tsunami in samoa

i have been thinking a lot about the tragedy in samoa, and that we could have been there. i am grateful that we were not in harm's way, but also wish i could be there to help out in the hospital and in the villages. even though we didn't end up moving there, i will always feel a connection to the people and the island because of the hospitality and graciousness of the those i met.

i know that many of us have family and friends with polynesian connections. i think we all recognize the goodness of the people, and the happiness and perspective they bring to our lives and to the church.

i hope everybody will look for ways to help. i have been in communication with a few friends that we made in our brief time there, and am trying to assess what we can to to contribute. one idea is to put together school supplies for some of the schools that have been leveled. as we get more details on what the needs are, we may ask for your help to do what we can to make a difference.

some of the best photos that i have seen, and a remarkable story, are on paul and melanie brown's blog: tropicalbrowns.blogspot.com. paul is a marine biologist with the national park. it was a thrill to snorkel with him, while trying to catch fish for identification with an aquarium-type fish net at palagi beach.

palagi beach

LBJ tropical medical center

random photos from american samoa oct. 2006