Monday, June 9, 2008

Do You Have Fake Hair?

Today was the first Sunday Melinda and I would teach. We teach ages 2-3rd grade. We had 9 of the cutest little Samoan kids. So, even though Bible class supposedly starts at 9:30 we didn't get started til at least 9:45. We had a high school girl that translated for us b/c when you reach 5th grade usually the Samoans can understand English, but until then they're still busy trying to learn their own language. Samoans love love to sing. We would sing the song in English and then if they knew it they would sing it in Samoan for us...and we would try to sing along and they would of course laugh. They went crazy when we sung "I'm all Wrapped Up". Melinda told them that we would try to sing it as fast as we could and that was definitely a sight to see. Samoans loving to sing. sing loud and with smiles on their faces. It seems like in America though we would sing softer especially if we didn't think we sing as well as others or think we can't carry a tune. The Samoans definitely sing with their hearts even if it's not the most what we would think of prettiest sounding...I'm sure God smiles down when he hears the Samoans sing. I really can get this picture in my head of God even maybe smirking or a slight chuckle of joy when he hears them sing. We then read our story about Saul's Conversion. Then the kids made scrolls with construction paper, pencils, and a coloring sheet we glued in the middle. I'm afraid that the pencils were used as drum sets during worship service though...but a little background music to the preacher never hurts....Then we dismissed the kids and the younger kids went with their parents but about half of the kids stayed since the adult class was still going on. We asked them to teach us a Samoan game: it's like rock paper scissors but you don't say rock, paper scissors or 1,2,3 shoot. You throw out your sign at the very beginning then the winner gives a direction of movement with a shoohh sound. You can either go up down left or right. Then the loser points their head at the same time in a direction of movement and if they end up being the same then the loser is out. If not you repeat this cycle...until someone loses. It was very funny b/c I would always forget to turn my head before the winner would move his hand in the direction. They would say you have to do it faster faster. Then we went to worship service and we were introduced to the congregation. Everything was going great we sat with the kids up front it was neat b/c already they seemed to look up at us (I don't mean that in a cocky way though). Then when the offering was being taken up I had my money out and then the man stuck out his hand and I thought that he wanted my $ so I gave it to him..but then he gave it back. Then the Samoan girl next to me laughed and told me all he wanted to do was to shake my hand. Then when worship was over we talked and I played tag with a little girl Juliette until she left. Then Rosetta and Mua came up to Melinda and I and asked us about Tues. b/c that is when we have an activity with the Tween class. They were really excited and wanted to teach us Samoan and braid our hair. Mua and Rosetta said they thought our hair was really pretty...and then Mua started braiding my hair and I had put mousse in it and she asked wait do you have fake hair..She said yours is kind of hard...I laughed and said no...but I never have been told that one before. Then we ate lunch at this place where the missionaries go every Sun. after church. They knew their names and exactly what they wanted to order. I thought that was neat. Then we wanted to get some form of exercise so David told us our safest bet would be to walk around the golf course that is in their backyard. That was pretty entertaining...I was sweating even before we started b/c it is so humid here and if you don't believe me...think to yourself for a second and remember we are living on a island. Then we had a Bible study upstairs. We sang lots and had a discussion. Then Coleen taught us the beginning of Samoan and Tahitian dances. It was very fun/funny. We learned a secret about how to move your hips really fast that we will have to show you...I know you're thinking Marci and Melinda+Dancing=Not Possible...but I came to the conclusion at least in my head that we weren't that bad. That's about it we miss everyone though lots and you are all in our prayers... and we ask that you keep the Samoan children that we teach and get to know in your prayers as well. Just so you know it's around 11:50p.m. Sunday night here, but around 5:50am Monday morning in good ol Texas time. That's pretty crazy I think. Samoa is that last time zone the last part of the earth (that people live on) that finish the day.

Samoan words:
fia fia: happy
Talofa: is hello and love combined it's the greeting like hello but with love emphasized as well

5 comments:

Makinzie said...

love y'all. thanks for letting us into your world.

mimi said...

Tolofa to you both!!
I am so happy that your first class went well. Happy 10th spiritual birthday Marci!! Remember going down in that cold water at Blue Haven? Are the Samoans baptized in the ocean? That would be fun to see!! Sleep well!
Mom

jan said...

Yes! I too thought of your spiritual birthday as I was thinking of Katie being at Blue Haven this week and yes, yesterday (same as yours!) was her third birthday 6-9-05 and it is her 9th and last year at CBH. What a great place that was for all of you.
I am sooo glad you are experiencing God's people in Samoa. It really makes me long and yearn to be in Africa this summer where I encountered the most humble, grateful, singing from total joy-in-their hearts, people I have run across. It really makes me think I would love the laid back, beautiful Samoan people as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love, jan

jill whitlock said...

It sounds like you girls are having fun. Isn't it great serving God can be so fun. I think He is looking down and smiling at you and your work.Blessings to you both.
Jill

Brianna Allen said...

Tolofa! I'm so fia fia that ya'll are getting to spend such great time together as sisters! Ya'll will never forget this special time! I too thought of you Marci! It will be Caroline and my 10th spiritual birthday on Saturday! Glad we're sisters too! :D