SAMOA.... Day 1

Our first day in Samoa was short but good. When we arrived to the airport there was a live band playing in the baggage terminal. We also go the first of what I hope is many stamps in our passports. Terina was very excited about that. I didn't have my phone out when we arrived but there was this great sign when you get off the plane that says Talofa and Welcome to Samoa. I need to remember to take a picture of Terina in front of that sign when we leave. Before even stepping off the plane I could feel the heat. And the humidity. I was wearing longs jeans, not by choice, and a t-shirt... and I was DYING! Kasala said that it was much cooler where his house was so I shouldnt' worry about the heat.

Kasala's dad was waiting for us when we cleared customs and it was nice to see him again. The drive back to the house was interesting. It was so neat to see all the different houses, churces and villages. There were kids in the swimming hoels along the side of the road and people selling food and fruits. We stopped at a few places looking for some mangos. the mangos were HUGE! They were selling them for 1 Tala. Manamea got her hands on one and just tore the thing up. Ididn't even know that she had it until I looked down and saw her eating the skin of the mango. She loved it too.

The ride to thehosue took us through the middle of Apia. The temple is right in the middle of town. We could see it from quite a ways away. It's located on the same campus as CCSW which is where Kasala went to school. I can't wait to go to the temple and look around. When his brother comes homepuflly we'll go and take pictures at the temple or the beach.

After going through the city we came to a dirt road and took that road all the way to the house. It took about 30 minutes from the time we entered the village to get to the house and the road was horrible. The house isn't right on the road like many of the others we saw. It's back a ways which is nice. The kids can run around and we don't have to worry about crazy drivers or people walking the road to the plantations. The yard is beautiful. There are flowers and fruit trees all around. The house is old and you can tell its seen better days. His dad is working on building a new house next to the old one. The foundation and framing is done. Most of the roof is done and Kasala will help finish that part on Monday or Tuesday. The shower adn bathroom are outside. The kitchen is attached but the cooking area is also outside.

We pulled in and were greeted by 3 little rugrats waiting for us. They were calling our names and Terina ran right to her cousings and gave them a hug. I was very happy to finally meet Kasala's mom. Of course I cried when I met her and I gave her a very long hug. Peta, Kasalas sister was also there to meet us along with his little sister who I met before she went on her mission. We didn't do much the first day. Mostly unpack, hand out what we brought for everyone and spend time with the family. Terina took off outside and played with her cousins until dinner.

That nichg we got some much needed rest. I think everyone was very tired. The kids were watching G-Force and I was falling asleep with Manamea so we just went to bed. Luckily we had a mosquito net to keep the bugs out. Hopefully it works for Terina but somehow I doubt it will. I was a  great first day in Samoa. I can't wait to see what adventures we have in store for the next 20 days.