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)