A Message from Emily...

Talofa!

We are half way done with the week and it has been a full and tiring week. In the kids camp, all of the kids love the upbeat songs that we sing and all the stickers. Earlier in the week we were served the best ice cream ever after lunch, I wish we were able to have that every day. The weather has been crazy, it will perfectly fine in one minute but then be pouring down rain 5 minutes later. One girl from a neighboring village heard that we were here and told us that she wanted to be baptized. So later that day Rob was able to baptize her in one of the fresh water springs. After the girl said that in doing that it took away her pride. I think that is amazing and a very special thing to have happen. I feel so blessed to be able to witness that and I can't wait to see how God uses her do to amazing things in this village. 

All of the people here have been so kind to us, and seeing the kids smile helps me push through being tired and continue. Thank you for all the prayers and please keep them coming. 

-Emily

Day 1 of Medical Clinic & Kids Camp & Sports Camp

Talofa! (Hello in Samoan) 

Today, we opened the medical clinic, which included the optometry and passing out glasses, which I was assigned to. It was such a joy to be able to help people find glasses that they needed, many of whom have not been able to read clearly for a very long time.  Many of the locals who came and got glasses were so surprised that they were free and were so overwhelmed. And in turn, it made us feel so happy to be a part of that experience. 

The weather today was just amazing-- beautiful clouds and some unexpected light showers right after kids camp finished! Being a part of the kids camp was such a joy. We finished up at the clinic early so our whole team got to join in. 

The meals here are amazing, and there's no where else in the world you would find anything like this. One of my favorites has been the "oka," which is raw tuna in coconut milk with diced cucumbers. Twice, we have had cold coconuts with a straw-- pure, fresh coconut water! 

The people here have been so amazing to us, and I've been so blessed to be in God's service here. Thank you for your continued prayers! 

-Chuck

A Message from Katie...

In Savai'i!! We had a beautiful welcome from our friends in Matavai, including a traditional kava ceremony! We are so thankful for their loving hospitality. Our team wore our whites and formal lava lavas to church this morning, and we are in charge of the evening service tonight! Thank you for the prayers! The medical clinic, sports camp, and kids Bible camp starts tomorrow!

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Can't send pics right now-- hoping to get better service later to send some pics!

On to Savaii

Ferry Dock

Savaii Beach

A Message from Kim & Meggan

Talofa,  

It's a bird, it's a plane...no, it's just tired and hungry Americans!!! We LANDED safely and were greeted by beautiful Samoan music at the airport. If has been smooth travels all the way so far! We are currently eating breakfast, enjoying the most amazing view, and resting after only a couple hours of sleep before we board the ferry to Savai'i (and then take a bus to our village Matavai!). We are all excited to be here, and we are looking forward to what God has in store! Thank you for your prayers! We feel them!   

Fa'a Samoa!  
Kim & Meggan

God's Beauty

Katie took this beautiful picture in Apia, Samoa as they
head to the ferry that will take them to Savaii.

Lookin' Good

Our wonderful team dressed in their team shirts and lava lavas.
They are in the Apia airport.

Confirmation they are in Samoa!

I have confirmation from Katie that our team is safely in Samoa and with this lovely lady, Lagi. Lagi is our representative in Samoa. She has made all the preparations for our team to arrive and will support them while they are there, we thank God for her. Next step take the ferry to Savaii.  

The Plane Has Landed

I have checked the Fiji Airways 'flight status' online and the website reports that the plane has landed 6:16 am at the Apia airport. Thank you Lord for a safe flight. I will update as soon as I hear from the leaders that they are on the ground.
Faithfully,
Tracie Cordle

Morning Update

Good Morning Samoa Bloggers,
   I heard from the leaders this morning at 4:35am; they had just all boarded Fiji Airways bound for Apia, Samoa. They were joined by Dr. Brad, from Hawaii. He will be leading the medical clinic. The flight is estimated to arrive in Apia at 6:16am their time. Here is the link to check the flight status (Honolulu to Apia): http://www.fijiairways.com/bookings/flight-status/ 

Faithfully,
Tracie Cordle
WVCC Mission Coordinator    

Aloha from Hawaii!

 

In the Honolulu airport, joined by Dr. Brad!! 

Our team safely in Hawaii!

 

After a great time in prayer, many jokes & laughs, 

one & a half hours in traffic, 

a mad dash to check in and get through security 

the Samoa Missions team made it onto 

the plane and taxied off for flight.

God bless their journey! 

Happy Birthday Mamo!

The Fruit of the Spirit

Our Kids Camp theme this year is the Fruit of the Spirit! 

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." 

Galatians 5:22 

We are praying this for the village we are serving, Matavai on Savai'i, and for our team! 

God is Good!

Now that's a good lookin' group!

The team would like to thank all those who have donated to their trip with money & prayer.

SAMOA - READY, SET...

   Please begin to pray for Josh, Justin, Katie, Julie, Rob, Phyllis, Gary

    Emily, Tim, Ashley, Christina, Val, Lauren, Chuck

    Lexi, Meggan, Kim, Annie, Kristen, Kara, Tony

     Will, Jens & Carinda as they prepare to head to Samoa in Matavai, Savaii.

Some of our team worked on the school building installing
 lights and laying tile floor.

Meggan trying out her new skill, power washing. She thinks this could be her new summer job. :)

God provided a pool for us to maintenance. The day we arrived a pipe broke on the pools drain and within a day emptied itself. We took the opportunity to scrub the pool, power wash it to ready it for very needed paint job. It is a great feeling that we are able to help with something that provides so much fun and exercise for the kids.