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.