Measles, Coronavirus....What's Next?

Talofa Family and Friends,
     This week I went to the Leone Health Clinic to get my MMR Vaccination so I can travel to Apia next month.  After getting my shot I had to go to the Tafuna Health Clinic to get my gold card stamped and signed by a doctor.   The Health Dept. also advised us last week that no one will be allowed to travel from now on to Apia without a doctor's clearance for the Coronavirus, and that must be obtained no more than three days prior to travel. It sounds like a knee jerk reaction from Western Samoa, still reeling from the devastation of the measles outbreak.  Not to be out done,  American Samoa now requires us to jump though hoops to get clearance for our missionaries traveling between Apia and Tutuila. (Something that is done often.) Not only do we need a copy of the Gold MMR card and a Coronavirus clearance, we now have to take a copy of the itinerary, passport, and regular immunization record to Pago Pago to the Attorney General's Office, where they will give us a stamped paper that has to be taken to the Health Dept by the LBJ Hosp, where they keep it to "process" for 24 hours, after which we pick it up and take everything back to the Attorney General's office where they clear the missionary (Or anyone else)  for travel.  I love bureaucracy!

A few of our MIW Youth

     Last night our youth put on a program for our Ward (Mesepa International Ward) to introduce us to the church's new Youth program, "Strive To Be".  It really is an amazing program based on the young people 8 - 18 setting and completing goals of their own choosing in the areas of Intellectual, Social, Physical, and Spiritual .   When we asked our nine year old granddaughter, Chloe, what her goals were she told us she wanted to learn how to pick locks for her intellectual goal.  I'm pretty sure that is not exactly what her parents had in mind, but Grandpa promised her when we return he will cut some old locks open and help her learn how they work.
     The Church also has a new program based on members ministering to other members.  Jim and Nancy Gibson have been asked to minister to Brent and I, and we both agree they are doing an amazing job!  They regularly send email with news from home, pictures of friends, and little surprises in the mail.  Last week we received decorations for Valentines and St. Patrick's Day.  I printed each of our missionaries' names on a heart and hung them up.  Each missionary that comes to the house checks for their name.  Thank You Nancy and Jim!!!

Wall of Love

      Well, here is an update on "Lady."  We were touched last week when some of you offered to start a "Bring Lady Home" fund.  The Fox Family suggested that if we were not able to bring her then we should probably just stay here.  (I hope they were kidding!)  The good news is that in the last week we have had 3 local families offer to take her and give her a good home. That would be the best solution for her.  The bad news is that she has started getting hard bumps on her belly.  Another trip to the vet and Brent came home and announced that she has "enlarged mammograms." (I think he meant "Mammary Glands.)  The vet wants to open her up again this Wednesday to make sure when she was spayed it was done correctly.  This vet is from Boston, MA so we are judging her judgement. 
    Brent just came in and asked me what was for dinner. We had planned on making enough Fajitas yesterday with the idea we could have them yesterday and today. Just as we finished  eating yesterday, Elders Fa'amausuli and Larsen arrived at our door.  "Boy!  Is that fajitas we smell?  We love fajitas!" Sorry honey, you're own your own tonight.

Elders Christensen, Brown, Pauga and Tulaga

     We love these missionaries!  Last week Elders Pauga and Tulaga, companions, had birthdays just a couple of days apart.  Wednesday was another really rainy day (Actually that's an understatement -there was flash flooding across the island and we actually saw kids swimming in parking lots) so I picked these Elders up from the church and gave them a dry ride home to Leone.  These four Elders cover a huge part of the Western part of the island.  If you could see how far they walk or bike everyday, rain or blazing sun,  I'm pretty sure you would be amazed - I am!
    Elders Teisina and Moeai have been staying with us for a couple of nights.  I think tonight will be their last.  Elder Moeai broke out in a serious rash that was aggravated by the hot, muggy weather.  Doctor Edwards to the rescue again.   He researched how to treat this malady, called in a prescription and hopefully Elder Moeai will be feeling much better soon. 
    Well, we've bought our return home tickets for June 11th arriving in Las Vegas June 12th.  The time is going by so quickly and there is still so much we want to do.

 We are studying the Book of Mormon this year. In the Book of 1 Nephi there is a story of a tree with fruit that will bring you great happiness.  This week I came across a Primary song on FB by Shawna Edwards titled,  "Tree of Life."  It is on you.tube and if I knew how to copy and paste it then I would insert it here. If you haven't seen it check it out.  The fruit is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which I can testify is sweet.  The iron rod, that leads to the tree,  is the word of God or the scriptures.  The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ.  As a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I invite you to listen to the missionaries and come partake of this fruit. You have nothing to lose and eternal life to gain.
Alofa atu, Patty (Nana)

Come to the tree of life

Partake of the fruit

I feel the love of God

And you'll feel it too, when you

Come to the tree of life

There's joy here and peace

The greatest place in all the world to be

Is at the tree!

The prophet, Lehi, had a vision of the tree of life

He saw it shining in the distance

So beautiful and bright

The sweetest fruit he'd ever tasted

And white as white could be

It filled his soul with joy and gladness

He beckoned to his family:

Come to the tree of life

Partake of the fruit

I feel the love of God

And you'll feel it too, when you

Come to the tree of life

There's joy here and peace

The greatest place in all the world to be

Is at the tree!

The tree of life is just a symbol

Of the love of God

The pathway there is straight and narrow

So hold on to the rod

His word will guide us through the darkness

And past the mists of gray

The enemies of God may mock us

But we will boldly stand and say:

 Come to the tree of life

Partake of the fruit

I feel the love of God

And you'll feel it too, when you

Come to the tree of life

There's joy here and peace

The greatest place in all the world to be

Is at the tree!

It's Raining - It's Pouring!

Front yard in Mesepa

Talofa Family and Friends,

Internet photo from Tonga

     Sending love this week from soggy, windy American Samoa.  This past week we have felt the remnants of Cyclone Tino that blasted a few islands of Tonga.  Luckily it skirted around us, and so we've only had pouring rain and high winds.  Banana trees all over the island have toppled as well as a few roofs that I know about, but other than that we were spared the brunt of the storm.  Because the weather has been so terrible, most of the week was spent indoors.  Sister White was with us until Thursday night when she flew out with Sister Patch to return home.  Their plane was delayed several hours due to bad weather, but she finally arrived safely home in New Mexico.

Elders Wilkie and Sema, both with sore toes :( 

    Friday night I suggested we lock the gate early, pop some corn and watch a movie since it was our first night alone in 11 days.  We had decided on a movie and Brent had just made some of his delicious popcorn when the phone rang -   Elder Sema had cut his foot and needed to go to the hospital.  Going to the hospital here is always a several hour proposition of sitting on a hard bench along with throngs of other sick people, waiting to get called back where you sit for several more hours.  Not what I had in mind for our Friday night!  I asked the Zone Leaders to bring him to the mission home and I would look at it.  When they arrived Elder Wilkie also had an ingrown toenail, so I had both Elders soak their foot in Epson salts and we shared our popcorn until Dr. Edwards could get here.  Elder Sema's toe had a bad cut right in the crease where his toe connects to his foot  - impossible to stitch.  Elder Edwards told him to scrub it with anti-bacterial soap four times a day and it would heal itself.  Wow!  That was so much easier than the hospital! Thank you Dr. Edwards!!! 

Brent and his Best Friend "Lady"

     We got some bad news on the continuing saga of "Lady" our coconut mutt.  Brent has fallen in love with this dog and apparently the feeling is mutual because every time Brent leaves Lady whines and puts up a fuss.  I was finally coming around to the idea that we might take her home with us in June, that was until Brent started checking into the cost and hassle of bringing a dog into the states.  The biggest problem was the airlines will not transport animals to Las Vegas between April 14th and Oct. 15th because of heat danger.  If we sent her by herself and had our family pick her up she would have to go as cargo which would cost $500.  When we figured out the total costs for paperwork, crate, Vet and transportation we were at almost $800 - That's not happening!  So now we are praying that whoever serves here next would love a cute dog.
        I took advantage of the rainy weather this week and read the biography of President Russell M. Nelson.  I was so impressed with the experiences and accomplishments of his life, all of which added up to prepare him for the task of
leading the Church today. Professionally he was a world 
renowned heart surgeon who helped to pioneer the first artificial heart.  His example of how he loves and cares for people all over the world reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ, who he represents.  He is 95 years old and is still in good health.  He is a remarkable man and I believe he is a Prophet of God.  I've often said that if people would just look at the caliber of the men and women who lead this church they would have no choice but to investigate. 
       Looking at the calendar our time here is quickly coming to an end.  My good friend Heather Wharton is visiting next month, so that is something to look forward to and then we'll be down to 3 short months until I can hug my kids and grandkids. 
      I know it has been cold in Vegas, and my Sister who is serving a mission in Indiana is enjoying temperatures down in the teens, so we all have our own challenges.  Hope this message finds you all safe and well. 
Alofa atu, Patty (Nana)
     

Happy Birthday!

Brent and his new friend "Bert"

Talofa Family and Friends,
     This week we celebrated Brent's 71st Birthday by having the TSS (Tutuila Super Seniors) plus the Lesas over for an enchilada dinner.  Brent was not expecting gifts but was thrilled with his new friend "Bert" from the Patches, a cortisone shot in his shoulder from the Edwards, and a nice shirt from the Lesas. 
     In June we will be celebrating our 50th year of marriage, so thought I would take some room here and tell you what a great guy I married.  Brent is kind, loving and faithful.  He has been a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  It would be hard to imagine anyone who loves their family more that Brent. 
     Anyone who knows Brent knows what a hard worker he is.  He has always worked hard to provide for his family and to improve himself.  He loves learning new things, and is talented in so many areas.  He can build almost anything, and fix almost anything.  In our married life I only recall a handful of times we have  called someone for help, usually because we did not want to cancel a warranty.  He has built two houses and a garage, rebuilt and repaired cars, wired and plumbed a couple of houses, poured and finished concrete, reroofed our house, painted, designed and built cabinets, welded, designed our backyard as well as hand cutting for weeks flagstone for the patio and planter.... I'm sure I'm forgetting something.  Besides construction he sews all his own ties and recently took up leather work - making beautiful belts for almost everyone in the family.  That is a hobby he hopes to take up again once we return home.

Brent's Birthday Dinner - blowing out the candles

      My introduction to his abilities was early in our marriage when I casually mentioned that it would have been better for the back door to be on the back of the house instead of the side. The next thing I know I hear this loud banging - rushed into the kitchen and demanded to know what in the heck he was doing knocking out the wall.  "I thought you said you wanted the door moved,"  he replied.
     Brent loves the Lord.  I can hardly remember a day in 50 years that he hasn't read his scriptures.  He loves being a missionary and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ because he knows how it can bless the lives of others.  On our mission here in Tutuila he has enjoyed teaching Institute and there isn't anything he wouldn't do for our missionaries.  Happy Birthday Honey!  I love you!!!

Transfer Day

   This week has also been a week of hellos and goodbyes.  Elders Andelin and Williams left us and Sister Sauni joined us.  We've also had Sisters Adams and White here from Tutuila for medical tests.  Both Sisters had been complaining of stomach problems.  Sister Adams started feeling better almost immediately so she went back out in the field.  Sister White. on the other hand has been really sick, spending most of the week curled up in a ball on our couch.  She has been cleared to return home for medical treatment, but there are only two flights off island a week so she will have to wait until Thursday.  Sister Patch. a nurse, will be accompanying her home.

Sister White - 

   
     On Prep Day the missionaries have a few hours, after they get their laundry done, and apartments cleaned for free time.  Elders Larsen and Fa'amausili just live a few blocks away so often come to the mission home.  This week we also had Sisters King and Adams.  We had crazy game of "UNO" that went on for almost an hour.  I finally passed my hand to Elder Ellsworth, who eventually won the game. Who knew "UNO" could be so competitive?   It was also Sister Adams birthday this week so her and Sister King enjoyed the opportunity to make a birthday cake.  She was especially excited about learning how to make frosting - she thought it always came in a can - UGH!
     On Friday Brent and I ran into the meteorologist for the island at the fish market.  I asked him about approaching storms and he assured me we would be alright this week but after that they were expecting an increased chance of a cyclone.  We filled up another 30 gallons of emergency water and have been checking missionary apartments for water and emergency food.  Hopefully we are ready if a storm hits!

Sister Adams and King whipping up
a Birthday Cake for Sister Adams

     Well, that's a wrap for this week.  Institute starts again tomorrow and I need to go over my lesson before leaving for Patches for a TSS dinner.  The Weather App is predicting thunderstorms for the entire week which means when it's not raining it is unbearably hot and humid.  Sending some soggy greetings and love - have a wonderful week!
Alofa atu - Patty (Nana)

We are going to miss Sister Leiataua!

Elder Andelin is off to Savaii - Amazing young man!

 

Elder Williams has been an awesome missionary!

Happy New Year - 2020!

Brent and Patty at Palolo Beach on New Year's Eve

Talofa Family and Friends,

     Manuia le tausaga fou! (Blessings for the new year).  New Year's Eve we drove out to the far western part of the island with the Patches to watch the sun set on 2019.  Because the way the International Date line runs, American Samoa is as far West as you can go without jumping to a new day.  So you could say we were the last people on earth to bid farewell to 2019.   Even though it was cloudy it was still a beautiful sunset.  Brent tried to swim but with the tide low the coral was a danger.  I opted to wade on shore and look for shells.  However, every shell I picked up was "occupied" by one critter or another so I finally just started looking for interesting rocks, hoping not to disturb anything that was alive. 

     New Year's Day we went to the "Flower Pot" to try snorkeling with the Patches.  It was high tide but we got caught in a very strong current, I was afraid at one point we might end up in Fiji. All four of us struggled to get back to shore, ending up quite a distance from where we started,  and decided that  we wanted to live more than we wanted to snorkel. 

The Paeuli Family baptism with Sisters King & Leiataua

     The last couple of weeks we have been to some amazing baptisms.  The entire Paeuli family of eight were baptized, which was pretty exciting.  They are looking forward to going to the temple together next December.  Every Sat. we try to attend as many baptisms as possible.  Although most of them are in Samoan and we understand very little,  there is always a sweet spirit and the members always make us feel welcome.
       This past week we visited several missionary apartments to make repairs, check on emergency supplies  and inspect for cleanliness.  A common problem is door hinges rusting off.  Brent has been replacing them with stainless steel hinges, which would not be hard if the doors were squared.  The elders in Auto were happy to get all their cracks filled with foam and the sisters in Nu'uuli and Tafuna were ecstatic to get new beds and mattresses. (I'm pretty sure the health department would close us down if they saw the old mattresses.)  We will work on upgrading the bedding in the rest of the island.  Brent's fix-it man skills have been put to good use.   

Elders Wray and Tresgaskes helping Brent

      American Samoa dodged a bullet last week when a large storm skirted around us.  We had an incredible amount of rain with strong winds, but count our blessings that it was not worse.  Our ward has been divided into districts based on neighborhoods to help in case of an emergency.  Our district is working together to make sure everyone has a 72 hr kit and emergency supplies.  We are assessing our resources, have made an evacuation plan, and organized teams for house checks.  We have restocked our emergency food and tomorrow will refill all the empty 3 & 5 gallon water bottles.  When the power goes out we have no water - so storing a lot of water is critical!  In the storm that hit in 2017 the power was out for over a week - in some places 3 weeks!  Everything in our house is electric, besides not having water we would not have air conditioning, lights, ability to cook, recharge cell phones (if we still had service) or communicate with the outside world.  The Edwards are planning on staying at the mission home in case of an emergency, so at least we would have excellent medical care.     

Sisters Thomson and Bean putting beds together

      It takes a brave heart to look in the meat section at the grocery store.  These Three Little Pig (heads) have been there for a while, along with the whole pig that went to market.  Apparently there is not a big demand for pig heads.  There is generally a different surprise every week -mostly things I didn't even know were edible.  What is lacking is a good steak at a price we can afford.
      We finally moved Lady's food inside, as it seems the toads here are also fond of dog food.  Update on Lady: She is back to her cute  self.  She is house broken, doesn't bark, has a sweet temperament, loves kids...Anybody want a dog?

"This Little Pig went to Market..."

           It is customary here to remove your shoes before entering a home.  Yesterday, at our Ward District Meeting held a a member's home, we went to leave and discovered their dogs had helped themselves to several shoes. At the mission home it is often an obstacle course to get into the door.  To me it doesn't seem like rocket science to leave your shoes to the side of the door where they do not create a safety hazzard!

       Well, it's time to get ready for church so will wrap

this up.  This year the Church will be studying the Book of Mormon.  Today we reviewed the testimonies of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses.  There were several people, other than the Prophet Joseph Smith, who saw the plates.  Even though the majority of them later left the church, not one of them ever denied what they had seen, 

even on their death beds.  I will add my witness that the Book of Mormon is from God.  Every time I read it, it is confirmed again to me that it is a true book.  I'll close with part of the statement made and signed by the Three Witnesses that can be found in the front of the Book: 

       .....And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.   

Shoes at the Mission Home

This picture is for Connor and Cade - It is one of the toads we
regularly find in Lady's food - Yuk!

       Wishing all of you a wonderful week.
Alofa Atu, Patty (Nana)