Talofa and Welcome to Samoa!

Recently PCV Matt informed me that he was checking out the new Jason’s Visitor Guide for Samoa 2010 and he was pretty sure it was my host brother, Akeripa, on the cover. Matt’s host family is related to mine and he has seen Akeripa many times so I figured he was probably right, but was still a bit skeptical. My skepticism mainly stemmed from the fact that Akeripa lives at his family’s house in our rural host village of Fausaga – how would he end up on the cover of the brochure for all of Samoa?! Who took the picture?? But I got a copy and Matt was right – it’s him! Samoa is a mysterious place sometimes. If you want to read more about Akeripa, click here, and read my short host family profile of him.

Akeripa and I back when I was living in Fausaga.

Sure enough, there he is on the left. Good eye Matt! Malo Akeripa!

He’s doing the same hand sign!

Sala'ilua and Max's Fa'amavae

At the end of the school year in 2009, fellow Volunteer Max invited me to visit his village hoping I would act as cameraman for his fa’amavae (or farewell party) at his school. I happily agreed and unsurprisingly had a great time. Congratulations to Max for making it two years and for all the excellent work.

Professor Max.

Max with his principal. His lack of smile in this photo doesn't show how much he really loves Max!

The principal gave a speech in front of the student body thanking Max for all of his hard work and dedication to the school.

One of the students got up and gave a great speech saying how much the students would all miss him.(Classy shirt in the black haha)

Then Max gave a speech in Samoan thanking everyone for all they had given him and for the opportunity to live in Samoa and teach at their school.

As follows tradition Max was then gifted with lots of presents including necklaces, a shirt, an ava bowl, and an awesome siapo (which his village is famous for making).

Then the students sang while Max had to dance. What can I say? It was awesome. I think the kids came just to see this part and laugh hysterically.

His audience.

Max with some of his students.

Back at home; Max with his host family.

A huge grapefruit thing.

Having trouble there?

Me and Max with visiting relative Olita from Australia. She helped him perfect his Samoan speech.

Max and his host mom.

Max with host sister Fa’asoesa.

Sitting out by the beach in Sala’ilua. You can tell he loves it there by looking at his toes. I mean, even the guy’s toes are happy.