Valentine's Day with Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum on 300 acres

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day (Saturday is also our Preparation or P-day) and we decided to get out and see more of the area.  About 5 miles from our apartment at the base of Mount Vaea, is the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (author of “Treasure Island” and other novels and poems).  Stevenson spent the last 5 years of his life in a large homestead that is now a museum.   He died unexpectedly at the age of 44 in 1894.  To show their love for Stevenson, the Samoan people cut a path to the top of the mountain for his burial.   

Start of the hike - full of hopes and dreams

Rustic steps along parts of the trail

Are you kidding me? 

The path, called the “Road of Loving Hearts” has two ways up and down – one steep and slippery and the other one steeper.  We took the short one (1/2 mile) up and were ready to lie down and die next to his tomb when we reached the top.  We finally caught our breath, took a few pictures and headed back down the longer path (1 ½ miles) that turned out to be narrow, slippery and with a very steep drop-off on one side.  The jungle terrain rivaled anything I have seen on TV - pretty, but also buggy, hot, humid, and moss growing on everything.  We were definitely challenged by the hike.  We were feeling our age, when we heard several of the Samoans that passed us say they did it several times a week for exercise... 

RLS Tomb at the top of Mt Vaea

Inland view from the top

We made it!

A fairly rare site - a cruise ship in the harbor

 

At the end - where's the water and the A/C? 

Cleaned up and ready to eat

 That afternoon (after a shower, a gallon of water and a nap) we went to Giordano’s for a late lunch.  It is one of about 6 places where we will eat, including McDonald’s.  (As an aside, this has been a big adjustment to us, since we ate out almost every day in the States).  It was our first time there.  We had salad, pizza and dessert.  It was very good, but a little pricey (about $46).  Although not air-conditioned, we had a good breeze and enjoyed the atmosphere.  And best of all, we were with our Valentine.

Great Pizza

Attending Our First Baptism

Last weekend we attended the baptism of one of the volunteers at the Self Reliance Center (SRC).  Ina (pronounced E-nah) Samuelu has been volunteering as a receptionist at the center for about the last 6 months.  She is very helpful keeping things organized in the reception room (we generally have 10-15 people at once in the room), controlling the use of the 6 computers, and being our translator at times.  She is married and has a 7 year old daughter.  Saturday was her baptism and Sunday she was confirmed a member of the Church and received the Holy Ghost.  For those not familiar with baptism in the LDS Church, this is the same as being baptized by water and the Spirit described in the New Testament (Acts 8:14-17).  We are very happy for her and are glad we will be able to fellowship her in the Gospel.    

At the baptism of Ina Samuelu with Elder and Sister Roos

PS - You can see that Elder Roos has "gone Samoan" with his lava lava, which he wears all the time. He told me it's because he "outgrew" his slacks, but I think he just likes to wear them.

Our 1 Month Anniversary

Today we celebrate being in the mission field one month.  To be honest, it has felt like a long time coming because of our steep learning curve, the start of a new semester for the local universities and trade schools (which drives the PEF loan process), and getting use to our new home.  Now that school has started and we have learned many of the processes for our calling, I expect things will go quicker and more smoothly.  Elder and Sister Roos, who we are replacing will be flying home on the 27th.  They have been such a help in learning about the Perpetual Education Fund and other responsibilities we are taking on.  We know they are excited to be back with their family after 18 months, but we will be sorry to see them leave.

We have our area coordinators from Auckland, New Zealand coming next week to give us some additional training.  This is probably better than if we had stayed a few days in Auckland before we came here, because now we can ask intelligent questions (I hope).  I'll let you know next week...

I am continually amazed at the flower arrangements at church each Sunday

Black Sand Beach

Angela under the tree

The weekend after we got to Samoa (Jan 17), we were invited to go to one of the black sand beaches with several other senior couples.  Only one of the couples had been to this particular beach, and it’s probably a good thing, otherwise I think most would have decided there is an easier way to see sand in Samoa.  Only after we got back and saw a map did we realize the road there is one of two that say “4-wheel drive only”.  After 1 ½ miles of the worst road and densest forest we have seen, we arrived at the beach.  It’s not a “true” black sand beach, with a mixture of volcanic material mixed with brown sand. When we would walk along the water’s edge, we would sink 4 inches into the sand.  As with most places in Samoa, it was very pretty.  And this beach was deserted (I wonder why). 

Footsteps in the sand

Arriving at the beach

A little wet due to the rain 

 All beach property, including this one is owned by a village, and before you swim or snorkel, it is proper to seek out the local matai (village chief) or someone in the village, to pay a usage fee.  The cost can range from 10-20 Tala (about $5-10) per car to 10-20 Tala per person.  Many of the couples brought snorkeling gear, which they generously offered to us to use.  We politely declined this time, but may get the snorkeling bug as we acclimatize ourselves to the island life.  January is one of the rainiest months for Samoa, so true to form, it rained the whole time we were there.  It was still fun getting to know our new friends and having some time off before we start learning our new assignment.

Some of the other couples we went with 

Just fyi, we have 9 US/Canada couples here in Apia (in addition to a number of Samoan temple and maintenance missionaries).  Sounds like a lot, but everyone is busy and we could use more.

Elder and Sister Jackson – mission office couple. They leave in June, no replacement has been identified.

Elder and Sister Roos – PEF (Perpetual Education Fund).  They leave this month with no replacement.  We are picking up the bulk of what they are doing in addition to our calling as education specialists.

Elder and Sister Hammond – ITEP (International Teachers Education Program).  They coordinate and teach at the church schools here on the island of Upolu.  They leave in July.

Elder and Sister Stonehocker – ITEP.  They do the same thing as the Hammonds for the island of Savaii.

Elder and Sister Jacobs – Area Audit missionaries, here until November.

Elder and Sister Harper – Serving a 6 month "bridging" mission in systems technology, leaving this month.  They came after two other couples were not able to come due to health reasons.  Their replacements come in May. 

Elder and Sister Layne – Serving 18 months providing dental services to missionaries and others for free.  They leave in May.

Elder and Sister Lamoreaux – Temple couple.  They leave this month and not being replaced.

Sauniatu (Saw-nee-ah-too) - Prepare to go Forth

About a week ago we went with our neighbors, Elder and Sister Hammond to a place on the Island called Sauniatu.  There is a church school there and they were having an in-service class with the teachers for this coming semester. To get there, we drove along the coast for about 30 minutes from Apia (where we live), where we saw the beautiful beaches and the Pacific Ocean rolling in. Then we drove to the top of one of the mountains. While they were teaching, we had a chance to see the area. A few pictures are below.    

Sauniatu is considered by members of the church here to be one of the most sacred places on the islands of Samoa.  Quoting from the plaque that is placed there (see the picture with me and Angela):

 "In 1904, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased approximately 800 acres of land in this valley.  It served as a refuge and gathering place for the early members of the church.  The area was called Sauniatu which in English translates as "prepare to go forth." 

Sauniatu's legacy is the result of the early pioneer experiences and sacrifices of people Liek Opapo and To'ai (who had eleven of their fourteen children die before adulthood), and Sai Masina who was head man of the village for many years.

On Tuesday, May 31, 1921, Elder David O. McKay dismounted from his horse near this spot, hung his folded umbrella on a branch of the tree and left an apostolic blessing on the people and land of Sauniatu.  He called this place one of the "first temples" and blessed the people that their lands would be able to produce the necessities and comforts of life.  He prayed that the plantations would be fruitful and the leaders would be wise.  He asked for a special blessing on the mothers, fathers, young men and women and especially the little children.  Above all, he prayed that they might have a "clear understanding of the truth" and make a rapid progress in gaining a knowledge of God and his work.  "May thy peace abide here in the village of Sauniatu."

Us at the Sauniatu plaque as you come into the area

The McKay Fale (house) built in 1968 in honor of
David O. McKay when he visited as an apostle in 1921

Bust of David O. Mckay inside the Fale

Bird of Paradise 

Scene from on top a hill at the village

Waterfall a short distance from the chapel and school 

Church building next to the school and teachers' housing

Beach scene on the way to Sauniatu