What a WONDERFUL day!! We got up and ready to go shopping early this morning. We left right after breakfast and ran a few errands before starting our shopping. I was really excited because we were going to go to the food market place today as well as the flee market. After stopping by the bank we were going to cross the street and I hear someone calling my name. At first I think that it's a mistake and that I'm just hearing things but then I hear it again.... and again. I finally start looking around and I see this man hanging out of a van window waving frantically at me. After staring at him for 10 seconds I realize that it's CJ Reedus! He is serving his mission in Apia and I knew that the chances of me actually running into him were slim but I was hoping I would. Peta and I turned around and chased down the van that conveniently parked right next to our car which was where Kasala and Ala were getting the camera out. It worked out perfectly! I was very excited to see Elder Reedus. He looked great and just had that missionary glow around him. His Samoan was very good and he was talking with Kasala for a while. He asked about our vacation and where we were staying. I of course asked how the mission was. He is due to come home in a few months I think. He said that he was loving it and having a great time. The area that he is serving in now is kind of out there and the families don't really have a lot so they aren't getting very many meals. (When I asked Kasala about it he said that sometimes families would make these huge meals for the missionaries and spend a lot of money to feed them well but then go without for their own family.) We tried to give him so money seems they were in town for their P-Day so he could have a little extra but of course he refused. We offered to buy the missionaries food and they of course refused. There were about 10 missionaries in that parking lot together getting ready to hit the bank and shop. The spirit was so strong as we talked to them and saw how happy there were to be out serving the Lord teaching people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was probably one of the best days that we have had here. My heart was very full as we said good bye to the Elders. Hopefully we'll get to see Elder Reedus again before we leave. He gave us his phone number and we told him that if we make it out that way on Wednesday we'll give him a call. Hopefully we do because I would love for nothing more than to give him and his companion a good meal.
Oh... I found fabric, something for Mom, a new bag and comb for Grandma Fale, we dropped off our material and got measured for our dressed today as well. We didn't do much more... the highlight was seeing the missionaries dressed in their white shirts and ties, standing outside of McDonald's after eating lunch. I'm thankful for those missionaries who taught my Dad and his family the gospel all those years ago on this island.
Tomorrow... MANAMEA TURNS 1!! We're going to go home and plan a little party for her and then get things together in the morning. I can't believe it's been a year already!! This will probably be the only birthday she has in 90 degree weather :)
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