A little update of things in Samoa

Things here have gotten so much better this term than they were in term 1.  I feel so much happier and like I’m starting to feel at home here.

School has been slow this semester, but good.  I’m teaching my kids Zoo Phonics, which is letter sounds through animal names.  It’s fun and they love it.  I see progress with them, but it’s slow because I only have a very limited amount of time with them.  But next term it will be better!   I am planning another English Day which will be like a spelling bee, which I think will be a lot of fun for the kids and the parents. I’m really hoping it will be fun! And then we are having a soccer festival the last week of school, so my principal has roped me into being the soccer coach of sorts—I have led a couple of practices but mostly they just play an unorganized game with themselves for a couple hours in the evenings.  During the term break I am planning an English camp for the kids with another volunteer and his students.  It’s only three days, but it should be a lot of fun for the kids. I’m excited!!  We are planning scavenger hunts, crafts, plays, songs, games, reading activities, and lots of cool things! I think it will be great. 

We are also planning a GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) Conference in September –which will soon be posted online and asking for donations from friends and family back in the states, so I’ll give more information about it when that time comes.   Basically its going to be a really neat experience for the older girls in the Primary Schools that will talk about career options, importance of education, Health and other topics.  Many of the girls have never been to Apia before so this will be their first time. I think it will be awesome! I’m probably the most excited about this right now. 

On Monday I’ll be volunteering at the Special Olympics in Savaii, which I’m excited about.  And then next week will come back to Apia for the Closing Ceremony of the Pacific Partnership.  SO things have definitely picked up in terms of my busyness level—but anyone that knows me, knows I love being busy! And I think being busy makes me feel more useful and makes me feel more excited to be here! I’m loving it! Anyways, that’s a pretty general update of things in Samoa.  I really am grateful everyday to be here.  It’s a great blessing.