I
was talking with a family friend earlier this week and she said that it was
probably easier for me to be leaving because I’ve been away at school for three
years. I guess that may be true, but
even while I’ve been in Richmond I’ve had access to my family and there have
been many times when I made a call home and three hours later someone was in
Richmond or I was home. I’ve made
friends in Richmond that I have relied on as family too. Right now knowing that I will have to say bye
to them in the next two weeks is the hardest part.
A
month from today I will also transition from being a student to a teacher. (well kind of) Once I get to Samoa I will have three-four
weeks of orientation where I will learn how to be a teacher and the
language. After that I imagine I will
continue learning as I use trial and error to see what works and what does not. I have found out that the first day of school
is August 13! I still do not know what
subject or grade I will be teaching.
Many
people have asked me what I need. I’ve
made two wish lists on Amazon.com. One
is full of things I personally need for American Samoa and the other one has
things that I want. Once I know what
grade and subject I will be teaching I’ll add a wish list for school supplies.
I’ve
been trying to learn Samoan this week. I
found a website where I can hear how it sounds and I’ve gotten a Samoan-English
dictionary. In closing I will leave you
with a few words and phrases that I am trying to learn
Telofa
Lava- Hello
Tofa
Soifua- Goodbye
Fa’apefea
mai oe- How are you?
O
fea le tou fale taele- What is the bathroom?
Ua
ta le fia? What time is it?
E
fia le tau ole mea lea- How much is this?
Three years ago when I moved you into the Cabinass dorm the thing that stuck with me was you looking out the locked doors waiving as I left you in the big city of Richmond not knowing a soul. I was sure you'd be riding the city buses all day lost, be mugged walking around, end up in DC trying to navigate I95 & 64, or get stuck on Afton Mtn, and other awful things! But what did you do?? You mastered the buses, walked everywhere, found IKEA, figured out campus,and lots of other amazing feats . You made friends and created a family up there. You will do the same in American Samoa. Get involved in the community and make the most of the experience. No, I can't be there in 3 hours but I am just a phone call, email or Skype away. You're not saying goodbye to everyone here - just saying see you in a year with an amazing experience to share!
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