Kia Ora

SENSATIONAL SAMOA--AUGUST 2014

 

Somebody pinch me!  I'm in SAMOA!!!  What a beautiful island! Our first assignment after landing in New Zealand and getting settled in our new home in Auckland (Takapuna) was a trip to gorgeous Apia, Samoa.  Our hosts, President and Sister Tolman, made the visit memorable and comfortable in  every way.  We drove from one side of the island to the other, viewing the ancestral homes and the verdant beauty of this tropical paradise.  Above is a sample of the ferny, lush greenery against a    striking blue sky, dotted with puffy white clouds.  We were in heaven!                                      

We stopped on our tour to take a "selfie" and enjoy the amazing view!  What perfect guides and leaders these two are! Blessed missionaries to have their examples and love.

Along the way we stopped at a zone conference and met these dedicated and hard-working missionaries.  I LOVE the missionaries of this amazing Church! They willingly give 18 months to two years of their lives to find and teach their brothers and sisters all over the world, desiring to bring them unto Christ so that they can enjoy the fullness of His gospel!  Always uplifting to be in their presence.  It is a joy to serve the Lord and help in building His Kingdom on earth! 

Next we were privileged to speak to a chapel full of these wonderful servants of the Lord.  After we spoke, we enjoyed meeting them and shaking their hands.  We were in the presence of greatness!

On Sunday we were delighted to attend Stake Conference and meet many more of the faithful and beautiful Samoan Saints. Here are a few of the members of a fantastic youth choir. These amazing Saints sing like angels!  Music is one form of their artistic  talents and they sing with their whole heart and soul.  If we closed our eyes we could imagine what Heaven will sound like.

Just one example of the faithful and wonderful families in Samoa. These people are generous, kind, loving and helpful in every way. What a privilege to be in their land and enjoy their hospitality!

The Samoa, Apia Temple is absolutely divine. One of the highlights of our trip was to enjoy a session inside these hallowed walls.  Truly, we felt that we were amidst heavenly cherubs.  There is no peace like being in the House of the Lord.

President and Sister Fitisemanu preside over this lovely temple. It was our joy to join them on the temple grounds along with President and Sister Tolman to snap a photo in remembrance of a special time and place.  How I love this Church--that teaches the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I am in awe of the dedication and love of so many of Heavenly Father's children who work tirelessly so that others can enjoy the blessings of the gospel.

I LOVE to see the temple.  Each one a sacred and hallowed place. We are so blessed!

 

Quintessential tropical scene.  Just a snapshot from the car as we drove by!  Amazing.

 

 

                                     

 

Serious beauty--I love Heavenly Father's creativity and artistry!!!

 

 

                                     

 

The locals enjoy their tropical paradise--easy to see why!

 

 

Beautiful homes, often with ancestral burial grounds in front.

 

  

 

The Tolmans were the perfect hosts. They showed us the beauty of this island and its amazing people. They treated us to a vegan restaurant lunch and lots of healthy and delicious meals at their home. We will never forget our delightful trip to sensational Samoa!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional Good-Bye Song!  Made everyone cry.