Silver Linings

Talofa Family and Friends,
     This virus free greeting is coming to you from the beautiful island of Tutuila. I wish I could say that we have been spending our isolation days at the beach or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, but unfortunately the ocean remains too rough to safely go in.  The reality is, like most of you, we rarely leave the house.  Technology has been a huge blessing as we can talk to our kids daily on our internet phone, keep in touch with friends and family around the globe on FaceBook, watch movies on Netflix/Amazon Prime, read books on Kindle, get updated information on the internet and podcasts and all in the comfort of an air-conditioned home.
     I really like podcasts!  Here are a few I recommend if you are looking for something to fill your time: 1) BBC Witness (short interviews with people who lived through past events 2) The Moth (People telling stories from their everyday lives) 3) BBC Outlook (in depth human interest news stories).
      Not all the news is bad - as with most things if you look you can find a silver lining in almost anything.  From here it looks like Americans are coming together to defeat this unseen enemy. We have been divided for so long, it is nice to see so many news reports that show people and companies  coming together, everyone doing what they can do to help others.  This is the American I know and love! I am inspired by the medical professionals and scientists who are working to the point of exhaustion for the sake of the rest of us. It's refreshing to have a break from the political chaos.  I love the young missionaries who keep on working with a smile, even though their stay here is uncertain. (Parents - you would be proud of your kids!)  Their call to "Invite others to come unto Christ" is still the focus of their lives.   I love that families are spending more time together, and for most of us the pace of life has slowed down.  I love that a lot of people are pondering on what is really important in life, re-evaluating their priorities, questioning their values based on secular success.   People are reaching out to old friends via technology, taking time to read a good book, (I'm rereading "Samoa - An Historical Novel" and just heard "Boys In The Boat" is a great read), families are playing board games, putting puzzles together, trying new recipes, spending more time praying, cleaning out stuff that clutters, finishing projects..... It seems like it has been a time to get reacquainted with long lost pleasures; a time that has brought out the best in many of us.

Another rare bird sighting :)

      Our prayers were answered this week when a wonderful family here on the island adopted our little dog "Lady."  The original plan was for her to fly home with my friend Heather a month ago.  After complying with every requirement Hawaiian Air gave us, they called the morning of the flight and added an additional list of things that were impossible to meet.  Our daughter's family of 4 little kids was sad when "Lady" was not going to be their dog, but the new pressing problem was what were we going to do with her if we were going to be evacuated.  I posted our dilemma on our ward's FB page and had two offers within a day for a good home.  Wish I had a picture to post, but they picked her up when I wasn't home, and Brent forgot to snap a farewell photo. :(

    Our sweet Institute students came over this week and helped us clean the mission home. I asked them not to post pictures on Social media, and except for these few photos, I hope none appear that makes it look like we were not following isolation rules.  Mata and Jazz cleaned all the parts of the kitchen that were hard for me to reach, and Damonte and Pano cleaned all the ceiling fans.  We are really going to miss these young people!

Mata & Jazz helping clean spots I can't reach

     The question of the week is: Are we coming home?  The Governor of American Samoa has suspended all flights in and out of AS for a minimum of 30 days.  We have been told that the church is working with governments, border closings, and flight restrictions to try and get us home.  We've heard the church is chartering planes, but also recognize there were 65,000 missionaries worldwide.  We know that there are many of you who are praying for us and our young missionaries; your love and prayers are appreciated.  Sister Castroman returned home Thursday on the last plane out of here.  I just called her home in Texas to confirm she was not stranded somewhere, she is home safe.  My sister Shauna, who was serving in Indiana, is continuing her ministering work at my sister Caryn's home in Texas. I was grateful for their safe arrival this week.

Pano and Damonte removing dust bunnies from fans

     Like people all around the world we are fasting today and praying for the medical professionals, scientists and leaders who are trying their best to get us through this crisis.  We will be joining the Patches at the Edwards home at 4:30 pm for a church service and a break-the-fast meal.  We will continue to serve here until arrangements are made for us to return home - be that tomorrow or October.  Our bags are pretty much packed so we can be ready to leave at a moment's notice.  We've asked our young missionaries to start to get ready to leave by cleaning their apartments, defrosting their fridges, and going through their stuff so they can get everything in one 50 lb. suitcase.

We're Leaving on a Jet Plane, boat,
hot air ballon.......

      I'll close this post with a scripture from my reading this week: Omni 1:26 in the Book of Mormon.

 26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should ^acome unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and ^boffer your whole souls as an ^coffering unto him, and continue in ^dfasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved. 

Let's all trust in the Lord, knowing he keeps his promises and knows all things.  That's what I'm planning on doing.
Have a blessed and safe week!
Alofa atu, Patty (Nana)