Talofa Lava from Samoa,

Today is May 1, 2013.  Wow, time just seems to fly by.  We had a very interesting couple of weeks.

On April 19, 2013 we got to our office and there were emails from people saying Grandpa fell and call home.  Reed's Dad fell and broke his hip.  They had to operate but had to wait a couple of days because his blood was too thin.  He was in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable.  They operated on Saturday, April 20th in Utah.  They said the surgery was successful but he just never fully responded after that.  He couldn't swallow or drink very well, he didn't wake up for long periods and he really couldn't speak well.  On Tuesday, April 23, the family met with the hospital social worker and doctor who said there really wasn't much more they could do for him.  We were able to attend the family meeting through Skype.  Modern technology has been such a blessing for us on our mission. 

They took him home on Thursday and he seemed to rally a little.  They have brought hospice in and the family is taking turns staying with Reed's Mom.  We were able to Skype and talk to him for a short minute.  When Reed said,  "Hello Dad, this is Reed," he opened his eyes, looked right into the ipad and said hello.  He told Reed he loved him and that meant a lot.  He is still with us as we write this blog but his time will be short.  He is on no life support and has had no food, or water for over a week now.  He seems to be peaceful so we hope Heavenly Father will release him from this mortal body soon.  We are headed to Utah on the early morning plane on Saturday, May 4, 2013.  It is hard to be away at this time but we know that we have work here to do and will return on May 21, 2013.  The Mission President has given us permission to leave and return so we are grateful for that.

Something good that happened to us on Friday, April 19, 2013 is we were able to attend a mission conference.  We were so blessed to have five General Authorities here.  We had Elder Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle, President Hamula and President Pearson from the Area Presidency, and Elder Jessop and Elder Fata from the Seventies.  Elder Oaks stood in the front of the chapel and had every missionary in attendance walk by and shake his hand along with President and Sister Leota, our Mission President and wife.  That was done very reverently and quickly.  The talks were all very inspiring and motivating.  Elder Oaks' Great Grandfather served a mission here in Samoa in the 1890's so he said he has a special place in his heart for these people.  You should hear these young missionaries sing the mission hymn.  It is very powerful.  Elder and Sister Oaks were overwhelmed by the spirit as were we.  It is something we wish everyone could hear.

That evening they had a special cultural event for the visiting authorities,

all the senior missionaries, all the Stake Presidents and their wives and local people who wanted to attend.  They had a stake from the South side of Upolu perform.  They did a very nice job of singing and dancing and sharing their culture with us.
Front row left to right, President Hamula, Elder and Sister Oaks, Sister and President Pearson.

Elder Oaks spoke to us for a few minutes at the end of the evening.

We listened to these General Authorities talk, along with their wives, to a YSA group on Saturday evening, also.  That was a very good evening.

On Sunday, there were three different Stake Conferences.  Elder Oaks went to one, President Hamula went to a different one and President Pearson went to the third.  We were blessed because Elder Oaks and his wife came to our Stake Conference.  It was actually held in our ward meeting house and we sat with the choir because our ward choir sang.  They came and got us as we entered and said you are part of our choir because you belong to our ward family.  That made us feel great and we did sing with them.  Half of the ward sings in the choir, they are fabulous.  Elder Oaks arrived 45 minutes early and walked around the chapel, cultural hall and where chairs were set up on the stage and in the hallway and shook every single persons hand.  What a wonderful opportunity for these people to shake the hand of an Apostle of the Lord.  It was a very spiritual weekend.  One we will never forget.

Before Stake Conference began Reed went around taking pictures of the choir.  They took up the whole main section of the chapel.  A lot of the young women and young men sing in the choir.

 This picture was taken after conference was over.  The woman walking across the front is the choir director.  She has a beautiful voice and really knows how to get the most out of the choir!

After the meeting the choir wanted their picture taken so Reed got them all organized.  This is in the front of our church building the Motootua Ward.  They made these outfits to sing today.  They looked great and sounded wonderful!


On Saturday, April 27, 2013, we decided to drive over to the South side of Upolu and look for sea shells and spend some time snorkeling.  Reed and Elder and Sister Rotz snorkeled.  Nada looked for shells with Elder and Sister Gertsch and we just played in the water.  We didn't find very many really cool sea shells but had a fun day. 

 Reed took this picture of this coral so he could show people to stay away from it.  He got caught in some of it a couple of months ago and it took him weeks before it stopped the stinging and itching and for the swelling to go away.

 We have never seen one of these fish before.  It is very interesting.

We stopped at Papapapaitai waterfall on the way back to Apia.  Since the cyclone you can see so much more of it.  We never knew there was the lower falls and two pools until after the cyclone blew done some of the foliage.  They have put in a big drain and cleared an area that looks like it is maybe going to be a picnic area.  Much nicer now.

Well that catches you up with what has been going on in our lives the last few weeks.  We have finished up a semester of classes and will have someone give the finals to them next week.  We will wrap everything up and turn in grades when we get back to Samoa on May 21st.  We are grateful to serve and are having a hard time leaving even for a couple of weeks.  We know we need to go and be with Reed's family at this time.  May the Lord continue to bless and watch over all of you.  Until next time.            
                                              Tofa Soifua!  Alofa Tele, Elder and Sister Spencer