Our Guests

Karla, Sharon & Michel Deffense, Bud & Karen Little

Often we post about our secular activities which doesn't reflect that the vast percentage of our time is spent with staff and students.  This post will focus on some of the natural blessings of Savai'i, Samoa. 

During the second week of school break the campus of Vaiola College was filled with youth 12-18 year olds from all over the island of Savai'i attending a week-long church conference called FSY (For the Strength of Youth).   The youth lived here and participated in many testimony building activities.  Since we did not have a role in this event, we were joined by other senior missionary couples in the course of the week's activities.   

Monday evening we hosted a spaghetti dinner including guests Elder & Sister Deffense (also serving on Savai'i as missionary support to the young missionaries); Elder & Sister Kinghorn (Family Services missionaries who had come from Apia for FSY); and Elder & Sister Little (Vocational Education missionaries, also from Apia).  The eight of us enjoyed feasting and visiting.

Tuesday morning the Littles and we ventured on a two-day journey around the whole of Savai'i.  We viewed waterfalls and blowholes on the way to the Satuiatua Beach Resort, the place of our overnight lodging.  The Deffenses joined us for evening swimming and a dinner buffet. 

Wednesday morning, we drove to the Canopy Walk which consisted of climbing metal spiral stairs up to a single-person footpath suspended by cables high in the air.  The adventure came after crossing the gently swaying footpath; we climbed yet more steep spiral wooden steps up into a very old Banyon tree.  After about three landings we could look out at a marvelous view in the distance, looking upon a reserve of woodland jungle.  What a beautiful ocean drive as we continued around the island.

We stopped at the Pea Pea Cave which was a lava tube we walked into carrying flashlights.  Above our heads were small mud nests made by the tiny Pea Pea bird; the guide pointed out a tiny bird egg.  Afterwards we came upon the "Swim with the Turtles" spot.  We fed them papaya and enjoyed watching those benevolent creatures.  After returning home, we went out to dinner.

The Amoa Resort is a newer resort that offers lodging and a restaurant.  The four of us had a nice dinner in the somewhat open-air restaurant.  Our timing was perfect for seeing a Fire Dance show that was spectacular.  Alas, on Thursday we had to say good-bye to our friends, Elder & Sister Little, who returned to Apia. 

In their associations Elder & Sister Deffense met a resort/restaurant owner who caters to an exclusive clientele and he grows a hydroponic garden to produce his lettuce, watercress, basil, etc.  He is very particular in making his workers wash hands before handling the seeds and such.   They arranged a coveted personal visit so we could see his setup and enjoy one of his special dinners, not to mention the great surfing spot for Elder Deffense.  The appetizer was yellow fin tuna and the entrée was fresh albacore. 

In church today we were reminded that we lose ourselves when in the service of others.  This is a good place.

p.s. Rest in peace, cousin Laura.