So this is my first post while actually being in Samoa. It's ridiculous I know, but as most people who have known me for a while have realized, I am not very good at keeping in touch. Recent events have made me want to be closer to home, at least spiritually so I think this will have to suffice.

I've been in Samoa for eight months now and have been living in my site, a sub-village of Salimu in the larger village of Faga, on the big island of Savaii. It's a mouthful, but it's amazing. I'm working with my community on the fa'asao, or the marine protected area in their bay area. This entails swimming whenever I want in an area that is not only protected from fishing, but also incredibly beautiful. I have identified over 20 species at the moment and each time I go out, I see something new. My village has attained a grant from the UNDP to help finance a giant clam or faisua farm within the marine protected area. We have five at the moment and all I can say is I wish I had an underwater camera to show everyone the amazing colors of each different giant clam. I couldn't be happier with this part of my assignment. I also start my seminars on the 17th of this month, educating the men and some women in the village about their marine protected area and things to do, and not to do (dynamite fishing, for one). It will be given in all Samoan, so my language skills will really be put to the test. I have to give it to the Peace Corps though, they do a great job with language training, especially one that few people outside of this island chain smaller than Rhode Island speak.

Other than the MPA, I have just finished writing a grant to request NZAID for assistance on buying 12 hand sewing machines for the Aualuma (daughters of the village) in Salimu. I'm very hopeful about it, but won't know until mid-march. We'll also be starting our sewing machine seminars after we get the machines, and with help from the women in my village, I'll be teaching some sewing techniques to our ladies. This will be great for them to make school uniforms and church clothes for their families.

Some other stuff is in the works, but I'll write about that when something actually happens.

Now a little note about the great people of Samoa. I have been living with my host family in Salimu for five months now and have become very close with all of them. There are three young men named Osovale 18, Malaki 17 and Happy 24. Their sister is named Taulau 18. Then there are the babies of the family, Pae'e 2 and baby Briony who was just born in September. Which is pretty kick ass, although it's a boy, so interesting at the same time.

Alright I'll write more soon, but as I'm sitting in our tiny office in Salelologa and there are people waiting to use the only computer we have, I'll have to go.

I love everyone and miss home everyday. Wish me luck and I hope everyone is going fine.

Tofa Soifua