Loving samoa today

in the pics: what's the deal with a topless coconut tree? bucket laundry in paradise; inside a normal samoan bus; a very large blow hole (don't get too close)

8/17
I’m helping a year 13 student (who used to attend our school) write his speech/debate.
“why I love samoa”
Mativa—poor
1. there is enough money for basic needs.
2. there is enough good tasting and healthy food to raise a family.
3. I am happy. My family is happy.
4. warm weather.
5. There is no war.
6. We have freedom.
He knows the samoan. He needs help with the translation into decent English.

Positive effects of technology on our culture.
• Technology can help record (preserve and protect) our culture
• Technology can be a source of information about our culture
• Technology can help to spread information about our culture
• Make our culture more open to other people (who may live far away)


8/15
So I’m also the warm up coach for our athletics. The students usually didn’t do any warm up, and then did their exercises.
Warmup—reduces risk of injury.
Power—there is no substitute for raw power.
Technique—better utilizes raw power.
Hydration—muscles work better if properly hydrated.
Breathing—gives energy to muscles. Stops cramps.
Attitude—will determine if you use all the other pieces to their full potential.

I also had to whip them into shape…there was no water bucket in the beginning. One girl fainted. Too hot.



8/11
Book: My Name is Today (morley/ Lovel)
We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the fountain of life. Many of the things we need can’t wait.
The child cannot.
Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his sense are being developed.
To him we cannot answer “tomorrow”
His name is “today.”
(Gabriela Mistral --Chilean poet)

I wake up when my alarm springs to life with the alarm and the buzz. There is a faint light coming through the shades on my windows. I do my morning stretches and rub my feet, which are sore from standing most of yesterday teaching. My morning walk is something I look forward to each day because I get to be alone (something that’s hard to do in Samoan culture of togetherness) and landscapes are usually the most vibrant at dawn and dusk. I put my shoes on. This is the only time I ever wear my shoes—except when doing the river hike. I open my door, step outside and look to the left. The rising light is a blood red—the deepest red I have ever seen in the sky. Another example of when I stand in awe before God’s nature. I like nature.