Hi all. First, let me congratulate our friends Shaun and Marri who (as far as I know) wed on Saturday. I think I speak for everyone when I say, “We need to see some pictures.” Also, have an incredible adventure together in the UAE!
As for John and I, we arrived in Samoa safe and sound. It has been a long couple of days but I am really happy to be here. For now, we are staying at a high school in Tafuna for our two weeks of orientation. We are sleeping on mats on the floor and getting to know one another. I think that we have a really great group, 35 people who are mostly are well traveled and enthusiastic about being here.
Monday, we spent the morning at a cultural center’s summer school, and had some hands on fun learning Samoan dance, weaving, and painting. Everyone was very kind and eager to help us learn. AND, after only 36 hours in Samoa, our Johnny made the front page of the Samoan News! He is weaving with a local woman, like you do…
We have been in lots of workshops but also have some free time to tour the island. It is gorgeous! Infested with mean, eager mosquitoes, but gorgeous. We will get our final teaching placements and housing assignments soon, but it looks like we will be between two clusters of volunteers, so there should be lots of people to hang out with. More later, take care everyone!
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"our johnny"?!?! Cyn what has Samoa done to you already???
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you remember me from Hope Church days, but I used to babysit you and your sister. :-) I'm living out in the middle of the Pacific, too - on O'ahu in Hawaii. I've been thinking about you down South. You probably already know how connected our islands our. There are tons of Samoans here in Hawaii and a lot of people have family been affected by the tsunami. One of my students where I teach lost 2 relatives. Know that you have support of just about the entire state of Hawaii. We're all praying for you guys down there...lots of fundraising and Red Cross drives and such. Thanks for sharing your experience. I love reading your blog so far!
Lisa (Brannigan) Rodvien