Fa'a Samoa (That's how it goes in Samoa)

What a beautiful country Samoa is.  Definitely worth the 4 hour plane trip to get here.  The thing I noticed first is that there are fales everywhere. Many of the homes have their own fales in addition to  one larger one in each village. Many of the homes seem to be indoor/outdoor where half is completely open-air.  The kids all look so nice wearing their school uniforms with boys wearing lavalavas.  The men do too.  We were able to attend an English session at the beautiful temple.

Samoa Temple

Sheraton Aggie Grey Hotel - our lodgings for the week

We've met three young male RM's working at our hotel.  Leo, Villiamu, and Soofa (pronounced Sofa).  Leo told us that he's in the Nauvoo 1st Ward.  I told him that is a great name for a ward in Samoa. The first night I asked for restaurant recommendations.  Petals, just down the street, was highly recommended so we walked down the road looking for "Petals".  A boy on the street that happened to work there took us and we saw that the place is actually called  "Paddles".

The restaurant was all reserved for a big group except for a few tables.  We were fortunate to get one.  The waiter brought us a "Samoa Observer" newspaper to look at after we ordered.  While glancing at a few articles, (since we've been taught to have a "nose for news") we saw one about Leo's ward and a special Mother's Day program they had held.  And we learned that it's the Navu (not spelled Nauvoo) 1st Ward.  Another funny language mixup.

Well, while eating dinner, one table of young people sitting in the reserved area noticed we were wearing missionary badges. One of them, Rachel, came up and introduced herself.  We learned that her group is here from BYU on a study abroad program, "Rheumatic Relief Samoa".  They are going around to many different villages and holding clinics to check the villagers for Rheumatic Fever.  So interesting.  We were able to talk with the cardiologist that brought the group over and are going to go to one of their clinics and take photos, get quotes and then write an article about what they are doing here.

The following day we went to a local primary (grade) school where the children were being screened for rheumatic heart disease (RHD). It was amazing to see the students, doctors, nurses and technicians in action. The kids are first "entertained" by some of the BYU students who teach them a catchy song that helps them know that if they have a sore throat they need to tell an adult. If not treated, strep throat can lead to RHD.

As they teach the song the BYU students also dance around, creating excitement among the students. A puppet show reinforces the message to tell an adult if they have a sore throat.

The purpose of the singing, dancing and puppet show is not only to teach, but also to put the students at ease for what is to come. At the next station the students are brought into a large room where they must patiently wait while they are checked in. Their name, birth date and other identifying information is taken before a nurse uses a stethoscope to listen to their heart. If it is believed that a heart murmur has been heard an orange dot is place on them, indicating the need for a more extensive echocardiogram. If no murmur is heard  a simpler echocardiogram is performed.

We were shown a young man undergoing one of the extensive echocardiograms. A heart murmur had been detected and the echocardiogram showed that blood was flowing backward through the heart valve. The young man would need surgery.

Results of the screenings are entered into a database so follow-ups can be done in the future. If early-stage RHD is detected, the individual is referred to the local health care system for secondary treatment. requiring 8 - 10 years of antibiotic treatment. Follow this link to read the story in Pacific Newsroom.

We were surprised to run into two other groups from Utah. One was a BYU professor of biochemistry who has developed a spray that is being tested in Samoa. It is believed to cure diabetes-related injuries within 30 days.

The other was a UVU professor who was discussing with the Samoan government a revolutionary Thorium-based nuclear power plant that is purported to have resolved all of the safety concerns of nuclear power plants. He said it would reduce the price of electricity from $.45 per KWH to $.03 to $.04 per KWH.

Interesting that we ran into so many Utahns all trying to help the people of Samoa!
We ran into Joan and Howard Collett at the hotel.  They are on a short assignment from Salt Lake to look into the diabetes initiatives and their progress both in Samoa and Tonga.  It was good to have friends to hang out with a bit.  Villengas are busy Humanitarian missionaries in Apia.

Dinner with Villengas and Colletts at Giardano's

We tracked down the building at the Viloa School that I had written a story on.  Off to the side of the school was a rundown building where mothers would hang out while their children were in school. They spend most of their time playing Bingo to pass the time.  They make good use of bottle-caps.

Food! I really miss good ole American food.  We opted to not get the breakfast at the hotel because it is 60 Tala which is $24.00.  But in speaking to the receptionist we have just learned that they will add breakfast to our hotel stay as a package price.  Wish we'd known sooner.  But we can still enjoy 4 days of a big buffet breakfast.  With some food restrictions that I have it's been hard to find a lot that I can eat.  I eat mainly meat and kumara here.  Give me some cheese, please!

I had to chuckle the other day as we drove by the Dog Management Centre here in town.  I think they should consider changing their plan.  Not working too well.  Lots of thin dogs.  I feel bad for them.

While visiting with Elder and Sister Villenga in Welfare Services here we learned of the Dental Clinic on the Church's Pesaga Campus. We were curious and tracked it down.  We walked in and there were two Carmelite nuns there, one waiting to see the dentist. Elder (Dr.) and Sister Spencer are there serving for 18 months.  The Renchers (he's a dentist) are volunteers there for two months. They are so busy.  People come very early to get their name on a patient list for the day. What a service they offer and one that is so desperately needed.  By the way, as we left we asked the sweet nuns what they do.  They said they contemplate and pray.  And would pray for us.  We always need more prayers!

You can read the Pacific Newsroom story about the dental clinic here.

The past two days have been spent mainly working on getting an accurate list of the villages here that have religious restrictions.  What a job!  One list we have from the Area side does not agree with the list we were given from the Mission side.  They could play better in the sandbox.  We have been tasked with figuring it out. It's been fascinating to learn about certain villages that won't allow missionaries in.  Some fine those who join the Church.  Some won't allow conversions. Some won't allow villagers to crossover (attend in next village). Much of this is determined by the Premier Chief or the Chief Orator.  The Samoan Constitution allows for religious freedom but some ignore that fact. Oftentimes it is for the village preacher's financial benefit.  With help, we have been going straight to the horse's mouth (the Stake Presidents of these villages) and asked for their input. It's helped tremendously.  We think that we are down to 17 villages now rather than 18 that have religious freedom restrictions.  Progress is being made.

Elder Fata, Sapele, and Elder McGuire

A little about Samoa. There are over three hundred villages, each headed by a chief and chief orator. They are the decision-makers. Fales dot the landscape.  And what I love is that many of the families bury their deceased in their front yard. Our children might really love that idea but I wouldn't want them fighting over who would actually get us so I guess we'll hold on to our plots over at Larkin!

The land is lush and mountainous with scenic sights worth taking the back roads that lead to them.  There just can't be a coconut shortage ! Coconut trees are everywhere and they are full of fruit just for the taking (If you're brave enough to shimmy up the tree).

Cute mama pig with babies

Near To Sua Trench

 Fuisipia Falls were spectacular. It was worth the hike in and even crossing the treacherous stream to see it. The mud on the trail was 2 inches thick in places and I'm hoping my sandals aren't ruined. I finally wised up and took them off and sloshed through the mud barefoot. During part of the short hike Jim was chivalrously helping me cross the stream by stepping on slippery, moss-covered rocks.  As luck would have it he slipped and cut himself up pretty badly.  But he did save the camera from going in the water.  We know what's more important. Not me - but the camera!  It was a pretty funny sight to see us tumbling off the rocks and into the water.  The picture doesn't do the sight justice.  So beautiful  A little neosporin that the Colletts had brought along saved the day.

Sauniatu, a lovely, well-hidden interior village on the main island of Upolu, was worth the journey - even without a four wheel drive car.   "Sauniatu means 'a place to prepare.' The early Saints who established Sauniatu had a vision about the importance of this place in the Samoan history of the Church. They knew they needed a place where they could prepare and build strength. In 1904, when they established Sauniatu, they had been expelled from their villages, persecuted, and unfairly taxed for being Mormons. Later they started a school at Sauniatu, and it became one of the Church schools in Samoa. From time to time, during the ensuing years, the people of Sauniatu and the various school administrators talked about the advisability of keeping such a remote school operating.

In 1921, when Samoan officials were wondering about continuing the village, Elder David O. McKay and Hugh Cannon visited Samoa on their around-the-world tour of the Church. It was on this visit that Elder McKay pronounced an apostolic blessing on Sauniatu and its inhabitants. Among other things, he blessed them that they would have an abundance of food and clothing, that their plantations would be fruitful, and that peace would abide in their hearts and homes." (See Improvement Era, May 1966, p. 366.)

A model Samoan village to commemorate President McKay’s 1921 visit and his apostolic blessing was built.  A special chief’s house (fale) with ornate carvings was built and named the McKay house. In the center is a bust of Pres. McKay. 

We discovered a hidden paradise in Apia - Robert Louis Stevenson's home during the last few years of his life.  The garden areas were so lush and beautiful.  He moved to Samoa from England to convalesce because of his Tuberculosis.  Ironically, he died a few years later from a brain anurysm.  Now I'm  eager time to read some of his books.

Home of Robert Louis Stevenson

On our last morning in Samoa we were finally able to meet with more of the PA team. Such a wonderful group accomplishing great things.  Glad we could finally meet them and learn of their efforts there.

National Public Affairs team in Samoa (George, us, Sam, Sapele, (not pictured - Elder Fata and Motisha)

We've loved spending time here in this beautiful country. Family and loyalty is everything here. We'll never forget the faithful people we have met on Upolu.  Maybe we'll get to Savai'i sometime.

Goodbyes at the hotel