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Talofa!
I live in American Samoa. My family first lived in Torrance, California. My father was a minister for the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa. He established a Samoan congregation first in Carson, then the congregation moved to North Long Beach where it bought property with a church and hall.
My parents were called to Samoa to serve a small congregational congregation located in Matatufu - Lotofaga. A sub-village of Lotofaga. It is here where the famous To Sua trench is located. I used to pass this area frequently as a youngster. It caught my imagination as part of our ancient history. It is said an alia of ghosts used this place as a haven. So when we go there, we were told to be respectful and mindful of its legendary place in Samoan history. We lived in this beautiful are from the 1980's until 1995 when my Dad passed away. There are several beautiful coves that are not accessible by car. From 1988 - 1992 I returned for summer breaks from UC San Diego, and would go to these coves with my pet dog to write my journals and soak in the sun. 1992 graduated from UC San Diego and returned to Matatufu- Lotofaga. My Dad sent me to American Samoa to work - and I have been here since working for the AS Department of Education.
During college, I travelled around the USA, down to San Cabos and Ensenada - Mexico for Easter breaks. Also visited Barbados as a presenter on behalf of ASDOE. But in my veins, Samoa and American Samoa are home. Nearly two years since the Pandemic, and our islands remain of the few places on earth that are covid-19 free. The reported three cases are of individuals returning home, kept in quarantine until their ailment passed. We Give thanks to our Creator, our Atua, for these blessings and ask for his providence upon the world. Most of all, a joyous Christmas celebration of Life!