tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43628558861866836052024-03-13T12:22:23.721-07:00Mission to SamoaKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-24090839175763337752013-01-26T17:53:00.002-08:002013-01-26T17:53:54.056-08:00Hello and Goodbye<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missionaries going home </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: small;">We had a group of missionaries leaving on the 24th of this month. They were all going to the states except one that went to American Samoa. We love seeing the missionaries before they go home. They are all so full of the spirit and gratitude for the opportunity to serve a mission. We had two sets of parents come to Samoa to pick up their sons. Elder Priday and Elder Tingey are going to take their parents to Savaii and to visit some of the members that they were able to influence while on their missions. This was kind of a leap of faith for the parents to come after the cyclone and with another one threatening. We are happy to report that the other cyclone didn't come near Samoa and that all the missionaries are doing well. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder and Sister Johnson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder and Sister Partridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trenches</td></tr>
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We have a couple that will be taking our place named Elder and Sister Johnson. They serve as the auditors in Samoa and have taken on an additional responsibility of the office so that we can go home. There aren't many couples applying for missions right now, so tell your friends to sign up and the Lord will bless them in their service. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trenches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH_GJKhXAt3m-BSNxWs_wRv4uHSbvpK9sojJIjWNpDcQpACE-hwsqXZTjV06K8F77ItVuhlqQyCJkrWUx_lF7YpgPxX3RdLCxrqCKiWh5G4W3CDEPPMI6L2jrXd4E1jqjqL__F8V7tXo/s1600/DSCN2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH_GJKhXAt3m-BSNxWs_wRv4uHSbvpK9sojJIjWNpDcQpACE-hwsqXZTjV06K8F77ItVuhlqQyCJkrWUx_lF7YpgPxX3RdLCxrqCKiWh5G4W3CDEPPMI6L2jrXd4E1jqjqL__F8V7tXo/s320/DSCN2798.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couples outing</td></tr>
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We have enjoyed serving in the mission office and being acquainted with your fine young sons. This has brought great joy into our lives. We still have a few more years to work, so my husband has a job in Sierra Vista, Arizona at Fort Huachuca as a senior systems analyst. I haven't worked for several years because I was a stay at home mom. So, the office has been a really fun experience for me. It has been a delight working with you as parents and being a part of your children's lives. We will miss working in the office and appreciate all you have done to make this such an enjoyable experience. <br />
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We had an excursion with some of the seniors on Saturday to Vavau and an area call the trenches. Pockets of water have formed in various areas including a private swimming area. Those who are brave swim through a cave to the ocean from the swimming area. We are told it is an area of about 12 feet. We didn't try the cave, but enjoyed the swimming hole and ocean. At Vavau we snorkeled. The area we started in was quite shallow, but on the other side there were some deep areas. It was fun to watch the fist swim around the coral. I was following a yellow fish that got quite nervous. We saw some dark blue fish, yellow striped, slim and elongated. When we got back in the car to come home it started to rain. We were blessed with a beautiful day to swim. <br />
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One of the fun things about serving a mission has been becoming acquainted with the other couples that serve here. We have couples serving in the temple, membership support, teach the teachers,seminary and Institute, Perpetual Education, Medical, Auditing, Dental, Public affairs, and office. We have 32 senior missionaries serving in Samoa.<br />
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This will be our last blog as we are returning home. We wish you the best and thank you for being part of our lives.<br />
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Elder and Sister PartridgeKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-72268165603703368562013-01-19T17:28:00.001-08:002013-01-19T17:28:07.732-08:00Rainy days and rainy nights and rainy days...It's the rainy season in Samoa. It has rained most of the last week. Since we are avid walkers this crimped our style a bit. Last Saturday night we decided we were going to brave it. We discovered that we can walk around the courtyard of the school and not get wet. As far as I know there is no such thing as an interior hallway in a school or church in Samoa. All classrooms in the school and all rooms in the chapel have windows on both sides for ventilation purposes. The walkway on each side of the classrooms at the school is covered. So we found a place to walk without getting soaking wet. <br />
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Towards the end of the week it would stop raining for an hour here and there. On Thursday night the clouds broke a bit and we enjoyed a spectacular sunset over the temple. By the time we ran back to our Fale to get our cameras it was too late to get back to the temple so I took this picture with a less impressive foreground and edited the foreground out of the picture.<br />
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It was a pretty quiet week in the mission. President Leota likes to bring the zones into the mission home for zone conferences and then have them attend the Temple after their training. They brought in 10 zones this week from Savaii and Upolu and held 2 sessions per day. Some of the smaller zones were combined. President & Sister Leota and the assistants left Friday to fly to Tutuila to hold conferences for the zones there. They will return on Monday to hold conferences on Monday and Tuesday for the remaining zones on Upolu and Savaii. The missionaries love the training and go back to their areas spiritually energized and ready to carry out the work we are involved in.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-42183416152200696932013-01-12T15:05:00.004-08:002013-01-12T15:05:57.422-08:00Mini Transfer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpT_ryOPH3BNXcYO1JnRiiDg3FaqHtpKT4ppo57C0bxlvSqczEBwcoOMV1G9KF2wCx6EaBRsFDRCj5JUmWiM0EajoYn_5mQEk0Plz9a1UwIS5kIqcx8uosCERM4KetTyIV-vnzTYqPWU/s1600/DSCN2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpT_ryOPH3BNXcYO1JnRiiDg3FaqHtpKT4ppo57C0bxlvSqczEBwcoOMV1G9KF2wCx6EaBRsFDRCj5JUmWiM0EajoYn_5mQEk0Plz9a1UwIS5kIqcx8uosCERM4KetTyIV-vnzTYqPWU/s320/DSCN2772.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clouds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVZJM5vEP11QHCqUOt2krGWzvHowh8GJReDsSFbf99_jjPdRan-Og6RgiT6_qzh3VEMDqPftNugHlgWAiOhw9RbQJn2hpadO9pcp5qGZL_UqKzRabaBj8qgy42F4paGKzJvBQ7fy7DhU/s1600/DSCN2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVZJM5vEP11QHCqUOt2krGWzvHowh8GJReDsSFbf99_jjPdRan-Og6RgiT6_qzh3VEMDqPftNugHlgWAiOhw9RbQJn2hpadO9pcp5qGZL_UqKzRabaBj8qgy42F4paGKzJvBQ7fy7DhU/s320/DSCN2773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dirty water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGkTPU2q0VifYU-gPskiDnpCijLnqIxH8QX0NZ03pUQWeswdY7ohORrF0al4UMcm7zEmB6RQq4MIPY5bb2rM0asxyg3aUdGkMBrVtBOXJTr0J56qFyhRTyMVSnfjilq122wqp6YZrLoQ/s1600/DSCN2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGkTPU2q0VifYU-gPskiDnpCijLnqIxH8QX0NZ03pUQWeswdY7ohORrF0al4UMcm7zEmB6RQq4MIPY5bb2rM0asxyg3aUdGkMBrVtBOXJTr0J56qFyhRTyMVSnfjilq122wqp6YZrLoQ/s320/DSCN2776.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Partridge by beach</td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Elder Partridge and I have been very busy
this week with paperwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished up
the newsletter and got it printed and then worked on the end of month
reports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I send all the baptism reports
to all the stake presidents which include all the totals for each month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also send them a copy of the
newsletter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then had lots of position
change letters to do because we had transfers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The position change letters include letters to the missionary and his
parents informing them of their responsibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Partridge has been busy working with
immigration on getting Visas for the group that will be coming to our mission <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the end of January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was also busy getting tickets for
missionaries traveling to American Samoa and arranging documents for Samoan’s
traveling there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
was excited to get to work in the temple again this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Christmas and New Year’s was on
Tuesday, I haven’t been able to work for three weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The temple was quiet this week with not many
patrons, but it was still nice to be back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
went to the baptism of a new convert that we were able to help a bit with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked to her several months ago about the
temple and its importance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had lots
of non members there who even helped her sing a song for part of the program.
It was a very nice service and she will be a nice addition to the ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The members brought refreshments, so we had a
little social afterwards.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
had two new missionaries come to our mission this week and had a mini
transfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are waiting for Visa’s to
go to Australia missions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder
Partridge and I took a missionary to the airport that was traveling to the New
Zealand MTC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will be coming back to
our mission for awhile until he gets his Visa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was a very nice young man with wonderful people skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had lived in Utah, New Mexico and American
Samoa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be nice to have him come
back to our mission.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
are experiencing the rainy season in Samoa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yesterday it rained so much, that we didn’t want to venture out very
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doesn’t stop the
Samoan’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a group of Samoans
cleaning President Leota’s roof in the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were others walking along the streets and playing sports in the
rain. One of the results we have found from the cyclone is the water near the beach is often dirty from all the run off. It is sad seeing so many of the trees destroyed, but it is also wonderful to see people come to Samoa just to help out for a few weeks. Missionaries who serve here love the people and often come back to help out during trying times. </span></div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-45759796434639713842013-01-05T17:30:00.000-08:002013-01-11T15:40:33.178-08:00Upolu Zone ConferencePresident Leota wanted to have the Upolu Christmas Conference before transfers, so we all worked to have it on the 31st of December. My husband and I picked up hamburger patties, buns, and ketchup and Afulua put together the other food to make this day a success. <br />
<br />
They had their devotional first where President and Leota talked to the missionaries. We then went into the skit portion of the program. The couples serving in Upolu were of course expected to put together a skit. We came up with the idea of singing 12 days of Christmas with props. Sister Gertsch worked on changing the words and we had fun putting on our skit in front of the missionary. Elder Partridge and I of course had Partridge. We couldn't decide whether to do a Partridge in a palm tree or a Partridge on a par three. So, we had fun doing them both which ended up getting a cheer from the missionaires every time. Some of the other items used were pigs squeaking, geekos hiding, taxis honking, guards waving and various other things unique to Samoa.<br />
<br />
The missionaries really enjoyed having hamburgers from America (frozen patties). Several of the couples had cooked them ahead of time because the kitchen natural gas was gone. We had pineapple, egg foo yong, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled beets on our hamburgers. We also had chips (which were from here and not very good) and various soft drinks. <br />
<br />
After we all ate, we cleaned up and did the games. We didn't stay for the games but were told that the missionaries had a good time. Elder and Sister Hanson were on hand in case there was any medical emergencies. <br />
<br />
That evening we had a couples New Years Eve party. We have a couple from Layton, Utah that serve as vocational missionaries. They are going to Fiji for their next assignment. So we had a going away party complete with pizza. We had sort of a roast and spoke of their fine qualities and sang the Samoan Farewell Song. They left yesterday morning for their new assignment. They are serving for 23 months and will spend five to six months in an area. <br />
<br />
The next day we had transfers, which ran rather smoothly. Elder Partridge was busy arranging travel for those traveling to and from American Samoa and I was busy typing the position change letters. Most of the missionaries that were transferred are in their respective areas not except a few that need to wait on Visas to go to American Samoa.<br />
<br />
On the weekend we traveled to the North Stake center and waded in the water at the beach. It has been a busy and eventful week. <br />
<br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-54453640728325720432012-12-29T17:36:00.001-08:002012-12-29T17:36:45.201-08:00The week between Christmas & New YearsOur missionaries have been working on cleanup projects all week long except for Christmas day.<br />
<br />
Christmas Eve we had a family home evening with the couples. We sang and had a white elephant gift exchange. We ended up with a pudding mix and a piece of coral. On Christmas day we got up early and went for a walk down Vaitele street, which is the street the mission home is on. There was quite a crowd gathering including several parked cars on the other side of the street. We thought maybe people were gathering for a church service but it turned out they were waiting for the Apia Bottling Company to open. Christmas was definitely different in Samoa. We had brunch with the senior couples in the morning and then had 2 of the single sisters that are serving in the temple over for dinner in the afternoon. They are both from Australia and each had served as a proselyting missionary in Samoa previously.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ncok_Z4B8CdGoxy2ySatcfjQAd47M50aiV8rim0zuJFMWtD2QWaagdXtYjxAAUdroikQN9Jn93ZzG3xXTDn3g_iqnl1TwVa3bZx0heNMc-6wkcl8hz7aMCMz_G3VwD12hzY-LckB8l4/s1600/DSCN2711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ncok_Z4B8CdGoxy2ySatcfjQAd47M50aiV8rim0zuJFMWtD2QWaagdXtYjxAAUdroikQN9Jn93ZzG3xXTDn3g_iqnl1TwVa3bZx0heNMc-6wkcl8hz7aMCMz_G3VwD12hzY-LckB8l4/s320/DSCN2711.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder & Sister Partridge, Sister Moaga & Sister Tavete<br />
Christmas Day 2012 in Samoa</td></tr>
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Wednesday the temple opened for the first time since cyclone. The attendance was down a bit which is understandable. The new missionaries and some of the not so new missionaries attended the 7:30 session.<br />
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Thursday, Sister Partridgve & I made a water and mail delivery to the Elders serving on the east end of the island. Some of the cellphone towers have been destroyed on that part of the island resulting in a significant reduction in cell phone service. Elder Tingey, one of our zone leaders, demonstrated what they have to do to get cell phone service where they live. For their Christmas calls home, he climbed up on top of the water tanks and his companion climbed a nearby tree.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Tingey finds cell phone service<br />
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Saturday we decided to try climbing Mt. Vaea to see how Robert Louis Stevenson's grave was doing. Most of the big trees had been uprooted. The bathing pool where Mr. Stevenson's family went to cool off had a large tree in it. There are some boulders in the river you can walk across. They were obscured by a large tree. We decided to wade across the river and try to find our way up the mountain. We had to give up because there were too many trees blocking our path. We will try it again in couple of months maybe. Tusitala is on his own for awhile I am afraid.<br />
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-61057057360090261522012-12-22T17:12:00.001-08:002012-12-22T17:12:35.917-08:00To the Rescue
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the difference between a cyclone, a hurricane, a typhoon,
and a Tsunami? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a storm is in the
Atlantic or Eastern Pacific, it would be a hurricane. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A typhoon takes place in Japan, Guam or the Philippines.
A cyclone takes place in the South Pacific and is characterized by strong
revolving winds and rains, a Tsunami is caused by earthquakes below the ocean
and are destructive sea waves. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week was devoted to rescuing and rebuilding Samoa. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mariner’s went to Savaii to take Christmas
packages and supplies to the missionaries serving there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Savaii had very little storm damage and all
the missionaries are doing fine.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Hanson’s also went to some of the missionary areas
taking food and water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sister Leota had
groups of zones that had been hit hardest by the storm come into the mission office
to be showered and cleaned up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sent
them home with food, water, and Christmas packages sent from home.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder Partridge and I also went to check on missionaries and
take food, water, candles, Christmas packages, and phone batteries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of them were in good spirits and said the
members were taking good care of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
few of them wanted supplies, but they all seemed to have weathered the storm
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of Upolu is still without
power, but it is slowly being restored to all areas of the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had ten missionaries that finished their missions this
week and were able to return to their homes in the United States, Tonga, and
Samoa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder and Sister Watson, our area authorities came and
toured the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the areas that were
hardest hit, members are staying at the churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all had smiles on their faces and were
happy to be safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night Elder and
Sister Watson spoke to the senior missionaries about the true meaning of
Christmas and thanked us for our service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have enjoyed being able to serve the missionaries and members that
needed our help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several of the senior
missionaries have prepared lunch and dinner for the new missionaries that are
staying at the MRC. The new missionaries have cheerfully worked this week to
help the people in Samoa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure that
this will open up opportunities for teaching and their lives will be blessed
for their service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF5obkbjxTQ7MLfDy7IOLv45SoSfSZ2LC31lyQQXOK6R4n6MjFoOB4ebq_vQn7M-B6EHn4Wh0AMAsvbmfSNb_NitBI70pVvzhgU0pZiQe8bTkvfX5NIHV0BKDwLrFtsn-oi08JnEl914/s1600/DSCN2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF5obkbjxTQ7MLfDy7IOLv45SoSfSZ2LC31lyQQXOK6R4n6MjFoOB4ebq_vQn7M-B6EHn4Wh0AMAsvbmfSNb_NitBI70pVvzhgU0pZiQe8bTkvfX5NIHV0BKDwLrFtsn-oi08JnEl914/s320/DSCN2692.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Partridge on Banyan Tree</td></tr>
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We have found that the people in Samoa are very resilient. There was a huge banyan tree that fell over in the mission compound by Pesega College. They immediately started to cut up the trees that fell, so we decided that we better hurry and get a picture. As you can see it has very little root, but is very large. It took three pictures to get the entire tree. <br />
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-5149546772349235692012-12-19T18:33:00.001-08:002012-12-19T18:33:51.923-08:00Cyclone Pictures<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMhrhjVLjFZnLG6mTYTWEH6FJhIKNgCyxo5Ns8_8eZHMMLh8Z1kitGsytdU3z99wET-VWsFDrtQyOSVJuvYD6R6OZIUS8mZGlL8YQtjcyazdcDJHM4QJWGTzBI3OIkNew93dbRaujHhI/s1600/2012-12-18+23.00.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMhrhjVLjFZnLG6mTYTWEH6FJhIKNgCyxo5Ns8_8eZHMMLh8Z1kitGsytdU3z99wET-VWsFDrtQyOSVJuvYD6R6OZIUS8mZGlL8YQtjcyazdcDJHM4QJWGTzBI3OIkNew93dbRaujHhI/s320/2012-12-18+23.00.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New missionaries cleaning up Upolu</td></tr>
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The storm is over in Samoa. We had 14 new missionaries come from the New Zealand M.T.C. Today they were put to work helping to clean up Apia. The Leotas' bought gloves, water bottles, hammers, and the tools that they would need to assist in their clean up. They came home tired and dirty but very happy to be serving the people in Samoa. The people here are very impressed to see these young missionaries volunteering to help clean up the city. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitayVt2hccpTR24jpyxwMxsvCx1RTq2L8HFoY-TRKO915M0Eoq18YeuEpZPc1u8wsv0dAZKCiRqFQPkvJpQ40sg52MvLSugr_DRiXel8BqycWUAEWuo2IkzcXaUHzOSKF8oak-mKh3RXQ/s1600/DSCN2660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitayVt2hccpTR24jpyxwMxsvCx1RTq2L8HFoY-TRKO915M0Eoq18YeuEpZPc1u8wsv0dAZKCiRqFQPkvJpQ40sg52MvLSugr_DRiXel8BqycWUAEWuo2IkzcXaUHzOSKF8oak-mKh3RXQ/s320/DSCN2660.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree in front yard at beginning of storm </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX_K0z-OtAve0BMFevRb5yzBDv2s2s5fQMPZmpLhvMBHV5GY7uAyoR3wD2NRoZN5QykSyM0SRWwvVfGRMCgdEIYaGYkrDtIhZzk6Sv49bzSJt7RzVhXOHecMN7fz8ZS8wrarHSrjMj-w/s1600/DSCN2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX_K0z-OtAve0BMFevRb5yzBDv2s2s5fQMPZmpLhvMBHV5GY7uAyoR3wD2NRoZN5QykSyM0SRWwvVfGRMCgdEIYaGYkrDtIhZzk6Sv49bzSJt7RzVhXOHecMN7fz8ZS8wrarHSrjMj-w/s320/DSCN2673.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the storm was over, same tree</td></tr>
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When the storm started last week, I took a picture of the tree in our front yard being blown by the storm. <br />
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As you can see by the picture above, the tree was destroyed.<br />
The following pictures were taken when we went to pick up mail at the Fagaali'i airport.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">car destroyed in storm</td></tr>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-5589715906041323622012-12-18T11:17:00.000-08:002012-12-18T11:17:14.703-08:00Savaii Trip a little late<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbrLtrzUA2QXqseP1nOeYAAKDvP6nEAzQhrgMPApMDi7UoD5h40pycMnQIhzzbqgOpZlzqd1c9HbB2LGdqn9pnq1xnkFm1F42D6L-09grR6u5JqEEtXQPkseXbDISs3SFDHXL_BIGzzo/s1600/DSCN2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbrLtrzUA2QXqseP1nOeYAAKDvP6nEAzQhrgMPApMDi7UoD5h40pycMnQIhzzbqgOpZlzqd1c9HbB2LGdqn9pnq1xnkFm1F42D6L-09grR6u5JqEEtXQPkseXbDISs3SFDHXL_BIGzzo/s320/DSCN2608.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bay by our hotel</td></tr>
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We promised that we would take pictures of our Savaii trip for our faithful missionary moms and dads. So this email will be mostly pictures. The Savaii trip was a lot of fun. The missionaries were in good spirits and loved getting together for our Christmas Zone Conference. We started with a devotional and then watched a movie that the A.P.'s put together of all the zones singing Christmas songs. We then watched skits, had a wonderful luncheon, and the missionaries played games under the guidance of President Leota. The favorite game was dodge ball. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Hanson, Sister Mariner, Sister Tuivaiti, Sister Partridge</td></tr>
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Since the cyclone hit, we wanted to let you know that all of the missionaries are safe. They are currently serving the people. Many homes are filled with mud and trees have been destroyed. They are doing their part to piece together the community. You can be proud of your son or daughter for the service that they are giving in Samoa.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savaii Missionaries and staff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWdraLQHcEcNisVq-v1uU-gUJhCQ4G9IPVGm8Pg8-_RT84bVGaRXuWxB6GpTVcq1CP9CcxSjSLol529qJwdlv2O6Jtln_ltwZFvuK8Elt2lRSzjDnTBxyvRClJpBDwZkgrnvnZUIKCJw/s1600/DSCN2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWdraLQHcEcNisVq-v1uU-gUJhCQ4G9IPVGm8Pg8-_RT84bVGaRXuWxB6GpTVcq1CP9CcxSjSLol529qJwdlv2O6Jtln_ltwZFvuK8Elt2lRSzjDnTBxyvRClJpBDwZkgrnvnZUIKCJw/s320/DSCN2626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Fisher and Elder Swenson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skits</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMuENNTODWXNZre1O9kRNuNuB4KmM_ut9WGma6PvRXUxTsLTHPpneR9jA50X6swTC23qY3oPPZYB7w10PD5n1N6nDOitCIk-Bwy1LwzG5aKFP8jujotra622yYT4n8iFry2ohuVgshQs/s1600/DSCN2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMuENNTODWXNZre1O9kRNuNuB4KmM_ut9WGma6PvRXUxTsLTHPpneR9jA50X6swTC23qY3oPPZYB7w10PD5n1N6nDOitCIk-Bwy1LwzG5aKFP8jujotra622yYT4n8iFry2ohuVgshQs/s320/DSCN2644.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Stevens with his lunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More skits</td></tr>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-46604417535859185942012-12-14T10:23:00.000-08:002012-12-14T10:23:11.873-08:00The Cyclone is over and we are wellAll missionaries are safe and accounted for. They were contacted Thursday morning an instructed to either stay inside or go to a place where they would be safe, in most cases the local chapel. Their zone leaders check on them periodically and report back to President Leota.<br />
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The Church is working on addressing the needs of the members and the missionaries.<br />
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As I was running on Thursday morning, the day the cyclone hit Upolu, I experienced a pretty good headwind as I was running around the track. At first I thought of it as resistance that added to my workout. Then the thought occurred to me that if I am experiencing a headwind on one side of the track I must be experiencing a tailwind on the other side. As I ran around the track I payed more attention and sure enough there was a tailwind on the other side. We have been on our mission for 10 months now and hadn't payed much attention to the tailwind that blew us along. Thursday we experienced a headwind. The headwind is now over and the tailwinds have begun again.<br />
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Sorry no pictures. You may visit <span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.nz/"><span style="color: blue;">Pacific
Mormon Newsroom:</span></a></span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-71948573712127125732012-12-08T16:53:00.001-08:002012-12-08T16:55:00.368-08:00Fagaloa<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fagaloa Bay</td></tr>
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This week my husband and I decided to go to a zone meeting in Fagaloa. It is quite a drive there including a steep dirt rode down the hillside into the bay. We weren't quite sure where the chapel was, but turned to the right. It was a beautiful area with only a few homes all around the ocean bay. We were expecting to run into the church along the main road, but it was actually a dirt road that finally led to the gate of the church yard.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missionary quarters</td></tr>
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We usually see the zone leaders van when we get to the church for zone meetings, but there was no van there and we were a few minutes late. So, my husband decided to knock at the door of the missionary apartment. At first he couldn't get anyone to answer the door and finally an Elder came to the door in just his underwear. We found that the zone meeting had been cancelled, but it still made us wonder why the missionaries weren't up studying or getting ready to teach. They have a perfect setting right next to the church with the ocean not far from their view. They also have a basketball stand and volleyball net for exercise. Even though the ride was unfruitful for having a zone meeting, we had a beautiful drive. We found out later that the zone leaders were at the temple and that was why the zone meeting was cancelled. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fale</td></tr>
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There were some children playing next to the ocean and in the fale's there. <br />
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I thought that it was very amusing that the cows were laying on the beach next to the water. <br />
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We are preparing for Christmas in Samoa. Last Sunday my husband and I got out our Christmas decorations. We have a small tree that fits on a table. It is a beautiful little pre-decorated tree. The lights come on in patterns going from red, to yellow, to green to blue and then all the colors. We have enjoyed watching this cute little tree. We watched the First Presidency Devotional last Sunday on BYU TV. Tonight they are going to be showing in in the Pesega Stake in Samoan and English. We had stake conference today. In Samoa you don't see all the commercialization of Christmas. There are a few shops that have Christmas decorations, but not nearly the hustle and bustle you see in the states. They have several groups singing Christmas songs and our stake had a Christmas program last Saturday. I think I'm going to enjoy spending this Christmas in Samoa. We will miss our family, but it will be nice to have a simple Christmas. <br />
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<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-31687873649313131032012-12-01T17:20:00.001-08:002012-12-01T17:20:54.499-08:00O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park Coastal WalkWe started the week with a Thanksgiving dinner for all the seniors in the mission. This included the counsellors in the temple presidency, those that are serving in the temple, as well as the CES missionaries. After dinner we walked over to the temple for a group photograph. We were able to get everyone since Elder & Sister Jordan, who serve in Tutuila were here for CES meetings.<br />
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We received 2 new missionaries this week. They will be with us temporarily while they wait for their visas. They will eventually serve in Australia when their visas arrive.<br />
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We have been intrigued with trying this walk along the south side of the island. The gate is locked due to problems with illegal logging in the National Park. We finally decided to try it yesterday. Judging by the height of the grass between the wheel tracks I don't think very many people have driven into the area. In face I'm not sure very many people have been there. The sign by the road said it was 4 km to the trail. It seemed more like 4 miles probably because it was very hot and humid. We did make it though.<br />
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The hike along the coast is about 1 km. The coast on this part of the island is entirely lava. Some how trees grow out of lava, I'm not sure how. <br />
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The top of the cliff we walked along was about 25 feet above the ocean but the waves crashing against cliff gave us an occasional spray of salt water.<br />
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Over the years the waves have created several natural brides and islands in the lava.<br />
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We eventually came to a large lava field. It was interesting to see the folds in the lava almost like cake batter. We tried a few self portraits. Someone had sunk a pillar into the lava which was perfect for setting the camera on.<br />
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It was a little tricky setting the camera up, keeping it from blowing over and then scrambling across the lava so I could be a part of the picture.<br />
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It was a long walk but we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a wonderful day.<br />
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-71744363725922738522012-11-24T17:39:00.000-08:002012-11-24T17:39:42.814-08:00Giving Thanks
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was thinking about our blessings today as
we attended church in a building that didn’t have air-conditioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times have I complained because I
was too cold in our nice air- conditioned building in the states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I think about our lovely home in Mesa
Arizona and then drive by the Fale’s that the people live in here with no air
conditioning, I again contemplate why I am not more grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as we drive in our nice air-conditioned
car, I see people walking in flip flops wherever they go and riding in crowded
buses with no air conditioning and see their happy spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what is it that make these people so
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though they have humble
circumstances, most all of them will greet you with a smile and be more than
happy to be acknowledged by us as missionaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They faithfully attend their churches on Sunday closing up the shops for
most of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love the Lord and
are a kind and gentle people. It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to rub shoulders
with the people in Samoa.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Priority</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have had a good week in the Samoa Apia
Mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been very busy this
week creating missionary files, arranging travel and shipping boxes for the
missionaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband had so many
boxes in front of his desk to mail that I had to take a picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are starting to get Christmas packages in
for the missionaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband went to
the airport several time to pick up the packages and they weren’t there even
though the couple serving in Pago said that the packages were sent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally figured out that it was because so
many people were traveling to Pago because of graduation from High School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weigh all the people first, then luggage,
freight is sent last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many Samoan’s are
very heavy so this accounts for the wait.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We worked in the temple on Tuesday night and we had a large group of members come from Pago. A couple received their endowments and were later sealed to their little family. I went in the area where the children were waiting and had a very enjoyable time talking with the children. The older two children were nine and ten. The girl who was nine said, "Your eyes must be really fun to color, my Dad has light brown eyes and my mother has dark brown eyes." This made me smile. I talked with them about writing down what it was like being in the temple and told them about my baptism and that I had to be baptized twice because my toe stuck up. The little girl asked what a toe was. They were so cute. Finally the little boy asked me how old I was. When I told him, he said "You aren't THAT old!" It was pretty funny. I then got to help them go to the seaing room where they met up with their parents and all the ward members. I told them to look at the pictures of Jesus. It was a very special evening.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O5AS3WxDLCxXBRL2m9j-Oc7niBvbajv2BpT-S59adyrP262lT2cdrETJeEF6KeIpZC0sfZl20-KwqA-gcZFQJvpyIZ9GHyTDkVQnSV1aZ9UJGdPnUA48lRinuMv_1sSOh2khhYJ0U1U/s1600/DSCN2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O5AS3WxDLCxXBRL2m9j-Oc7niBvbajv2BpT-S59adyrP262lT2cdrETJeEF6KeIpZC0sfZl20-KwqA-gcZFQJvpyIZ9GHyTDkVQnSV1aZ9UJGdPnUA48lRinuMv_1sSOh2khhYJ0U1U/s320/DSCN2530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Fitisemanu, Elder Kokkola, Elder Vaeagi, Elder Ieremia, Elder <br />
Leamanaia, Elder Kinnison, Elder Mackey, Elder Too-<br />
faalogo, Elder Ormsby, Front: Elder Tafitit, Sister Losi, Sister Tapusoa, Elder Solo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went to a zone meeting in the Apia Zone
this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a large zone with 13
missionaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always have an
enjoyable time seeing the missionaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Elder Ormsby and Elder Tafiti are the zone leaders and are doing an
excellent job serving the missionaries in their zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards they had song practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to be having Christmas Zone
Meetings in December so the missionaries are practicing songs and skits for
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have the opportunity of
participating in the Savaii Zone Meeting as well as Upolu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Samoa, but
the senior couples are going to have a dinner on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look forward to a nice evening with them.
We went over to the Hanson’s home for birthday cake last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were several couples that came and we
had a nice visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-48793636251058062732012-11-17T17:27:00.002-08:002012-11-17T17:53:54.465-08:00Mr. Burger doesn't serve HamburgersOne of the food items I have not had since being in Samoa is a hamburger. Of course I didn't eat a lot of hamburgers when I was home. I usually only ate my own barbecued hamburgers which start out with Costco sirloin patties or an occasional hamburger at Fuddruckers. I have contemplated eating a hamburger in Samoa and thought maybe I might try one at Mr. Burger's, a new restaurant I watched take shape during my trips up and down Vaitele road. I happened to mention that Mr. Burger's was now open to the Assistants on our way to the airport this week. They informed me that they went there and found out they don't serve hamburgers. Saved me a trip.<br />
<br />
This week was fairly busy as we trained the 11 new missionaries that arrived on Friday night and finally got the last 5 sent to their areas in Savaii on Wednesday afternoon. We also held Zone Leader Council on Wednesday morning. There were a lot of new faces sitting around the table. One of the joys of working in the mission office is observing young missionaries step up into zone leader and trainer positions. In my mind zone leaders and trainers are equally important positions with trainers being slightly more important since they have the opportunity of influences a string of missionaries for good. A good trainer will prepare the missionary they are training to also be a good trainer. The influence carrys from generation to generation of trainers and new missionaries.<br />
<br />
Wednesday we bid farewell to Elder and Sister Harker. They completed their mission and are heading back to Canada after a short visit to New Zealand. Monday night we had a farewell dinner to honor them and took this group picture of the Senior Missionaries. <br />
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We also got to do some real missionary work on Wednesday night. We have started attending the English speaking ward in addition to the Samoan ward we have been attending. The ward mission leader asked for people to work with investigators so we volunteered. We met with a woman named Tara on Wednesday night and showed her around the temple grounds and answered some her questions about the temple. We enjoyed it and she seemed to enjoy also. We saw her at church today and things are going well for her.<br />
<br />
Saturday we went for a walk with some of the other senior missionaries to high ground so we would know where to go is a Tsunami ever hits Samoa. The villages all extend up to the mountains so the local people head to the higher ground in their village. We are members of a village so we had to find high ground on public property. Elder Hanson, our emergency preparedness expert, located a spot on a sports complex which is near enough we can walk to it. We are following up with a family home evening in December to learn more about it. <br />
<br />
We also took a ride to O le Pupu-Pue National Park on the south side of the island. There is a Canopy Tree walk we have been interested in taking for sometime. But the gate is always locked and it's 4 km to the walk and since we had already walked about 10 km during the morning we decided to postpone. Besides it had been raining a lot and we forgot our walking shoes. We did take a short hike to Togitogiga falls, which is a beautiful water fall located in the park.<br />
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We haven't been able to attend a zone meeting for awhile do to office commitments. We are hoping to attend one this week.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-74229959669866146372012-11-10T17:32:00.001-08:002012-11-10T17:34:24.044-08:00Rainbows and Missionaries<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtXsgaEF74NfB4J5pDqZnTb8iVD-NFBHXwxwEzoQFzMVsqoUGkoEwDTFLfXWIl77ZeuA4Gh4KllmULVOksUYgyb7HfysDtKVL_hsT4VNbcRhVeelGijtdcI3ysY7FrnciAnyhlHhDQzY/s1600/DSCN2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtXsgaEF74NfB4J5pDqZnTb8iVD-NFBHXwxwEzoQFzMVsqoUGkoEwDTFLfXWIl77ZeuA4Gh4KllmULVOksUYgyb7HfysDtKVL_hsT4VNbcRhVeelGijtdcI3ysY7FrnciAnyhlHhDQzY/s320/DSCN2509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow on Vaitele Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are always amazed at the beautiful sky in Samoa. We are in the rainy season now which means it usually rains at least once a day. Sometimes it rains all day. This means that we have lots of humidity. The plus side is I don't ever have to use lotion. The down side is that my hair is always curly or frizzy. I started to wear my hair in a french braid or with a large clip once in awhile and have received tons of compliments. Samoan women mostly wear their hair in a pony tail braid or a clip and many of them have very long hair. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Missionaries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Friday evening we went to the aiport to meet the new intake of missionaries. Their flight came in at 1:00 a.m. President and Sister Leota had been to New Zealand for a mission president's seminar and they all came in on the same flight. We enjoyed driving President Leota's car to the airport and meeting the new missionaries. They came from the Provo M.T.C. and even though they were very tired, they were enthusiastic about being missionaries in Samoa. This will be the last day that they wear their suit coats until when they go home in two years. It was very warm at 1:00 in the morning and they were very happy to take their coats off.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder and Sister Fife, Elder and Sister Partride, Elder and <br />
Sister Harker, Elder Gertsch (his wife took the picture) <br />
Elder and Sister Roth, Elder and<br />
Sister Osborne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have a missionary couple (Harkers) that will be going home next week to Canada. We had a couples party on Saturday to wish them well and enjoy the movie Charly. Some of them had never seen the movie and didn't realize it was a sad movie. Sister Harker had movies, spices, games and card making supplies to give away to the other senior missionaries. We all enjoyed the movie and good company.<br />
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Next week will be very busy because we have new missionaries, training for the trainers, and Z.L.C. <br />
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-3912128418410132702012-11-05T16:47:00.001-08:002012-11-05T16:47:10.525-08:00Halloween in SamoaWe traveled thousands of miles to a tropical island thinking we would get away from the pagan US holiday of Halloween. Two wards in our stake asked if they could bring their children around to our houses so they could trick or treat. I asked them why they wanted to corrupt their children by having them participate in this pagan american custom. Their answer was one word, "CANDY". It actually turned out quite well. We got together with some of the senior missionaries for a Halloween party and the children from the 2 wards came by the party to collect their treats. The only casualties were a couple of the senior brethren coming down with a bad case of food poisoning which they blamed on the pizza. Sister Partridge and I survived admirably. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjbGa7OVGOZm84i-MZM4CbstzISL-QGmgHOhyKA8gD0FGpbLQqj5E1UJljFA14OCEmGRXfBUhyphenhyphenM900BsVmR2KjygBS9bWyM4EdpJaU5x5Y2gdbiLW6B0mWgY8PbYB4FqorETWlPkBzsk/s1600/IMG_20121031_131727%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjbGa7OVGOZm84i-MZM4CbstzISL-QGmgHOhyKA8gD0FGpbLQqj5E1UJljFA14OCEmGRXfBUhyphenhyphenM900BsVmR2KjygBS9bWyM4EdpJaU5x5Y2gdbiLW6B0mWgY8PbYB4FqorETWlPkBzsk/s320/IMG_20121031_131727%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a>The next day, Thursday we said goodbye to some of our Elders who were returning home. I might be the 2nd tallest one in the mission now since Elder Liebregts was one of the Elders that went home. We are pictured here. The tallest is Elder Feagai who is 6'9". We were hoping to get a photo of the 3 of us but the timing didn't work out. Elder Liebregts is from Upolu.<br />
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We also said goodbye to Elder Bonar, who is went home to Utah. Elder Bonar has been a zone leader on the South East side of the island since we have been here and was a very dedicated missionary. <br />
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This next week will be very quiet. President & Sister Leota are going to New Zealand for the Pacific area Mission Presidents seminar. I joking tell them, "So you are going to New Zealand to play with your mission president friends?" They roll their eyes at me. The assistants are going to American Samoa for the week to split with missionaries there. So they've left the office to us.<br />
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-36509115438121104432012-10-27T12:41:00.003-07:002012-10-27T12:41:53.926-07:00Temple ServiceThis week we had a very busy day at the temple on Tuesday. We had a large group of patrons show up for the 4:30 sesssion, so they were carried over to the 5:45 session. So, we consequently also had a large 5:45 session. Every locker on the women's side was taken and some of the sisters had to double up. The Samoan people are very patient, they just went and waited in the foyer for the next session. We often have wards come and stay in patron housing. They stay all week and do as many sessions as they can. They can do two sessions in the morning and two more in the evening, since the temple is closed after the 10:00 a.m. session until the 4:30 p.m. session. It's always wonderful to be in the temple.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apia Samoa Temple</td></tr>
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I often thing about the parable of the rich man that had a man named Lazarus at his gates begging for food. The rich man did nothing to relieve him, but the dogs licked the sores on his feet. When the rich man died he went to hell and he looked up and saw Lazarus in the bosom of Abraham. He called out and asked Abraham to have Lazarus come and serve him. He was told no, this man had a tough life and now he was bing blessed. I often think of the Samoan people and how they have so little, but are very faithful. I know that they are very loved by the Lord.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spring flowers</td></tr>
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We went to the Upolu FS Zone this week for their zone meeting. Elder Taue and Elder Lesa are the zone leaders and their entire zone is Samoan. They had us each share a few things. I talked about anchors in their lives such as the scriptures, their testimonies, the way the dress, the mission rules, and their missionary name tag. I talked about how these anchors help them to stay true and not drift out to sea. Bob talked to them about President Packer's talk from conference. He said that they are the light to the people they are teaching. We took them some Oreo's for after their meeting, which they enjoyed. It is the rainy season in Samoa now. Leaves have fallen from the trees and we are seeing beautiful spring flowers everywhere. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Taue, Elder Lesa, Elder Tamai, Elder Ale, Elder Fuimaono, Elder Sitivi<br />
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-66803889143697192302012-10-20T18:30:00.001-07:002012-10-20T18:41:44.908-07:00White Sunday - The next generationLast week was White Sunday in Samoa, a day special to children. Since we viewed General Conference last Sunday we had our White Sunday program in church today. It was the primary program. How appropriate. The children did a wonderful job giving their speaking parts and singing their songs, some in Samoan and some in English. They like to sing a verse in English and then the next verse in Samoan.<br />
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Last Monday was a holiday since it was White Sunday. Everything was closed as it was on the day after Mother's day and the day after Father's day. I needed some things for the mission so I took a ride downtown to see if anything was open. Nothing was open. There was a large cruise ship in port and hundreds of tourists wandering around town looking for something to do. I was wondering is there was a correlation problem between the cruise line and the chamber of commerce but evidently the passengers knew that nothing would be open. They did pull up anchor and set sail about 5:00 pm which is much earlier than usual for cruise ships. They usually leave around 10:00 pm.<br />
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It was a very quiet week since President Leota and his Assistants when to Savaii on Wednesday to conduct training and do interviews. Sister Leota and Pearl left on Friday to join them for a stake conference this weekend.<br />
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On Thursday we decided to visit the Apia West zone meeting. It was a good experience as always. The missionaries are working on their communication skills and so lesson was on the "parroting" technique where you repeat what the investigator says to make sure you understand what they are saying. I remember learning this in a class I took at BYU many years ago from Steve Covey. We were practicing in class and after one student paraphrased back to him what he had said to see if they understood he said, "Yeah...What's wrong with the way I have been saying it."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Apia West Zone - Elder's Amituana'i, Lui, Sisters Faumui, Tapumanaia, Elders Huber & Mu</td></tr>
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Saturday we hiked up Mt. Vaea to see Robert Louis Stevenson's grave. We try to go every other week. I'm not sure if we will do it during the rainy season. With the help of my GPS unit I made this map on Google Earth to show how we go. The direct route takes us about 20-25 minutes and is fairly steep in some places. The longer route is the path the Samoans built during the night so they could carry Robert Louis Stevenson's casket up to it's final resting place. We came down that way once just for fun and so I could map it on Google Earth.<br />
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After our hike Sister Partridge went over to a Relief Society crafts day at the Stake Center. They were demonstrating things you can make from a coconut.</div>
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Then Saturday night we went over to the south side of the island for dinner with some friends, Elder & Sister Harker, who will be going home next month. They put on a show of traditional Samoan singing and dancing after dinner. The highlight is the fire dance. The girl on top looks like she couldn't be more than 11 years old.</div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-51884691282721708772012-10-13T17:55:00.001-07:002012-10-13T18:00:01.390-07:00Joy in the JourneyAs I was listening to Elder Uctdorf's talk about having joy in the journey, I couldn't help thinking of the many times I have thought when something is over I will be happy. I remember when we had a busy family with six children, I thought when my last child was out of diapers I was going to celebrate. When that day came, I didn't celebrate because part of me was sad that I didn't have any more babies. I remember when we had a young family, I thought that when they were older life would be better. Now they are raised, I wish that we could have them back again. I was thinking about conferences in the past when all the little children would have their coloring pages from Primary and we would all sit around the television and watch conference. When our children got a little older they would play with legos or puzzles while we watched conference. As teenagers, they would each grab a comfortable chair and sometimes fall asleep. A couple of years ago Megan and I made cinnamon rolls for conference. All these experiences created memories for us to reflect on. The important thing is that we were all there and enjoying the words of our prophets and apostles. Now our children are spread out living in Idaho, Arizona, Texas, Washington, and California. How wonderful it would be to have all of them together again to listen to conference. <br />
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We have had a good week. On Tuesday we worked in the temple. The session was small this week, but the Samoan people are all so friendly and so appreciative of being in the temple. Elder Partridge and I always have the duty of escorting the four blind Samoan's from the veil to the Celestial Room. This is always a choice experience. Many of the Samoan's will shake our hands before entering the Celestial Room. They are a lovely people.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Zone</td></tr>
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We went to a zone meeting in the South zone this week. Elder Kepu and Elder Stevens are fairly young zone leaders, but they do a good job guiding the missionaries in their zone. President Leota has been speaking to the missionaries about the importance of staying with their companion. Elder Partridge and I took a turn speaking to the missionaries about this important topic. Elder and Sister Mariner also came to this zone and brought cookies. They had no trouble at all putting them away.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Flowers</td></tr>
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We had President Leota over for dinner on Saturday night because his wife is out of town. We fixed chicken enchilladas which he had never tasted before, but loved. He is a wonderful president and so kind to everyone.</div>
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I have really enjoyed seeing all the spring flowers and buds on the trees that are now coming to life. We are seeing many varieties that we haven't seen before.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Buds</td></tr>
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One thing interesting about confence in Samoa is that our church building doesn't have air conditioning. They have window slats that we open up for air and ceiling fans. Of course everyone brings their Samoan fans too in case it gets too hot. On Saturday, we had two birds that were flying from window to window and sat on top of the pews in the choir loft. I'm sure they were wondering why so many of us were gathered on this occasion. There is much joy in the journey. We love working with the Leota's and the missionaries. This is truly a wonderful opportunity to labor in such a beautiful land and with such lovely people. </div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-1513227325742974032012-10-06T18:17:00.001-07:002012-10-06T18:17:20.255-07:00It's hard to believe it's October alreadyThis week we completed our transfer by sending 5 missionaries over to Tutuila. The US government has tightened the restrictions on sending missionaries that are non US citizens. They wanted 3 weeks to do the paperwork. We managed to complete it in just under 2 weeks. Here is a picture of the happy missionaries after their arrival in Pago Pago along with Elder and Sister Jordan, the senior couple that is assigned there. They served in Samoa with other missionaries while they were waiting for permits.<br />
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Elders Jackson & Ah Wong are from New Zealand, Sister Feleti is from Tonga and Sister Faiupu is from Samoa. Elder Hansen is from Massachusetts and was only delayed because he had to wait for his companion to be cleared to travel.<br />
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We enjoyed part of the first session of General Conference this morning. We weren't certain we would be able to watch but when we checked last night we found that the BYU channel was working and BYU was playing Utah State. The picture wasn't very good but the sound came through fine. They announced the score was 3-0 when I turned on so I thought maybe they were playing baseball but then BYU scored a touchdown to make it 6-3. We got home from church in time to see most of the Saturday afternoon session. Next Saturday and Sunday we will see all of conference over at our Stake Center. The Women's meeting will be shown tonight and Priesthood meeting will be shown next Sunday night.<br />
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We celebrated a birthday this week for Sister Partridge. We worked in the temple on her birthday so we went out to dinner on Wednesday to celebrate to Scallinis. <br />
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Saturday our new Area Medical Advisor, Dr. Andersen and his wife, arrived to tour the mission. We had dinner with them Saturday night. They gave us some interesting insights into some of the medical challenges the missionaries around the world face as they serve the Lord.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-29535961698954634092012-09-29T17:59:00.000-07:002012-09-29T18:14:06.035-07:00Armies of Helaman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is a favorite primary song that says, "We are as the armies of Helaman, we have been taught in our youth. We will be the Lord's missionaries to bring the world his truth". I couldn't help but think of this song as we had 23 new missionaries arrive from the New Zealand M.T.C. Most of them were Samoan natives who are Nephites according to our temple counselor President President Ho Ching. <br />
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In Alma 63:5 It says And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceedingly curious man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly large ship, on the borders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and launched it forth into the west sea, by the narrow neck which led into the land northward. And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did enter therein and did sail forth with much provisions, and also many women and children''<br />
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We have also been told that the many chickens that are in Samoa actually came from South America. There have been studies done to determine their origin.<br />
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It was a pleasure orienting these new missionaries and feeling of their spirits. They have strong desires to serve their Heavenly Father and have been taught to keep the commandments of God.<br />
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The mission home was a very busy place with 23 new missionaries plus their trainers and zone leaders. Afulua was busy cooking three meals a day to satisfy their appetites. They also had the opportunity of going to the Apia Samoa Temple on the 7:30 a.m. session. Our session rooms only accommodate 48 people, so they went very early so that they would be insured a seat on the session.<br />
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President Leota and the assistants oriented them and their trainers at the church across the street from the temple. Their companions came to pick them up on Thursday and they were off to their new areas, some of them going to Savaii, some to Upolu and others to Pago.<br />
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Elder Partridge and I were very busy preparing all the paperwork for the new missionaries. He has to plan the travel back and forth for all the missionaries including the ones coming from Savaii and Pago to pick up missionaries. I was busy sending letters to their parents with pictures so that they would know they arrived safely.<br />
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It will be interesting to see the effect of having this army of missionaries to preach the gospel in our mission. Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-47025390431415226972012-09-22T19:29:00.000-07:002012-09-22T19:29:10.400-07:00"As a Hen gathers her chickens under her wings"Having been raised in the suburbs, I had never seen this before although I have read about it 3rd Nephi many times. Our lesson in Sunday School this morning was on 3 Nephi 8-11. <br />
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<em><span class="verse">5 </span>And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.</em><br />
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Over the last couple of months we have seen hens, in the compound, gather their young chickens under her wings. We have also seen the figurative gathering of the children of our Heavenly Father to the safety of the gospel of Jesus Christ.</div>
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On our session Tuesday night we witnessed another couple from our ward go through the temple for their own endowments and then be sealed for time and all eternity. This is the 4th couple from our ward this year to be sealed. I noticed that the couple that were sealed 3 weeks ago were on the session and one of the couples that was sealed a couple of months ago were on the session. It is a testimony to me to see the growth and the strength of the Church here in Samoa. </div>
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This week we will welcome 23 new missionaries to the mission. 19 of them are from Samoa. </div>
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Thursday we attended the Saleilua zone meeting on the south side of the island. Despite getting a late start we did make it to the meeting on time. It is wonderful to see missionaries teaching each other the concepts that will help them to be successful in taking the gospel message to the people they serve. The chapel is right by the water so we got a very scenic setting for our traditional picture of the zone after the meeting.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Upolu Saleilua Zone</td></tr>
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It is spring time in Samoa. We have seen some very beautiful flowers around the island. Here is a picture Sister Partridge took near on the zone meetings we visited.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring flowers</td></tr>
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Wednesday night we took our Family History Class to the computer lab at school to start working on new family search. We had about 50 of the youth from our ward there. It was a good start but we ran into difficulties getting them signed in. We found out you need parental permission to sign up for an LDS account. The program wanted the email address for the parents. Most of the parents in Samoa don't have email addresses or Internet access. So the bishop and I decided we would fall back and regroup. We will try it again in 2 weeks after we get the technical difficulties resolved. The youth are excited to start working on their family history. Most of the family history information in Samoa is memorized so it will be good to get this information recorded in new family search so that will be preserved for future generations.</div>
Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-17717440455083713122012-09-15T18:27:00.001-07:002012-09-15T18:29:53.585-07:00The Amazing Coconut<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
This week we had a family home evening with the other seniors and learned about the many uses for the coconut milk, coconut shell, coconut outter shell and even the leaves of the coconut. The people ue the inside of the coconut for pulesami and coconut drinks. They use the outside shell to make the talking stick for the Matai and use it for kindling for their umu. (which is a pit made for cooking their dinners) They use the coconut leaves to make baskets, bowls, fans, and brooms. They also use the leaves on their roofs as shingles. The vein of the coconut leaves is very stiff and they use it to tie the leaves down on their roofs and to make a very stiff broom that is quite effective. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mat made from dried coconut palms</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking stick (on shoulder) made from outter coconut fibers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fan made from dried coconut palms</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">visor, headbands, and helicopter made from coconut palms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI0mCcWziXdiTlKL6zpYMm0ZNq8aCtXRjA-0q1lpKtXwayDmG7ZYbgpps6g9rEN1hosU_FnDtXY2knoVXbo51B2ELXg_zvfF3XJq_MmGJgpUJVqgt_uDGXMIHpmTrcnJon3LU_mols1g/s1600/DSCN2377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI0mCcWziXdiTlKL6zpYMm0ZNq8aCtXRjA-0q1lpKtXwayDmG7ZYbgpps6g9rEN1hosU_FnDtXY2knoVXbo51B2ELXg_zvfF3XJq_MmGJgpUJVqgt_uDGXMIHpmTrcnJon3LU_mols1g/s200/DSCN2377.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Osborne & Pearl Leota learning to make baskets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievdtR29jFxtkVD5slmN4bgip8JGh5jOShV_LfeXwkisURwYkcwh_w5ZyCbvms5USba39xHNvUFJwgHyf-a5gjkKXacLHsJvtUTwBIiDY_faIH8ZFvScPmFnDJwamkPZTFHlcIqMIfmLk/s1600/DSCN2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievdtR29jFxtkVD5slmN4bgip8JGh5jOShV_LfeXwkisURwYkcwh_w5ZyCbvms5USba39xHNvUFJwgHyf-a5gjkKXacLHsJvtUTwBIiDY_faIH8ZFvScPmFnDJwamkPZTFHlcIqMIfmLk/s200/DSCN2330.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">roof of fale made from coconut palms</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basket also makes a good hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarKSTI3vTi9OZ_bfuJTgUWBjib6I3lHAj75kjQtDo-PUMJW0Kf8kfuEydn2u-npKXLcaBV47kM5ApgOaUyohG1u2TJOsVwzTqaWTFLJaoRLqWQ3uz0rv2u4_kmbodfivrb2IkwUo2pJE/s1600/DSCN2381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarKSTI3vTi9OZ_bfuJTgUWBjib6I3lHAj75kjQtDo-PUMJW0Kf8kfuEydn2u-npKXLcaBV47kM5ApgOaUyohG1u2TJOsVwzTqaWTFLJaoRLqWQ3uz0rv2u4_kmbodfivrb2IkwUo2pJE/s200/DSCN2381.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">broom made from coconut spine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">bowl made from coconut palms</td></tr>
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They served a drink made from coconut milk with tapioca pudding. It's amazing how they use their resources to make their life's better. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upolu East Zone</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_XWalAqFMsfzCa4k_zZG22sC5VSKRJdULTiIA9Bgg1f2NUUoQ4NjTXTuqw2vWZg0kEbV5_Pgywvi4tQ-mL5PtaMkcBXbv_5YL9tiS_DpGUEMk34Lme1AKvnmrqli7I3DjRw2vK6dxBg/s1600/DSCN2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_XWalAqFMsfzCa4k_zZG22sC5VSKRJdULTiIA9Bgg1f2NUUoQ4NjTXTuqw2vWZg0kEbV5_Pgywvi4tQ-mL5PtaMkcBXbv_5YL9tiS_DpGUEMk34Lme1AKvnmrqli7I3DjRw2vK6dxBg/s200/DSCN2394.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spring flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More flowers</td></tr>
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We also went to a zone meeting this week. We met with the Upolu East Zone and learned how to start teaching a new investigator. It is now Spring in Samoa and I loved seeing some of the new blossoms that are appearing around the island. </div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-83223944419923811402012-09-08T20:08:00.000-07:002012-09-08T20:08:11.377-07:00Savaii for real<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_V4cPPUuY1S2buo53ZCmC11rbpd9KNOPJb0h8YNA_vwJON8QkoN8dyd6heff5G7Jy_gcnHQEflKLVcAzw19Jzxebc_CU5R52teR4dliD7G15y2yK0rMvH-cMduAf5dlZzrKuPVnZF6Y/s1600/IMG_20120904_094438%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_V4cPPUuY1S2buo53ZCmC11rbpd9KNOPJb0h8YNA_vwJON8QkoN8dyd6heff5G7Jy_gcnHQEflKLVcAzw19Jzxebc_CU5R52teR4dliD7G15y2yK0rMvH-cMduAf5dlZzrKuPVnZF6Y/s320/IMG_20120904_094438%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a>We finally took a trip to Savaii and went around the island. We went with Elder & Sister Mariner, who are in charge of housing and vehicles, to deliver mail and Aso Faatau, missionary pay day. It was a wonderful trip. Even though we only needed to visit the zone leaders to distribute the payday money and mail we ended up visiting every missionary fale (house) on the island and seeing the missionaries we have come to love. Many of the missionaries live in fales on the grounds of a chapel. They are one with enough room to cook, eat, study and sleep along with a bathroom. Sister Partridge enjoyed helping the Mariner's inspect the Fale's and gave advice on cleaning their refrigerators and bathrooms. Some missionaries live with families in traditional Samoan fales that are open on all sides. The missionaries have and enclosed area they sleep in which is lockable for security reasons. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZtgdAFrb68zMHZDZlL07mEsARgG9xfFeacxBWZzk0RZBlWqU_QFK9AOwZ3qa3rKZ8wULm695SPBjAmijFuHMedaTKZ7iyKEoJ4h_fmOd4aSMsWcDiTtH010K9jMJqYgQzNSYKKUz5UI/s1600/IMG_20120903_133550CA1K93AK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZtgdAFrb68zMHZDZlL07mEsARgG9xfFeacxBWZzk0RZBlWqU_QFK9AOwZ3qa3rKZ8wULm695SPBjAmijFuHMedaTKZ7iyKEoJ4h_fmOd4aSMsWcDiTtH010K9jMJqYgQzNSYKKUz5UI/s1600/IMG_20120903_133550CA1K93AK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZtgdAFrb68zMHZDZlL07mEsARgG9xfFeacxBWZzk0RZBlWqU_QFK9AOwZ3qa3rKZ8wULm695SPBjAmijFuHMedaTKZ7iyKEoJ4h_fmOd4aSMsWcDiTtH010K9jMJqYgQzNSYKKUz5UI/s320/IMG_20120903_133550CA1K93AK.jpg" width="320" /></a>We visited some of the tourist attractions during our travels. The blow holes are formed out of volcanic rock. During high tide the waves come in under the rock and sea water shoots out of the holes in the rock. The local Samoans throw coconuts into the holes at just the right time and when the wave comes it shoots the coconut high into the air. I didn't get a picture of the coconut in the air but you can see the water shooting up like a geyser. You can see the little Samoan man to the right of the blow hole. He knew just when to throw the coconut in. Some of the tourists tried it but their timing was off so the coconut disappeared under the lava rock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65mFCRb9dHKv0vBGhMj5wdVf3ll_pVO3KsXM6f0VmFJOQe-ueY6pFZqvJHUrC2jWhEkAPPZLQYEDvglLbZNnaJaqaGHPrCPXDnGmDUbLkQHNlfx3CyCj3oy-GV_iGmuD1YISNIoih2tQ/s1600/DSCN2258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65mFCRb9dHKv0vBGhMj5wdVf3ll_pVO3KsXM6f0VmFJOQe-ueY6pFZqvJHUrC2jWhEkAPPZLQYEDvglLbZNnaJaqaGHPrCPXDnGmDUbLkQHNlfx3CyCj3oy-GV_iGmuD1YISNIoih2tQ/s320/DSCN2258.JPG" width="320" /></a>Towards the end of the first day we visited the Canopy Walkway. I had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be a swinging bridge which was originally built between 2 Banyan trees. People thought it was too scary so they built a tower partway between the trees and the bridge goes between the tower and a Banyan tree. It was quite an experience. At the end of the walkway they have built steps that wind around and around the Banyan tree. Elder Mariner was first across the bridge and went down to the bottom. I climbed the stairs and ended up about 50 feet above the bridge. I watched Sister Mariner and Sister Partridge making their way across the bridge singing "I am a Child of God" to take their mind off the height. They climbed up to the top where I was and Sister Mariner took this picture of us. Some former missionaries came to Savaii and built the Canopy Walk so the local people could make some extra money for their village. They come back every 2 years and inspect it and make repairs for them.<br />
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We stayed on the west end of the island and then resumed our journey around the north side of the island. The highlight of the day, other than visiting the missionaries was the sea turtles. I made good friends with this one. He would swim up close so I could pet his head. They are very tame. There were 5 or 6 that would swim by to be petted. The Mariners brought the granddaughters of one of our formal missionary couples over to see the turtles. They actually got in the water and swam with the turtles. We didn't do that for obvious reasons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bhI9LCQQt2wLLDWhWVMqfDftaoGG1JX6_Bl2bSx9nadAGyuX6itw0H39ttuctvtzDXQEYBB3YeDth23H7tPZQ6Y8DWOqks-YeVuNyR1Amdua2UZ1h0RMgm544W1T2I-epInbBfyNC-Q/s1600/DSCN2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bhI9LCQQt2wLLDWhWVMqfDftaoGG1JX6_Bl2bSx9nadAGyuX6itw0H39ttuctvtzDXQEYBB3YeDth23H7tPZQ6Y8DWOqks-YeVuNyR1Amdua2UZ1h0RMgm544W1T2I-epInbBfyNC-Q/s320/DSCN2313.JPG" width="320" /></a>On Saturday we made a return visit to Sauniatu, the village where the early saints on Upolu gathered to avoid persecution. This time we had the Church Historian for Samoa with us to tell us more of the history of the village. He also works on projects for the Church to help the members achieve self sufficiency. We stopped at the plantation of one of the members and saw how they are growing bananas, papaya and other local fruits and vegetables on their land which is covered with volcanic rock. They plant wherever they can find an open spot in the rock. This is a picture of one of the members of the family. They make baskets out of coconut leaves to carry their food to market. The goal is for every family to have a decent home, a bathroom and clean water. They also teach them about growing traditional Samoan plants they can use to feed their families and support themselves. Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-62881621664287448972012-09-01T19:15:00.001-07:002012-09-04T18:15:22.110-07:00Choose Ye This Day<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
There is a prophecy in Josua that says: "Choose Ye This Day Whom Ye Will Serve, As For Me And My House We Will Serve The Lord."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afulua</td></tr>
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Our sweet Afulua who works for the mission home is a perfect example of this scripture. She has recently been called as Relief Society President in her ward. She was very nervous about this calling, but said yes. She told me that several years ago she prayed to Heavenly Father and told him that if he would find her and her husband a home that she would go to church and serve him. A month later, her sister died and she and her husband were offered the home. Ever since then she has accepted church callings and tried her best to serve Heavenly Father. She is a very sweet humble lady and loves everyone.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aleisa Zone</td></tr>
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This week we went to the Aleisa Zone for a Zone meeting. The tall one on the right is Elder Johansen and he is from Payson, Utah. Elder Ofisa, on the left, and Elder Johansen are new zone leaders. They are doing an exceptional job leading their zone. We were impressed to watch them work with the other missionaries and to see their love and leadership in action. They are also doing their best to serve the Lord.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samoan's singing</td></tr>
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On Saturday we drove by the ocean and stopped by the North Stake Center. There was a ward meeting there. Two little boys came down and sat by us. They sung a Samoan song with gusto. I asked them if I could take their picture. The were more than willing to oblige. </div>
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We have noticed that Samoan's favorite activities are singing and dancing. They sing in church very loud. Whenever they have an activity, it involves dancing. When they display their talents, it is always dancing. Some of them are quite good at dancing while others aren't but it doesn't really matter as long as they participate. Samoan's also are very honest. When they discribe someone that is obese, they say "She's the big fat one". They don't worry about offending and mostly no one is offended because it is their culture. If their small children act up in church, they hit them with their fans, which is accepted. They are a lovely people that love to serve the Lord. We have Samoan's clean our mission home every night around 4:00. They are very happy to have a job and work most willingly to work. </div>
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362855886186683605.post-43090650528818374842012-08-25T19:25:00.000-07:002012-08-25T19:25:20.849-07:00Baby Chickens<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QcRmgQQi6kzpIphUVhCMzkhbwQMSYp7unn04GRFqXHikbQn6gOvs0tUczaqcZ-HBrMCEFO8dWXfKAXfIto9ITafdQQlGb-nZNP0T8jDI54D-qtN9KfCic_ZdtJ9kVbqbZERKRhRMcFo/s1600/Baby+chicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QcRmgQQi6kzpIphUVhCMzkhbwQMSYp7unn04GRFqXHikbQn6gOvs0tUczaqcZ-HBrMCEFO8dWXfKAXfIto9ITafdQQlGb-nZNP0T8jDI54D-qtN9KfCic_ZdtJ9kVbqbZERKRhRMcFo/s320/Baby+chicks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother hen and 2 baby chicks </td></tr>
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I think we've commented before about the roosters and chickens in our compound. The roosters crow all hours of the day bur rarely at sunrise. I think they still asleep. This time of year we several families of baby chickens following their mothers around looking for things to eat. The mothers are very protective of their young. It is hard to get a picture of them. I spent about 10 minutes maneuvering to get this picture of a mother and her 2 chicks. A movie of me maneuvering to get the picture might have been more interesting.<br />
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Last Saturday evening we were walking back to our fale. There is a long driveway behind the distribution center with a wall about 14 inches high on one side. There are bushes and trees growing on the other side of the wall in a raised garden area. Apparently there are things chickens like to eat around the bushes because there was a family of 7 baby chicks rummaging around them with their mother. One of the baby chicks had fallen off the wall and was seperated from his family. He was running back and forth along the base of the wall trying to find a way to get back up with his family. He was "peeping" to let his family know where he was. His brothers and sisters were also "peeping" so he would know they were up there. The young chick made several attempts to fly. He would run as fast as he could and flap his wings but he couldn't quite get enough altitude to reach the top of the wall. We watched the scene for quite awhile wondering if there was someway we could help without causing a problem. We were able to guide the little chick around to the front of the building where there is a sidewalk that sloped up into the garden area. The wise mother brought her family around to the front of the building and the family was united again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0eUosory1NkyfccM3UEMBr2LKuTVwJT1m-Jf5lVPmuKta0o8CuLNWWT7NUvrPq2bisygZ0j-9G6IiLsQd-cvx-t-PO9BoBb-mIHLL8wkF5mnInheEXSbrBcViB4ofD_hWudvFH6LNxE/s1600/DSCN2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0eUosory1NkyfccM3UEMBr2LKuTVwJT1m-Jf5lVPmuKta0o8CuLNWWT7NUvrPq2bisygZ0j-9G6IiLsQd-cvx-t-PO9BoBb-mIHLL8wkF5mnInheEXSbrBcViB4ofD_hWudvFH6LNxE/s320/DSCN2221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Malie Zone</td></tr>
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This week we travelled to the Malie zone for zone meeting on Thursday. I learned a little bit about village naming. The name of the village we went to is called Malie but there are actually 2 villages one called Malie Tai and the other Malie Uta. The suffix Tai means the village is close to the ocean on flat ground. The suffix Uta means the village up on the hills close to the mountains. <br />
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Elder Feagai, who is standing in the back is 6'9".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEzn263lD07MVWAXo44d08y-J7V3PSZDvjhGKwlhw1jdFhiDrybCNuiuIAnh6QSHgSVd2RhopexE06HYGgji_SyedJmVmdjgMxe9Ey80f-wulMn0ht5DHg8vfcX45jsjvMNUy-Iz2T_0/s1600/IMG_20120825_163139%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEzn263lD07MVWAXo44d08y-J7V3PSZDvjhGKwlhw1jdFhiDrybCNuiuIAnh6QSHgSVd2RhopexE06HYGgji_SyedJmVmdjgMxe9Ey80f-wulMn0ht5DHg8vfcX45jsjvMNUy-Iz2T_0/s320/IMG_20120825_163139%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 Baptisms in the Pesega Lua Ward</td></tr>
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Saturday we took our walk down to the water front and ate breakfast at McDonalds. We enjoy walking along the sea wall of the harbor. They are getting ready for a festival the first week of September so there was a long boat out in the harbor practicing for the races. Saturday afternoon we attended a baptism in our ward. 10 people wer baptized, mostly as a result of referrals from members. There are 2 young man that have been called on missions to serve in Samoa. They have been spending a lot of time working with the Elders that are assigned to our ward. They each baptized 2 or 3 people yesterday.<br />
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President Leota and Sister Leota came to our meetings today. The confirmations took most of the meeting but there was a little time left over for him to speak.<br />
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Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819890531500418914noreply@blogger.com0