American Samoa (Tutuila)

We chose to take advantage of the last of summer break and flew to American Samoa with Elder & Sister Little.  While American Samoa is a U.S. territory, it is also one of the three main islands in our mission along with Upolu and Savaii.  American Samoa is divided into the islands of Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta'ū;  Ofu and Ta'ū are part of the Manu'a group.  Ta'ū is the largest island in the Manu‘a Group and the easternmost volcanic island of the Samoan Islands. 

There is a mission home in Tutuila, specifically in Pago Pago.  Once in Pago Pago, we flew on to Ta'ū where Elder & Sister Wilde serve; they generously hosted us and drove us to see the island.  The population of  Ta'ū is about 300.  They rely on the boat from Tutuila to bring over supplies like food and gasoline.  Everyone on the island is rationed a monthly amount of gasoline which ships in 50 lb. barrels.  We enjoyed the ocean views, the hike to the ocean, and the beautiful people that we met.  The few church members meet in the living room of a member's home.  That husband in whose home we visited literally went out to the coconut tree and brought in the fresh Niu to give us refreshment of sparkling coconut water and then cracked open the emptied shell so we could eat the tender coconut inside.  These are the experiences that endear us to the Samoans.

Lodging in Ta'u

Littles on the left & Wildes on the right at the Ta'u wharf.

Drinking from the Niu that the brother in the back prepared for us.

At the beach on Ta'u

We spent a day and a night before flying back to Pago Pago aboard a small plane that boarded about 18 people.  Each flight between islands averages a half hour.  Weight distribution was important (for people and baggage).  Hence, Ron and Sister Little's luggage did not leave Ta'ū with us but we were able to claim it on the next flight which was two days later.  The way that unfolded was interesting.

Sister & Elder Anthon, Sister Kirkham, Sister Westenscow, Littles, Karla

 In Pago Pago we were hosted by Elder & Sister Anthon and two senior sister missionaries.  At the mission home we had a chance to renew friendships with some full time young missionaries who had served in Apia and Savaii.   Our hosts showed us the tuna factory which is a main industry, visited a local museum, viewed the Turtle & Shark Cliffs, and reflected at a tsunami memorial.  We traveled both directions on the shoreline road admiring the harbor and volcanic cliffs and National Park rainforest.  It was great to note the differences and similarities between the landscapes, oceanscapes, and homes on each of the Samoan islands.  On Tutuila there are few stop signs, no traffic lights, but a few speed limit signs actually posted.  Driving on the right side didn't seem quite natural after having adapted to Upolu and Savaii's left-side driving. We visited the U.S. Post Office, yes, with stamps and priority boxes!  When we walked into Cost U Less, it was like walking into a Costco where we purchased a very large bag of unmelted chocolate chips, gummy vitamins, and toiletries.  It was strange making purchases with U.S. currency again.  Our lodging was in the Quality Inn Tradewinds.  

Tsunami Memorial

 

This was unique.

You may recognize this famous landmark of the "Flowerpot".

 

Sister Anthon & Sister Little

Museum artifacts.

Sunkist Charlie Tuna

Old Banyon Tree

Looking down on Pago Pago from hilltop.

Hard rains the night before produced beautiful waterfalls.

Aerial view coming into Upolu.

After our four day visit to American Samoa we were blessed to spend three days in Apia before returning to Savaii.  We had a Family Home Evening with the other senior missionaries where we shared reflections of President Thomas S. Monson, our church president who passed away on January 2^nd.  His life has impacted so many for good and he truly exemplified “rescuing the one”.  We attended a temple session and ran some shopping errands.

Once “home” we've prepared in earnest for the school start up.  All next week is staff in-service; we have a segment to present Monday on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).  We're pleased to have a speaker in our office now so we can hear the announcements and a back porch light over our office steps.  There have been numerous summer repairs, upgrades, and construction projects that are typical for any school.  The hours of work will be challenging but we look forward to the work and associations of staff and students.