A Week of New Experiences

 Talofa Family and Friends,
Right after Elder Christofferson left, President and Sister Hannemann jumped on a plane to New Zealand for a weeks training for Mission Presidents.  They got home Friday night and left Saturday morning, so again we are running the office.  We had a couple of interesting learning experiences during the last week, one involving the local hospital, and the other involving an adventure with the Schaefermeyers and BYU TV.

I was informed Tuesday that one of our missionaries had been admitted to the local hospital with complications of Dengue Fever.  We have had missionaries in the emergency room and to the clinic, but this was the first time anyone was admitted over night.  I was surprised to learn that we needed to supply a sheet, pillow, towel, and disposable eating utensils. Plus, someone had to be with him 24 hrs/day because the nurses do not do things like get patients drinks of water, help them to the bathroom, or make sure they get fed.  Samoa has a National Health Plan, and apparently they have figured out how to make health care affordable.  I understand in the smaller hospitals, you also have to furnish all the food. When the lab work came back inconclusive of Dengue, the doctor said it didn't know what was wrong with him and released him.  Luckily the elder is doing better,  Sister McBride and I Pinkie promised each other that we would not let anyone take us there if we get sick as the mattress was stained and filthy. Hip Hip Hooray for Socialized Medicine!

Schaefermeyer's Car Hanging on the edge

Honey, are you sure we are still on the road???

 When Schaefermeyers are around life is never dull.  One of their assignments is to keep BYU television on the air here in Upolu.  He informed us Friday night that he needed to go and install some brackets on the receivers, which were located on the top of a cell phone tower on the top of a mountain.  Would we like to go on a drive with them and Gillettes to fix this problem?  It wasn't long after we started up the mountain the pavement  ended, and about 1/2 hr later our front wheel drive Tucson Hyundai had gone as far as it was going to go.  It had rained most of the night and the trail (calling it a road would be an exaggeration) was slippery and very steep. We parked our car and all six of us squished into Schaefermeyers 4 wheel drive Tucson.  I have to say that the slipping, sliding, bouncing, swerving ride was better than any amusement park ride I have ever been on!  Unfortunately, we slipped just a bit too far one time, almost rolling the car into a deep ravine.  Carefully we all exited out the right side, and after the 3 men did what men do in these situations, (Stand around, look under the car, rub their chins) they finally decided it was too dangerous for us to try and get it out ourselves, as we risked it rolling over.  Luckily we were almost up to the cell tower, and we had five bars on our phones to call for a two truck.

 Since we were almost to the top, we continued on foot, to the tower.  Brent and Elder Schaefermeyer climbed up almost to the top to fix the receivers and Sister Schaefermeyer and I climbed to the second platform where we had an incredible view of Apia.  Once the tow truck got there and got the car safely turned around, we were again on our way.  However, somehow Elder Schaefermeyer hit something on the way down and took out his left front fender.  He is sending BYU the bill.

Just while I was here typing this up there was an earth tremor - I just checked the Tsunami Warning and there is nothing showing up, so it was just one of the many small tremors that happen

Elder Schaefermeyer in front of cell tower

regularly.  

The rains that came this week were welcome, as it had been so dry.  The air is so thick with moisture that it is hard to breathe.  However, I can't complain, as myself along with many others on the island have been praying for rain - as this is the rainy season and people depend on rain for their food.

Couldn't miss the opportunity to see the view. (And this will
probably be the only opportunity in my life to climb a cell tower)

In Relief  Society today the lesson was on gratitude.  We were asked to make a list of the things that we are thankful for.  I feel blessed in so many ways, but my testimony of Jesus Christ and the scriptures that testify of Him are among my greatest blessings.  My scripture this week is from Alma 34:38 - " That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Oops! Elder Gillette checking out the damage.

As I was thinking about what I am grateful for I also thought of my wonderful family and friends who are amazing examples of service to others.  I  have been blessed to know you and to be part of your lives.  God Bless You - Have a Great Week!

Tofa, Patty
That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

View of Pesega - the LDS Church Complex where the Mission Office and our Home are located.