My wonderful parents were called on a medical mission for the LDS church to beautiful Samoa. They are having some amazing (and not so amazing) experiences there. They are in an all Samoan ward and it is a challenge to understand the meetings, but despite the language barrier, they have accepted a call to teach the temple prep classes in their ward. They love the people of Samoa and are so grateful for this experience. Their main responsibility is to care for the sick missionaries. Health care in Samoa is well below the standards we have here in America. The hospitals are filthy and patients are required to bring their own bedding, food, and water. Often sick missionaries are brought to their clinic to be cared for there. My parents have had many opportunities to be surrogate "grandma and grandpa" to the missionaries when they just need someone to talk to. I am so thankful for their great example of service. We miss them so much, but are so thankful that they have chosen to serve the Lord at this time.
This is the mango tree in their back yard. They are finding that adjusting to the food has been a challenge, but there are all kinds of wonderful fresh fruit to eat. The other day when my dad was moving boxes he literally lost his pants. He has lost so much weight in Samoa.
