Flags

This week has been routine except for the assembly first thing Monday morning after the weekend of Champ of Champs.  The vice principal pulled everyone together to congratulate the athletes and to remind them that it is okay to feel happy about their successes but they should not be prideful.  He reminded them of their long hours of practice and teamwork that got them first overall.  A round of applause was acknowledgment enough. However, on Saturday the athletes were taken to a beach at Lano for a day in the sun with beach activities and lots of food.  We did not  go out to the beach.

Vice Principal Taleni Tufuga addressing the assembly.

Trophy & Medal for the school.

During the week there has been a hustle and bustle all along the main road.  Communities are cleaning their yards, painting their trim, painting decorative tires, painting their rubbish receptacles, and pruning trees and shrubbery.  We figured out that it is in preparation of the Miss Samoa pageant that will take place on September 8^th.  It is the first time that the pageant is being held in Savaii.  Many, many bamboo poles have been erected for miles along the roads and strings of flags have been attached in anticipation of welcoming the young ladies.

They use rocks in some of the villages to decorate the road.
These are freshly painted.

They pile coconuts at the base of the poles for decorations.
Each village does their color.  These are green and white.

These coconuts are painted a metallic gold paint.

Lots of flags streaming from the church to the road.

We've seen Samoa, New Zealand, and the U.S. flag posted.

Ron is especially time involved with internship observations and action research papers.  Five admin students (teachers) are really working hard so they can earn their administrative certificate before we leave.  Our EDU students found the midterm test a bit difficult although they pulled through with passing grades.  We complete that class by September 14^th.

One thing we have learned through our experiences in the past year and a half is that we all have talents to be shared; we all have areas for improvement; we all are continually learning; we share wholesome desires for successful families; and we all value friendship.  The Lord has blessed us!  There are days that we are immensely aware of His guiding hand.  While we set out to make a difference in the lives of others, ultimately it is they who have made a powerfully good difference in our lives that will long be remembered.