JourneyMissions2010

Taolfa!

This is the first chance we have had to access the computer since Friday. I am attempting to give you the highlights of the last few days. When I left you on Friday, we headed into Apia to shop for souvenirs and eat at a local restaurant, which specialized in fish and chips. I think Azalea wins for the most gifts purchased! You better watch out for the credit card bill Rolando! Just kidding! Everyone enjoyed the flee market and all it had to offer. You will have to ask Michael about the comments on his lava lava.

When we arrived back, we were greeted by the kids again. We spent the evening hanging out with the youth and singing with everyone. Will and Malua, one of the youth group, had fun going back and forth on their guitars. We’re all working hard on learning everyone’s names. Adam, who is feeling much better, has embraced his Samoan name “Atamu”. Everyone is still doing well with the food. We have had fried chicken, bread fruit and more!

On Saturday, we packed up the vans, and headed to the opposite side of the island, which none of our group had been to. It was pouring cats and dogs as we drove up the mountains into the bush. My van got stuck in the mud at one point (I think it was Rob, per Melissa), but a strong yellow rope got us free. It was 6 hours of driving, but each van had fun talking and sharing. The other side of the island was so different, with the waves breaking close and the color of the water was different! A quietness took over the vans as we began to see the devastation, that had not been completely rebuilt over a year later. Much had been cleaned up, but seeing the empty foundations was sad. We drove up the new roads being paved, because the people did not want to live along the ocean any longer. Many are now afraid of the sea, and see it as their enemy, vowing not to return to it. We pulled over and walked to the shore line, and prayed as a team for the villages. It was an emotional time for most, if not all of us. Just as we got in the vans, the rain began to POUR! We pulled over to eat sandwiches and drink juice. Amanda and I walked over to a snack shop, who I interviewed. I don’t think I will ever forget that conversation, where he told me about the 13 people he lost in the tsunami, including his dad and 3 sisters. He was in New Zealand when it happened, so his life was spared. He talked of the love of Jesus, but many times mentioned that the wound in his heart would never go away.

On our way home, we stopped for some good old fashioned New Zealand ice cream! I have never felt the weather be so cold, as I have on this trip. All my previous trips it has been hot and humid. You actually get a bit cold here after the sun goes down. I keep telling the team how spoiled they are. Those of you who came out with me 7 years ago, would not believe it!

On Saturday night, we met with the Youth Group for 3 hours. It has been the highlight of the trip so far. We worshiped together, and played a fun ice breaker game. Azalea, Jason and Becca gave their testimonies, and did a great job! Michael and Will sang “Come all ye weary”, as well as performed the King of Hearts drama with Jennie, Katie and Ashley. We then practiced the song ‘Grace like rain” we would sing with the Youth Group at church on Sunday. At first the students were quiet and shy, but as the power would go out and come back on, they were blaring! It was a closed off with homemade cookies and punch. The kids didn’t want to leave, but we had to send them home at 10pm, so they wouldn’t get in trouble. And once again, as every night, the team gathered in the small chapel by us to play games.

There is so much to share, but this is just a taste of what happened! We will send a blog about Sunday, later this afternoon!