Under the Wide and Starry Sky...

Letter from Chloe saved my day.

 Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
Boy!  It was a pretty tough week!  Tuesday the stress of everything that had piled up over transfer week overwhelmed me. In between fighting back tears and fighting the urge to roll up in fetal position under my desk, a letter from my little Chloe arrived and saved the day.  President Hannemann, sensing that I was about to break down, had Elders Stevenson and Ete come in and work until 11 pm one night, inputting all the baptisms into the computer.  Wednesday morning my computer screen was covered with these sweet notes.  I love our missionaries!!!  The rest of the week went much better.

 Today starts a one week festival in Samoa celebrating the culture.  It is called the "Tueila Festival" after the country's national flower.  If there is one thing that Samoans know how to do, it is celebrate.   Every village has flags out and banners.  Tonight I am going to attend a choral concert from groups all over the islands. I need to check the schedule for other activities that we can fit into our week.
       Thursday evening the Senior missionaries were invited to attend the annual Robert Louis Stevenson dinner.  This is quite the gala affair, with government officials, diplomats and all of the Miss Samoa contestants, one of whom will

 be crowned the new "Miss Samoa 2017" during the festival week.  The dinner started with several trays of  entree dishes, including crackers and cheese and pate, seafood, oysters on the half shell, fresh fruit... followed by a dinner that included assorted Samoan traditional dishes, Salmon baked in coconut milk, lobster, turkey, pork, vegetables with shrimp....well, I hope you get the picture.  It was an amazing feast, followed by delicious desserts.  It is a miracle that any of us were able to walk out without assistance.  Rex Maughan served a mission here several years ago, and it is through his generous financial support that the museum was renovated.  While the Maughans continue their financial support of the museum and this annual
 event, it is Jim Winegar,  also a  return missionary, who is the heart of this annual event, and I would even say the effort to keep the memory of Robert Louis Stevenson alive.  Every year he is a most gracious host.  I was pleased that Joe Keil and Robert Schafer surprised Jim with a much deserved accolade and a standing ovation.  He has invited all the Senior Missionaries to a FHE tomorrow night at the museum for a private tour.
     One of the highlights of the evening was meeting Robert Schaefer, the author of Samoa - A Historical Novel.  Brent and I both read the book when we first got here, and it brought the history of this amazing country into focus for us. I started reading it again, and am enjoying it more the 2nd time, as I am now familiar with many of the places and things in the novel.  For any of you who have connections to Samoa in any way, I strongly recommend this book.
     A few weeks ago, I had this great idea to start a Senior Missionary choir.  Sister Davis and her husband are serving here as volunteer dentists, and they are also both very musically talented.  I have been happy that I recruited them and Elder Schaefermeyer to help us learn a song to sing in church on the last Sunday of Sept.  That means that I have choir practice in about 15 minutes, so will need to wrap this up.
     It was easy to find my scripture for the week, as it was in my reading and is so appropriate for this time as the United States prepares to elect our next president.  It is found in D&C 98:5-10:
"5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.

 6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;

 7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.

 8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.

 9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.

 10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.

I hope all of us will take our responsibilities of being citizens very seriously in this election, and ask ourselves if the candidates we are supporting are God fearing, honest  people who will fight to maintain our Constitutional Rights and freedoms, especially the freedom of religion...We all need to make our decision a matter of prayer and serious contemplation.  God Bless you and Keep you.  Happy Labor Day to all my stateside family and friends.  Be Safe!

President Hannemann just arrived back in the office and told me that Elder Scanlan's father was the prison guard shot in California.  Elder Scanlan is finishing an honorable mission this Friday.  Please put the Scanlan family in your prayers.

Oute Alofa Mo Outou Uma Lava, Patty

Brent, Afalua and Patty at the RLS Home