OUTREACH update

Hmmm so now we are into week four of outreach.... and no tickets yet :) We have been delayed a couple times by the embassy on behalf of the Fiji passports but it looks like we are now in the clear and just waiting for them to call us... Then we can buy our tickets for next week. The local team, the ones without enough money to go to Australia, are leaving for the island of Savai on Friday and will be there for one month. The main thing will be a building project but really Im a bit jealous because I did want to see more of that island. They have beautiful waterfalls and you can swim with sea turtles. I guess God is teaching me some major lessons in Patience. I was reading in Ecclesiastes the part that talks about a season for everything and I realize this must be my season for silence and waiting. This week DTS is supposed to be off kitchen duty but we end up being in there still , Im wondering if they dont have enough base staff available to help. The Kona team has been focusing on SPG (south pacific game) outreaches and three of them with major soccer background has been able to practice with the Samoan team.
You know, Im focusing on appreciating my last moments here in Samoa. Ive spent over three months sleeping and eating in the open air (since our fales are open). Ive lost weight (ha Im counting that a blessing and not a concern). Ive made some fun and good relationships inside and outside the base. Ive learned a little bit of Samoan, and been able to appreciate the BEAUTIFUL countryside and ocean. Many things to be thankful for. And hopefully some of these relationships can continue by email when I leave. It makes me excited about exploring new places too!
They have some building projects coming up including two new bathroom buildings and two new fales for guests. On the down side one of the efforts included adding a light to the bathroom we have now which is right behind the girls fale. So when I lay down for bed around ten oclock its like the glory of God flowing through our open fale with the bright light. We've been hanging our lavalavas up just to keep it dimmer (um, I made the suggestion that they place the light on the girls fale FACING the bathroom instead but nothing has been changed yet). I did my clothes by hand again yesterday and wondered if it would be one of the last times. I forget completly what a hotshower is like, and what a tomato tastes like. I think honestly I might go through some culture shock getting to Australia and the 'real' life again. Maybe on the good side I wont spend time on some the things like TV or be more careful with my money now that Ive gone through living like this.
One food ill miss: Saka (spelling?) Basically bananas cooked in coconut cream. Hmmmm
Its lunch time and Im hungry :)
THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO ME!!