself.  Beautiful offerings, not anything like the crude souvenirs we brought home with us 40 years ago.

We drove next to a national park. I can't recall the name, but Leon took a picture of the sign, which we will include below.  We parked the van and then walked a path lined on both sides with tropical flowers and dense vegetation.  It was so incredibly beautiful as to make you stop in your tracks and take it all in.  It followed a river which lead to a waterfall.  On the other side of the river was a high cliff, green with dense vegetation.  Twice, we passed a wide swath of bare earth, where heavy rain, or perhaps another evidence of  the December cyclone, had washed the vegetation into the river. At the top of one such place, a huge tree was precariously rooted to the very edge of the cliff.  We walked some distance before reaching the waterfall, which was below us on the river, wide as the river.  Sister Ho-Ching observed that they had brought their grandchildren here before the cyclone to swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall. At that time, the water was crystal clear; now it is muddy brown.

As we arrived back at the van, President Ho-Ching pointed out to us a noni tree bearing much fruit. There is a picture below. On our very next shopping trip I saw a bottle of noni juice on the shelf and bought it.  I have to believe that the drink that is so popular with health seekers at home has been 'added upon'.  It tastes nasty!

Soon we were back on the south coast, driving back home around the east end of the island, where in 2009 a tsunami struck killing 100 people as they ran to the densely covered cliff, clinging to trees and grasping at anything available to get above the 46 foot waves.  The Ho-Chings pointed out that the homes and other structures on the seaside of the road were all built since 2009.  The coast was washed clear of any structure. The homes that remained further inland were severely damaged. We saw fales with only posts remaining.  They told us that the homes were full of fish and sharks and eels were left in their yards.  One of our temple ordinance workers, Sister Ese, found herself clinging to the top of a palm tree with no memory of how she got there.  It reached American Samoa, and Tonga as well.  Total loss of life was 189, mostly children. A survivor of the tsunami wrote a book, Tsunami, which I will buy and read when opportunity permits, which records personal accounts from the survivors.

Will we experience any of these deadly storms during our stay on the island?  There is no way to know.  It is not a concern that keeps us awake at night.  One of the incredible couples we've met and have occasion to associate with, are the Roth's.  He is a successful dentist from Utah. He is here serving the Samoan people, the missionaries, whoever he finds lined up at his clinic as he arrives early in the morning.  His wife is his assistant. Their clinic is housed in a warehouse bordering the school malai (grassy field) at the top of church housing.  The equipment is donated by two dental associations of which the Roth's are members. Their service costs the church nothing.  They provide basic dental care and teach dental hygiene. I'm sure you are wondering why I brought this up in the context of extreme weather.  It is because of what he said to me.  He said he has never been happier in his life.  No money is exchanged.  He serves people from all walks of life, all levels of society.  He said if it were possible he would stay forever.  He said that he told his children that if during their mission, something terrible should happen to them, "Don't you dare blame God, or turn away from Him. We are here because this is where we want to be. We made the choice to be here and this is where, of all the places we could be, this is where we want to be."  I say the same to our children and loved ones at home.  I find it difficult to explain the peace I feel every day, even in challenging and new situations.

It's time to get ready for church. I'll leave to my tech expert to download pictures to add to this epistle.  God bless anyone who has read the entire  post.  As Leon says, I was born with more words than he. ;)

Tofa Soifua until next time. Alofa atu.
 Elder and Sister Crowley

Lunch at Coconut Resort -left to right: Karen in back, Pres. Sonny Ho-Ching to her right,
yours truly, JoAnn Fife, Chuck Fife.

Swimming pool at resort right on the beach

National park

Falls and the nice swimming area below the falls

People you might know 

Noni fruit

Pictures

Beautiful sunrise.

$7.30 tala for a head of lettuce on special

The back of the temple one evening.

Our apartment.

Our 4 A. M. Walk to the temple. It is hard to see but a crescent moon was sitting right above Angel Moroni. Very beautiful in person.

A local Samoan banana. They are small but so good. 

Then and Now

Dear Friends and family,

Many changes have occurred in the last 40 years, and they weigh heavily on the positive side in our limited perspective of only being here 18 days at this writing.  Regarding any disadvantages we may be experiencing  here, at this point in our stay, the things most common, i.e., bugs and humidity, etc., have not been the problem we experienced the first time we were here.  The bugs are still here, but living in church housing, we haven’t had the problem to any significant extent.  They spray for bugs, and 90% of the bugs we do encounter in our apartment are dead bugs – and they are at a minimum.  The apartments are air conditioned and ceiling fans are placed in all the living areas.  When we are out, we feel the humidity, but I’ve been surprised at how insignificant it seems.  Of course I was seven months pregnant the first time we came!  Another major challenge we dealt with before was the regular power outages which sometimes lasted for weeks.  Living in church housing protects us from that inconvenience.  Their generator kicks in w/i ten seconds and the power is restored.  I would say that the only thing that has taken us back a bit is the cost of food and other commodities.  The exchange rate is definitely in our favor, but given that, prices are still very high.

We have found an abundance of American food products on the shelves, while before it was a rare thing.  We have tried New Zealand products, which are generally less expensive, and we like what we have tried.  We remember three downtown Apia stores in the 1970’s; now there are many grocery stores, at least two pharmacies, and many other types of stores and shops. Apia is hardly recognizable to us. Samoa has grown up.  In the 70’s there was one hotel/restaurant, Aggie Grey; now there are hotels and resorts, and a variety of restaurants to choose from.

The Apia Samoa temple is absolutely beautiful.  We’ve been told that it is the same plan as the Newport Beach Temple in California.  The floor tile, windows, flower arrangements, and some of the paintings reflect the Island culture and landscape.  The temple presidency, matron and assistants are just as loving and welcoming as you would imagine. The workers are dedicated, friendly and kind.  It sounds familiar, yes?  There are 4 full-time companionships serving temple missions here.  The Ho-Chings who serve in the presidency are also here as missionaries serving 3 years in that assignment.  There is a need for more ordinance workers.  Please pass the word along.

 

The patrons come by busloads as wards or stakes by assignment. If they come from long distances, they stay in patron housing, just outside the mission complex.  Some come by taxi, some walk, but most of the population is outside this ‘suburb’ of Apia, called Pesega.  (Pronounce the ‘g’ as an ‘ng’ as in sung or ring).  Attending Sunday meetings here, as well as observing the temple attendance of the members,  has witnessed to us the maturity of the Samoan saints understanding of and conversion to the gospel.

We love serving in this beautiful place.  The sunsets are gorgeous.  One of my favorite things about Samoa is the ever-changing sky.  It is the most beautiful blue and the billowy white cloud formations are just so beautiful.  March ended the rainy season, and though It still rains, it doesn’t last long and skies are mostly blue.

 

We were able to spend last Monday with the other temple missionaries and presidency on a private beach, owned by Brother Su’a, who is over patron housing.  There are many lovely beaches around the island.  This one required us to travel up over the center of the island to the south coast.  We saw the uprooted trees and other signs of the devastation caused by the cyclone last December. We also saw lush beauty, waterfalls, beautiful villages with their well maintained fales and the large ‘lawn’ area, common to the village, and colorful flowers.  We played in the ocean, which is protected by the reef, so no huge waves.  And yes, we did get a little burned. Our hosts prepared wonderful Samoan food, including a small roasted pig, BBQ chicken, and 2 crabs caught right there and cooked right on the beach.

 

We send our love. Thanks for your comments and emails. We love hearing from and about you. 

Alofa atu, Elder and Sister Crowley