Friday, July 30, 2010

Biggest Transfer EVER

We see Elder Va'enuku walking everywhere. He showed his new Tongan companion, Elder Funaki around the island.

Elders Wells and Fuchs with Jane, their new baptized member. Her mother and siblings were baptized a month prior. Because of scheduling conflicts, she just finished her lessons. She is a sweetheart.
What mature missionaries we have. They are so grown up.
What's this? CRAZY, too.
More new missionaries. These young men are hot off the press - Elders Asa'asa, Faumuina, Levale, and Blazer. They came straight away from Provo MTC, flight was delayed in L.A., then rerouted through New Zealand. As soon as they arrived in Apia, they were sent to Tutuila. Now what time or day is it? Really? They gained a day, then lost a day.
The missionaries even transfer water. They bring empty jugs, Elder DaBell filters clean water, they take them to their fale full. Elders Davidson and Tauali'i took jugs to their East Zone.
Can you get that, Elder Tauali'i? It's H E A V Y.
The missionaries respectfully take their shoes off before entering. Elder Peck is putting his on as he leaves. Elder Wells and Ilo said goodbye the Samoan way.
Elder Peck just met his new companion; Elder Uta'i. What a companionship. They will do well.
Missionaries come and missionaries go. Elders Davidson, Tauali'i, Ilo, Fuchs, Peck, Wells, and DaBell.
Elders DaBell, Wells, and Fuchs. Elder Fuchs is now the Central Zone Leader.
Elders Tumanuvao and Johnson transferred. Elder Mangakahia came from being an A.P. to a Zone leader in Tutuila the last month of his mission.
Sweet Sisters Maua'i and Toleafoa with Trisha.
Elders DaBell, Peck, Austin, and Foster. What a handsome group.
We took Elder Malaeulu(right) to the dentist. He and his companion, Elder Fa'auliuli were great company. They sacrifice a lot to be on their missions. Elder Malaeulu's mother died while he prepared for his mission, and his father died last year while he was on his mission. Elder Fa'auliuli and his sister are the only members of the church in their family. They are learning English, just as we are trying to learn Samoan. We try and use the Samoan greetings as we come and go. When Elder Malaeulu left he said, "Have a nice day", and laughed and laughed. We love to be with them.
Elders Va'enuku and Su'a rested by the road side while waiting for us to pick up a letter to mail at the post office.
You can always tell who is traveling - the one wearing an ula (necklace). Tofa soifua Elder Tolley. Elders Tumanuvao, Tidermann, Beck, Johnson, Tolley, Mangakahia, and Dimmick.
We love the missionaries: Elders Foster, Peck, Wells, Dimmick, Austin, Beck, Davidson, DaBell and Larson. What a bunch of happy palagi's (white boys).
Elder DaBell said good bye to Elder Larson. He was in the MTC with us, and been on this island almost as long as we have. When we transfer the mail we have to think twice when letters and packages come for Elder Larson. We forget he is in Upolu.
Elder Tolley taught our Samoan language class for months. We progressed so much. Maybe he didn't see any progress, but he was an excellent teacher. Sometimes it took a while for words to stay in our old palagi heads. He color coded the words on the board, gave us many examples, knew ALL the answers to our questions, and did it with a smile.
Elders Tuala and Tolley are modeling the clothes Elder Tolley bought for his parents. He finished his mission and returned to Oregon. He was a great missionary.
Elders Barns and Johnson can both walk AND talk. Elder Johnson got transferred and we miss his polite and kind way.
Sister Toleafoa brought her new companion, Sister Maua'i over to meet us. They are delightful. Sisters get things done.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Looking for our ward at Lyon's Park

At Lyon's Park we came across these youth celebrating a birthday.

Left to right; sitting, then standing

From Taiwan and lived here seven years; Pilagi (white), lived here three years and previously sailed around the world for three years with her parents and sister. The next young lady is from Persia and has lived here three years. The last one sitting is Filipino and has lived here seven years. The young lady standing is palagi (white) but was born here. The young man is Korean and has lived here three years. What an international potpourri.
This tree had the most beautiful flowers floating down to the ground.

These ladies won their cricket championship; and were celebrating in the park.
Just when we didn't think we would ever find our ward members, we did. Sis. Temple was a welcome sight with her son Owen.
J. J. shared his smile with everyone.

Kira is sporting her new "hat".
We gathered sea shells and coral for our grandchildren. Peter was thrilled to have something he "really liked."
Tama (boy) in the tree watched all who came and went from a birds eye view.
Before we left; it poured rain. As suddenly as it began, it stopped.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

I fiafia (like) aiga buses

"Blessings," we have many.

"Praise The Lord" written on the side of the bus.
Many Samoans take aiga buses as their mode of transportation. They are owned, decorated, and operated by families and villages.

We went on board to visit this friendly bus driver. He willingly let us take his photo.
Families remember their loved ones by displaying them on their bus.
This skeleton bus is still around for all to remember it's better days.

This is a good reminder.
Look at those doors!

The messages are great.

What a handsome bus driver.


Notice the painting.


The buses travel the entire 5 mile by 25 mile island.

I like the colors.


Fetu Mai Sisifo (Star from the west)

Tama ole Vaiaisa (Boy of ice water)

During the peak times of the day, many are full.

Pisisami (Ocean breeze)

What color, saying, and picture would you paint on your bus?
Tautua (Serve) Samoa
Motu o Fiafianga (Island of Happiness)
This bus is owned by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints

We took these photos over several months. Good thing for digital pictures. Many were deleated. It's hard to pass a bus without wanting to take it's picture. I think I have enough. You don't want to know how many I didn't publish on the blog.