Rachel and Marcie

My sisters Marcie and Rachel came for one last visit.  They were here for the last week of school, our garage sale, and our stake conference at church.  

It was a busy week, but we were able to sneak in some fun excursions.

 They both took turns coming to school with me.  Rachel came on a field trip on Friday to see some sights in town.  Marcie helped with final tests and the class party.

(Not pictured: Rachel.  But P.S. this was the coolest place!  A must-see in American Samoa - the National Park visitors center.  A "Please DO Touch" place - the kids loved it!)

 

 They also took on the task of getting stuff ready for the garage sale on Saturday.  I don’t know what I would’ve done without their help.

(I just thought this picture was funny.  Our cordless phone sold, so we've been using this old one as a backup.  It cracks me up every time I look at that 80's phone.)



On Sunday they got to hear the beautiful singing of Samoan hymns, see the various puletasi and ie faitaga styles, and experience the confusing mishmash of fa’aTutuila – the half Samoan, half English that people speak here.

 And we went on a Sunday drive to a part of the island I'd never seen before.

Things took an unfortunate turn near the end of their stay.  The weather was stormy, we got the car stuck in the mud, and they got drenched and muddy. 

Then I took Rachel to get a “trim”, but the lady set her back a decade in growth and style.  This was a before picture.  As you can see we were nervous from the start.  We shoulda' just run away.

 
Then we went to Sliding Rock their last day.  It was beautiful until a big “sneaker” wave washed Marcie onto some rocks, cutting her leg, drenching and killing her iPod touch and Rachel’s smartphone, and scaring the rest of us.  So we hobbled away from there quite shaken. 

 We found solace at Coconut Point. 

 Took some BYU promo shots.

That evening our car couldn’t take the excitement anymore and the alternator went out.  So I couldn’t even accompany them to the airport.

Despite these sad events, they said they had a good time.  We’re just grateful things weren’t worse.  And maybe we’ll even come to laugh about all of this in 40 years.

Aloha, ha, ha.

Temple Family Flags

Every Monday night we have family night.  This last semester was really tricky squeezing that family time in since I had grad school class every Monday night, but we made it a priority and managed.

One night around Flag Day we decided to create family flags.  We each shared our ideas and designs:

Ella's featured the temple in the middle since that's our last name, and because temples make it possible for our family to be eternal.  The suns around the outside represent God.  Red is family love, blue is the ocean, and green is all the trees and plants on this island.

Ephraim's was the simplest and most "flag-like".  The red represents courage and love, green is the earth, and blue is purity. The yellow around the outside is the Spirit of the Lord which surrounds and helps us.

Isaac's was most elaborate. Also has the temple in the middle and then has Samoan patterns around it.

Mine showed things that are important to our family: the Sun is the Spirit of God, the temple spire, music, love, the earth, learning, and the ocean.  The x in the background is looking forward into eternity.

Owen's was most original.  He had me draw a temple for him, then he colored it orange and black because it's a TIGER TEMPLE!

We didn't pick one to represent the family.  Which one should we choose?

May Birthdays - Linus & Ella

I didn’t mention we had a few birthdays around here.   My oldest and my youngest were both born in May.

Linus turned 2!

 

Ella turned 9!

Samoan Day 2013

We had Samoan Day at school on Friday May 17th.  In the afternoon we did some activities like peeling green bananas with a stick and opening coconuts.  Those are definite skills that take practice!
We had lots of fun!

 

Later that evening we had our Siva Samoa performances.  Each class did a number.  The kids did so well, and they were so cute!!  

It warmed my heart to see their natural grace and ability shine through Samoan dance.

 

Busy Saturday in May

We had a busy day last Saturday, May 18.  I thought it would be fun to document some of the events.  First Ella had a stake Activity  Days programs at the Leone chapel.  I took some photos of what we pass every day.  It will be strange to not see taro and coconuts all the time.

For those of you who've been here, you'll be happy to hear they are repaving the road in Pavaiai going towards Futiga, and they're also working on the road up the mountain to Aoloau.  They're also redoing the Leone bridge and the road just beyond it.  Now when they get airport road done, we'll all be happier.

At the church event, they displayed some of the crafts and projects girls (ages 8-11) had completed.  I was really impressed with the creativity and resourcefulness of some of the projects.
These lei's were made of ribbon and yarn.  The flowers in the middle were made of plastic bottles cut and painted.

 

Have you ever heard of prayer rocks?  It's a rock that you keep near your bed reminding you to pray before you go to sleep.  Well how about a prayer coconut?

I loved this little snowglobe made with glitter, a mayonnaise jar, and a missionary figurine.

 

The girls did a few workshops learning about cooking, scrapbooking, and tie-dye, all the projects used things you would have around your house.

I left that activity early to go to a wonderful luncheon at Tradewinds planned by my good friend Ali for my Farewell.  It was so nice to be surrounded by some of the best ladies on the island!

Later that afternoon we went swimming at our friends Thelma and Al's house.  My kids were so excited to be in a pool.  But Isaac said the water tasted disgusting!  It's so funny because that was totally my reaction the first time I swam in the ocean.  I thought the saltwater was nasty.  I told Isaac he better get used to the chlorine.  And he did.

We had such a nice evening with them at their lovely home. I've been visiting with Thelma every month for the past few years, and I will really miss her when I leave.

 

And that was our day!

Primary

   The children's organization in the LDS church is called Primary.  I've been a part of the Primary since we very first moved here in late 2007.  I worked in the nursery class (childrens 18 months to 3 years) for about 4 years, and in January 2012 I was called to be Primary President, meaning I was the person who supervised all classes and programs for children up to age 12. 

I served with two counselors and a secretary, which had a few iterations as people moved.  First it was me, Helen, Lana, and Lapu.  Then Lapu left and Chanel joined us.  When Helen left, Donna took her spot.  All of these women have taught me about service, patience, and diligence.

I loved working in the Primary.  It was very busy, and I had to learn a lot.  I depended on the Lord for guidance and courage, and His grace "saved" me many times.  Mostly I loved being with the children.  They are so eager, innocent, sweet, and loving.    Even when they're difficult, they are precious.

 It's remarkable to me that so many amazing adults are willing to offer their time, talents, and energy to provide a loving environment for these children to learn about our Savior.  Positive relationships with caring adults will help these children to feel their Savior's love for them.

And in turn they will share His love with others around them.

Last Sunday was my last day as Primary president.  A new president was called, and she will be wonderful!

Now I feel a little like a deflated balloon.  My expanded capacity is now empty and I'm drifting aimlessly through space.  But I should enjoy that feeling because I know it won't last long.

Even though I've been extremely busy and stressed out over this last year by teaching first grade full-time, taking Masters classes in the evenings, trying to be a good mommy for our family, and facing the many challenges of life on this island, the Lord has steered me through the rough waters and given me many opportunities to pause and regain the eternal perspective that He provides.