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Saturday, February 28, 2015

Pesega 5th Ward Relief Society Activity


 On Saturday I went with the women from the Pesega 5th ward which we attend here in Samoa to an activity held at Malololelei Gardens, a spot owned by one of the members high up in the mountain.

We gathered together at the church at 5:30 AM and then carpooled up in three vans.  It was a precarious road, made all the more treacherous by the recent rains.  But we all made it up to the top without any problems. 

Once we arrived, we found our pathway through the bush to the area where we were to meet had been prepared for us with mowed trails and lit torches set every few feet.   Following the flaming torches along the trail through the dark reminded me of the importance of knowing who and what to follow when I am uncertain or feeling lost.  An umu (pit oven) was baking with our breakfast.  A lot of work went into setting this up!

When we first got there it was still quite dark, so I could not yet appreciate the visual beauty of the place.  Instead, I was able to totally immerse myself in the sounds.  Birds were calling all around me, crickets were buzzing, and the soft laughter of women coming together set the tone for the experience we were about to have.

A campfire was started and women sat all around it.  There were young and others old.  Some were married and some were single.  Among the group of women gathered were native Samoan, American, and Canadian.  Some were mothers and some were not. Some had been members of the Church all their lives and others were relatively new converts.  There was much difference in how we have lived our lives.  Still, the unity and love that I felt between these woman who had joined together with their common faith was absolutely amazing.

As the sun came up we had an opening prayer, song and talks about the importance of family.  There was a presentation by a mother and one by her daughter. Testimonies were shared. We all had an opportunity to reflect on our power of influence as women and how we can strengthen home and family.

As the soft light began to filter through the trees I was struck by the beauty of the place and the stunning view to the city down below.

                                     


                                 

We had some fun with one of the YSA sisters leading the group in singing rounds to the tune of  "Row Row Row Your Boat" with the circle of women divided into sections, one group singing "La", one sang "Lo", one sang "Le" and one sang "Lu".

Our Relief Society President, Rebecca Lolo, (in red) did a great job of gathering ideas from the women there of topics they would like to learn about at future RS meetings. 

 Suggestions the women came up with affirmed for me all over again how much I had in common with these women  -  many were things I have seen taught in my home ward.  They asked for things like yoga, gardening, budgeting, baking and building healthy relationships.

The closing song was "Love At Home" which I captured on video and plan to post here later on.

Then we all shared a meal of umu breakfast.    I'm still not a big fan of taro, but the breadfruit was yummy as were the other dishes - lamb, mackerel, and the ever popular paulusami - tarro leaves cooked with coconut cream.  Yum!



Sister Arda Shields is from British Columbia.  She is serving with her husband
 to provide dental care here in the islands.


As we drove back down the mountain we sang songs together, laughed, shared things about our families.   Truly, these women are my sisters.  I felt so deeply connected to them.  No matter where I may go in this world, through our common bond of the gospel of Jesus Christ, what unifies us is far more important than our differences.

Sauniatu

David Oman McKay (September 8, 1873 – January 18, 1970) was the ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), serving from 1951 until his death. Ordained an apostle and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1906, McKay was a general authority for nearly 64 years  (Wikipedia)

David O. McKay was the leader of the Church when my parents converted in 1956 and is the first prophet I have memory of.

He is especially revered here on the island of Samoa


The following info comes from "The Work of Miracles in Samoa", a blog written by Debra Tolman, the wife of our current mission president here.

Early Samoan mission presidents found the Church thrived when members gathers together and could strengthen each other. Thus, several "gathering places" were established to bring strength to the Church, including Mapusaga (Tutuila), Viola (Savai'i) and Sauniatu (Upolu).  The Church began to develop churches, schools, and plantations in these villages, which remain as strongholds of the Church in Samoa today. Between 1900-1920, 23 branches were established.

Sauniatu

Through the years, many prophets and apostles have visited the Saints in Samoa. None were more memorable and significant to the Samoans than the visit of David O. McKay in 1921. While there, then Elder McKay visited Sauniatu, where the Saints had endured many persecutions, and pronounced marvelous blessings upon the faithful Samoan Saints. David O. McKay returned to Sauniatu in 1955 as President of the Church. There stands today a monument to memorialize those sacred events and Samoans' beloved Prophet.

President David O. McKay


Elder Bennett and I had an opportunity to visit Sauniatu recently.   According to an article from the Church Newes written by Jason Swenson in 2005  "Apostle David O. Mckay was so moved by his 1921 visit that he reportedly dubbed the village "the most beautiful place I have ever seen."  Swenson goes on to say "Often called "the Nauvoo of the Pacific," Sauniatu is revered by LDS Samoans as sacred ground. Originally established as a refuge by early island converts who were persecuted for their deep gospel faith, the village remains a place of Eden-like learning and worship."



                                                       



While we were there we took a walk over to the waterfall.  Local kids were having a blast playing in the pools up at the top, but I admit it made me nervous to see some getting pretty close to the edge and look like they were toying with the possibility of jumping.  It's a LONG way down!


 Our good friend Brother Ah Hoy was part of the crew that built the staircase down to the bottom back in 1969.  Many feet have taken those stairs in the years since.  We met some fellow senior missionaries who were on their way down for a refreshing swim.


Today the campus at Sauniato houses the church, school, agricultural center and several residences.  There is also a church camp for the youth.

 

                                     

The road to get up here is a bit of an adventure.  It is so rough with potholes and ruts that we joke the way Samoans make butter is to take a car of cream with them whenever they go to Saniatu.  By the time they get to the top, it will be butter!

Still, is truly is a lovely spot.  I hope we get a chance to spend a bit more time there before we leave.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Faces of Samoa

As much as we are in awe of the scenery here, without a doubt it is the people who have captured our hearts.  We have felt so welcomed by their kindness.  This culture is one of deep sense of connection to community  and to God.   No matter where we have gone we have felt very safe, able to ask anyone we met how to say something or for directions of where to go.  I want to always remember the open generosity of spirit these people have shown us and that I can carry that with me throughout my days.

17 Feb 2015

Upolu Saleilua Stake
Stake President
Apineru Kofe

Elder Bennett teaching with interpreter

Sister Atalina Ah Hoy with RS Sisters from Saleilua Stake



Apia West Stake
Lily, the young girl in center, taught us all some things!
She is daughter of the FHC Director,Liutoga Faamausili, front right.
I hope I will always remember the feelings I had while teaching these people.


19 February 2015     Upolu Faleasi'u Stake
FHC Director Molimaufou Laulu with consultants from her stake


Larry and I with Area Family History Advisors, Brother and Sister Ah Hoy.
The love and kindness they showed to us on this trip was amazing.
They served as our guides, our interpreters, and became our eternal friends.

 20 February 2015

Upolu Nuumau Stake


FHC Consultants from Pesega Samoa Stake



21 February 2015  Upolu East Stake
Stake President Avauli


                                            
  22 February 2015 Upolu Aleisa Stake



24 February 2015

Upolu Tafuaupolo Stake

Upolu South Stake

Stake President Pasina Faiumu


26 February 2015 - Apia Samoa Stake

Stake RS President Rosemarie Vaa'ulu


Faces along the way









Soaking in God's Bathtub


One of the things I've truly missed since leaving the United States has been the opportunity to take a bath.  While I usually prefer showers for getting clean, a nice hot soak in a tub before going to bed at night is something I find very relaxing.  Ever since arriving in New Zealand last December, I have only had access to showers.  Even when we have stayed in hotels there have been no tubs.  It's not that big of a deal, but I have so longed for a good soak.

Today I got to soak till I was pruney. This morning Larry and I drove over the mountains to the other side of the island to deliver and set up a new printer for one of the family history centers.  On the way home, we found this sweet spot to stop for lunch and a bit of snorkeling. (We knew we were going to have some free time, so we brought our gear just in case.)   It was heavenly!

Just as we got out of the ocean the skies opened up and poured rain on us.  We were already wet, so this was just a sweet refresher to rinse the salt off.  I danced in the rain on the beach till I was giddy.  It was great.  It really poured!

We didn't have any appointments for the afternoon, so we just took our time on the way back, stopping to take in some views.  It was really the first relaxed time we have had since we arrived, so we enjoyed it thoroughly.  

For a while we were able to pick up a radio station from American Samoa with some classic rock 'n' roll to keep us company as we drove back across the mountains.   We talked and laughed and felt like we needed to pinch ourselves to be sure we weren't simply dreaming.

Samoa is truly a magical place.