Samauga

I arrived in Samauga this past Saturday. After Swear in on Friday group 83 celebrated together one last time before parting ways again, but on our own this time. The Savaii group had to wake up at 5:30 to catch the 8:00 Ferry. We had two vehicles, one that was hauling all of our stuff and was going on the ferry with us; the other was just to transport us to the ferry. We were a little off schedule that morning. The truck did not fit all of our belongings, it was piled so high that one speed bump and all of it would fall off. The van transporting the PCV’s ended up transporting the rest of our stuff that did not fit. The trip was a success, making the 8 o’clock ferry without losing any of our belongings.

The plan was to be picked up by our host families or someone from the school committee at the wharf. I was greeted by my host family as well as my pule(principal). It was a good thing my pule came with a truck, otherwise my stuff would have been left at the wharf. I arrived to Samauga to a finished house and fried chicken. I talked with a member of my host family and pule for a while and then they left me to unpack and have a rest. I woke up to a feeling as if someone was watching me. Sure enough I rolled over to my 5yr old host sister just staring at me and then in a creepy smile saying “hiii jenny”. I knew that this was the moment I met my new best friend. She has quite a sassy personality. She bosses everyone around and I have noticed that most of the village children are afraid of her. I think she is awesome, her name is Sarai.

I live on a family compound. In the first house, which is also connected to the family shop, is a couple with their three daughters. The house behind them is the grandparents and then the guest house is in the back which is occupied right now by the family members visiting from Australia. My house is across from the grandparent’s house. It is a small western house with one bedroom and bathroom. It just needs a little love and decorating, and then it will be perfect.

I am sure you all are wondering how it is going my first Christmas away from home. It is a little tough. Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year. I have been thinking about drinking peppermint mochas with Kristine, trimming the tree with my family (no matter how chaotic it is), waiting last minute to take the Christmas card picture, trying to find where my mom is hiding our Christmas presents, the smell of a real Christmas tree, watching my mom pull post its and gum out of her stocking, Christmas pjs, and of course Christmas morning. I do miss all those things, but I knew that being away for the holidays was all part of this experience. A former PCV told me I had to “Own it” and do whatever I needed to do to make it feel like Christmas. So taking his advice Christmas music is playing nonstop in my fale and I colored some Christmas pictures to hang on the wall.

All in all it has been a good first week in Samauga. I haven’t received any more letters or packages. That’s not to say that they aren’t here, it’s just the matter of me traveling back to Upolu and picking them up. I do have a new address which I will post below. Keep sending letters and e-mails. I will have regular internet access within the next couple months but I am able to use the PC office in the mean time.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays….

Most of our stuff...

Crazy Sarai

My House :)

New Samauga Primary

View from the school