This Too Shall Pass

Myra's Picture of Savaii Sunrise

Talofa Family and Friends,
      I'm pretty sure this week will be one we will all remember.   We are in a relatively safe place.  You can't get more isolated than a small rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  Great effort has been taken by the government here to protect the citizens.  No one travels here unless they have quarantined in Hawaii for 14 days and passed a medical exam.  Unfortunately, that has limited the number of cargo ships that can come in so, like you, our store shelves are pretty bare.  Luckily we bought extra food before the big storm last month that skirted around us, so our cupboards are still pretty well stocked.  (We even managed to find toilet paper.)  The schools are still open, and since we don't have a single case of the virus on the island, it seems obvious they will stay open. Since the college is still in session we will continue teaching Institute classes 4 days a week.  Since all other church meetings and activities have been cancelled around the globe, we had scripture study today for our Sabbath worship with the Edwards here at the mission home.  We had a great discussion on the Come Follow Me scriptures for the last two weeks.
      Last week when we were in town we were

Cargo ship loading containers

 excited to see a cargo ship. However, while I was in the Post Office across the street Brent was in the car observing them loading containers, not unloading them. Where there used to be huge stacks of the shipping containers, there is now empty space. I'm hoping they are taking them somewhere and will return with them packed with food and supplies for the island.
       Brent had a visit from a little cardinal Myzomela. This little bird  (about 5" long) was attacking the mirrors on his car. I still enjoy watching for different birds, but I've never seen one like this little guy.

Myzomela Cardinal

     The news I've heard from home in Las Vegas is quite disturbing.  I talked to my friend Debbie tonight and she told me the Strip Casino properties were shutting down.  My kids have told me about long lines at grocery stores and people fighting over food. School closures around the country solve one problem but have created many more challenges for students, teachers and staff.  My friend Marleen, in New York has had to quarantine herself.  I haven't dared look at our stock account - besides there is nothing I can do about it.  It's hard to wrap my head around everything that is happening. However, I understand this situation is much worse for you who are living in the states than it is for us.
     Brent's grandmother, born in 1901, lived through WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, plus many personal tragedies.  When we were concerned about something happening in the world she would always reassure us with "This too shall pass."  My maternal instincts are screaming for me to hop on the next plane home and gather my family around me, but that is not possible. It is a great blessing that our kids all look out and care for each other.  I, like the rest of you, will have to be patient and trust in the Lord that this will be over sooner than later.  One thing I am sure of is that IT WILL PASS.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Alofa atu, Patty (Nana)