trees on beach road as they cut them down.
Back here in Samoa life is starting to get back to normal, or at least as normal as it will be for the months ahead. Power has been restored to most of the capital, although all the rural villages away from town still remain without electricity. Stores have continued to clean up. Construction is taking place on the roof at McDonald’s and most stores have moped out the layers of mud that coated them a few days ago.
The first addition of the Samoan Observer was printed yesterday, loaded with pictures of the damage and stories of heroic acts that took place during the storm. Concerns are building about the possibilities of food shortages which almost seem inevitable. Most Samoans depend on basic foods such as bananas, breadfruit and taro and much of these crops of been destroyed, either by wind or water. The ocean, which has always been a source of food for Samoans, has suddenly become ever more important as a source of food. Rice, which has also become common in most households, is sure to see a price rise and other imported goods as well. I keep reminding myself that Samoans have been living on these islands for the past 3,000 years and this isn’t there first time through this, yet this is a new generation that is experiencing this storm, given the fact it has been 21 years since one this strong has hit.
Saulo, Milo and Neueli are growing ever more anxious for our departure on Friday night! Because of limited transportation and roads that are still being cleaned up, the parents and I have decided to keep the boys at my house which is closer to the airport and town, as opposed to going back out to the village where it would be expensive for transport to and from. They’ve been in touch with their families over the phone throughout the week and their spirits seem high. I think they’ve realized they aren’t in this alone; all of Samoa—and now even other Pacific islands, are going through the same thing.
In my last blog I commented on how the Samoan Youth Empowerment Initiative has already begun in many ways, with the bravery they’ve shown and their patience in waiting for the program to begin. There is no doubt that the program will have a different tone to it, as their minds will certainly be on their families back in Samoa. However, it is my hope that the program will give them a chance to keep busy and still accomplish the original goals and objectives we set from the beginning.
Below are some more pictures of life here in Samoa over the past few day. We thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Today, one of the first freighters arrived into Apia. In the foreground are limbs that liter Apia Harbor.
Digicel, the dominant telephone provider for Samoa, realized that when cell phones are dead, no money is made. They've set up tents around the country, such as this one, where people can come and charge their cell phones by generator.
Damage at the bus stop.
Sardines and rice have been our food for the past 6 days. We buy instant noodles for variety. We are fortunate, however, to have food.
No comments:
Post a Comment