O, Samoa-- People of the Sun

Well we are back from another adventure in Samoa-- 3 weeks of learning, challenge, culture shock, sick tummies, marine ecology, eating parrot fish, shaving coconuts, climbing coconut trees, making umus, living with a Samoan family, and tons of other exciting experiences. Words can't explain this little island in the pacific and the unique culture in which we immerse ourselves into for such a brief time. Everytime students leave a bit apprehensive, scared, unsure and often times leave changed and renewed. Some have suffered sickness and nasty cuts, but even those obstacles haven't torn these students' spirits. Many of us look back longingly at Samoa, wishing for a bit of that paradise and the company of the beautiful brown faces we came to know and call friends. Oh, Samoa we never will forget you...just like the song says. We will always have our pulatasi and lavalavas to pull out when we feel the need to remember it.