On a mission: Tropical Island Christmas

We experienced a myriad of activities throughout December and we've included some pictures. We spent five days in Apia with other senior missionaries and some of them joined us in Savaii the next week.

CLAM RESERVE & SNORKELING ACTIVITY: (yes, in December)

Debate: Is the Starfish blue or purple?

8 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS is held outside the government building in downtown Apia where many churches and stakes, the police department, and individuals perform for eight nights prior to Christmas and is broadcast live on TV. We attended the opening night with a few friends along with some dignitaries. The live nativity is role played by our young full-time missionaries.

SAUNIATU:

While in Upolu we were invited to Sauniatu for a tour and a catered lunch of Samoan foods by the ITEP missionaries who serve there. The monument below marks the spot where Apostle David O. McKay blessed Sauniatu and all of the isle of Samoa with fruitful crops and protection. It is regarded as a sacred spot. We toured the cemetery, waterfalls, and the church primary school grounds.

MISSION VISITOR'S CENTER

While in Apia we attended one of the nightly tree lightings at the mission home visitor's center. Several artificial trees are decorated in themes and tree lights are turned on at 8 p.m. at which time the young missionaries present a short, sweet musical program with a Christmas message about the Savior.

LIGHT THE WORLD

While Christmas lights are not in abundance, an LDS family chose to “Light the World” by lighting up their large home and the surrounding grounds and inviting all people to come night after night to enjoy the wonder of it. As the dad told us, the idea was inspired by two of his daughters who took hold and made it happen; he knew it was a great way to “Light the World” so he told his daughters, “If we are going to do this, let's do it right and light up everything.” And so they did. Groups of his construction employees provided music performances and refreshments were served. We felt embedded in Christmas after this sweet experience and sharing with Elder & Sister Little.

SAVAII
Elder & Sister Anthon from America Samoa and Elder & Sister Foley from Sauniatu visited Savaii. We showed them our blowholes and Canopy Walk and waterfalls.

Good day for Blowholes.

Canopy Walk: lookout over the reserve from an old Banyon tree

CLAM:

Fresh Clam at a roadside stand. Lady told Ron to put in his hand being careful it didn't close on him and pull out to eat raw---No, we do not do that fresh!