Dodged a Bullet!

Talofa Family and Friends,
     Not too much to write about this week as most of the week was spent indoors due to very windy, rainy weather.  President and Sister Ho Ching, along with the APs and STLs were stranded here until Tuesday afternoon when they were finally able to get a flight out when there was a short break in the weather.  Thursday we were hit with a tropical storm with high wind gusts and torrential rains.  Friday the islands received a tropical cyclone watch, which by evening possible winds were being reported at 90 mph.  Plyboard and tin soon covered most homes and businesses, some people even covered their entire house with nylon netting.  My favorite was the construction business that used their Excavator to hold the roof down on their warehouse.  Lines at ACE Hardware store were long, with people purchasing lanterns, matches, tarps, flashlights, nails....well you get the idea, and grocery lines were long with people stocking up.  Stores closed early, giving employees time to get home.   
     It was a huge blessing when Cyclone Wasi

A couple of our banana trees bit the dust

made a sharp turn to the south and missed both American Samoa and Samoa.  The only damage was a lot of downed banana trees, some large trees uprooted, flooding and some roof damage.  We appreciated all of the thoughts and prayers that were sent this way!
     The large cargo ships were able to make it into port before the large storms hit.  I heard they got in on Saturday but were not able to unload until Tuesday because of President's Day.  The Edwards called Wed. night to tell us that TSM Grocery had sour cream, but by the time we got there on Thursday morning they had sold out.  However, we were able to get potatoes, onions and cheese which we have missed for several weeks.  There is still not a lot of great produce available but lucky for us it's avocado season here and the avocados are big, beautiful and delicious!

Samoan Avocados - Yummy

Empty produce bins at the store :(

     The STLs (Sister Teaching Leaders) left with the President on Tuesday and on Thursday we got a call from the Zone Leaders that Sister King had accidentally spilled boiling water on her leg.  When they brought her over I was shocked at the seriousness of the burn.  I put her in the shower and had her gently rinse her leg with cool water for several minutes, gave her Tylenol for pain and called Dr.

Edwards.  Since she is not able to walk very well the girls have been staying at the mission home with us.   Last night Dr. Edwards bandaged it and will come back tonight to rebandange it.  Although it is still very tender, Sister King has been a trooper.

          Today Sister King and Sister Simeona (her companion) went to church with us, and when the speakers did not show up they asked them to speak, along with the Elders assigned to our ward.  All four of these young missionaries gave powerful testimonies of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I was so impressed and proud of all four of them.  They were confident and gave great talks.  Not bad for girls who have only been on their missions for 3 months!  After Sacrament meeting the girls were asked if they would help in Primary, so even though they were not in their area they were given ample opportunity to serve.
     I have been kind of down on myself the last week, wondering if I was doing enough service.  My sister, Shauna, is serving a mission in Indiana.  She writes of teaching English classes at the library, packing supplies for our soldiers, helping the homeless, visiting the lonely....However, today I had the thought that my service is teaching Institute and taking care of these young missionaries - who for the most part are pretty self reliant - but when there is a problem we're here and glad to help.  That's my offering - I hope it's enough.

Sisters King and Simona

      Tomorrow Heather comes from Nevada.  Brent and I are both excited about her visit.  Plans are made to show her around American Samoa, Upolu and Savaii - now if the weather will only cooperate.
    I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a great week and wish the same for all of you.
Alofa atu - Patty (Nana) 

Excavator holding the roof down :)