Better Late than Never?
We have been really busy the past few weeks. We traveled to Samoa for 10 days for 2 graduations, school prize givings, working with ITEP couples, introducing the teacher coaching to principals and teacher coaches, and visiting with counselors.
On Thursday, November 23rd we flew on a huge airplane to Samoa.
This is the Faleolo International Airport in Samoa
Elder & Sister Gurr picked us up at the airport.
We were in the Auckland MTC with The Gurr's!
They took us to a fiefia night at the Le Manumea for our dinner and show.
Friday, November 24th, we went to the Sauniatu Primary School for their Prize giving.
Students are given prizes for their efforts in school.
The Top students receive a trophy.
These are the Grade 8 students who promoted from the school.
They were dressed in white. They sang a beautiful song about the Savior.
These are the cute students! They melt your heart.
Elder Holbrook with Elder & Sister Foley who serve at Sauniatu as the ITEP Couple
This is a 1st grade teacher who retired. She had taught for over 30 years.
Students and parents honored her by giving her leis.
The village of Sauniatu was built in a sunken dome of a volcano.
The first LDS converts were persecuted so they moved to Sauniatu for refuge.
It is very green and lush!
This is the back field
This is the campus and housing at Sauniatu
President David O. McKay visited the Sauniatu area.
He is greatly loved by the Saints. They built a Fale in remembrance of him.
This is the waterfall and swimming area at Sauniatu.
The Foley's are from Vernal, Utah. They are a wonderful couple!
On Saturday we accompanied the Little's and Starke's to a Ward Christmas Activity at the Beach.
Sister Starke and I just couldn't wait!
Elder Holbrook was a great sport to participate in the raw egg game
We actually had a pretty good weather day on Saturday.
It rained extremely hard in Samoa, everyday!
The Seniors in Samoa took great care of us for Thanksgiving. We ate Sloppy Joes 😋
We met Sister Kinikini at dinner. She is serving as a temple missionary.
This is her 9th or 10th mission!
Sister Kinikini served in the Tonga temple at the same time we were serving in Tonga
This is the chapel we attended church at on Sunday.
This is the housing for Senior Missionaries and Teachers.
The mission office has set up a small Visitor's Center in their courtyard.
They did an amazing job! It is attracting a lot of nonmembers and members
We met Elder Vaha'ai at the Center. He is a former student from Liahona!
His father is the band teacher and his mother is over the cleaning of houses.
The Samoan Temple
This is Malika Tongi and her new husband.
She is a cousin to Sateki Tongi and teaches at Pesega.
On Tuesday, November 28th, we took the ferry to Savi'i for Vaiola.
Jack Sparrow's bus was parked at the wharf as we went to Savi'i
We stayed at "The Amoa" on Savi'i. It was beautiful!
Bryce commented, "This is the Garden of Eden!"
Lobby of the hotel
Prize giving at Vaiola Middle School
The Counselor at Vaiola showing his new gift from Elder Holbrook -
A coin which said, "Armor of God"
Elder & Sister Rees, from Wyoming! Another wonderful couple!
At our hotel, the chef & his team made a large Gingerbread House.
Putting it into perspective
We had dinner with Elder & Sister Starke, from Oregon who left for home on Dec. 4th
and Elder & Sister Little from Washington who are the TVET couple at Pesega.
Pesega Campus
Pesega Middle School Prize giving
Graduation at Pesega, December 1st.
Bryce was asked to represent the Area Office Schools team to congratulate and accept the graduates.
The Salutatorian The Valedictorian
The Graduating Class sang a beautiful number!
Awarding of Diploma's with Principal Jack Talini and Ameet Kumar
Families honor their graduates and students with candy leis and crowns!
We went to Prom on Friday Night.
The students entered in the decorated doorway and had pictures taken.
What a wonderful Samoan trip we had!
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