We went to church in the Samoan ward today. They speak Samoan, so we had an interesting time. The Samoan people are very polite and loving. They introduced us in Sacrament Meeting and had us introduce ourselves again in Priesthood and Relief Society. I think the best thing to help us learn the language is the singing. Their language has a lot of vowels and sounds very beautiful. The chapel we met in had no air conditioning. They had fans and windows that were open during Sacrament Meeting. During Sunday School we could hear the Primary and the Young Men and Young Women singing. They sing in all their meetings. The Primary children sing in English. The Bishop’s dog was walking around outside the Relief Society room while we were in church.

 

They have a church school for children from 7 years old to grade 13 in the same complex that we live. The members send their children to this school and some non members want their children to go to this school. President Leota was telling us that someone called and asked him if they would baptize their children so they could come to their school. We are a little overwhelmed, but know that this will be a wonderful experience. The members live in very humble circumstances. They cook their Sunday meals in a hole in the ground and it cooks all day. We could smell the smoke while we were in church. They eat it again for breakfast the following day.

I will enclose a few pictures of our being greeted by the Mission President and his staff. Oh by the way I am wearing my hair curly today. It is pretty humid here.

I testify that the gospel is true. That President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God, that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true.