White Sunday

So i think it’s taking me an average of a month to actually get around to posting my news. That’s not so bad, is it? Anyway, on the 14th of October, Samoa’s children celebrated the biggest day of their year, White Sunday or Aso le Tamaiti (Day of the Children). This is a special day where the children get specially doted upon, receive gifts and get to perform almost all of the church services. I know that in our church, children’s masses were generally regular masses in which the children led the songs, prayers and did the readings, these kids put our efforts to shame.
I decided to visit one of my fellow PCVs, Donna, in her village of Poutasi for the weekend. It sits on the Southside of the island and was small and beautiful. Her house is right across the road from the ocean. I’ve included some pictures of her and her village.
At the beginning of the day, the children received gifts, such as new clothes, shoes and other things to look good for their day. After breakfast, they then led the way into church in a mini-parade. The services (there are two in most EFKS, or Congregational, churches) were packed with singing, dancing, and plays. These were performed by the different age groups, beginning with the preschool/kindergarten crowd and moving up through junior high ages. Overall, i attended five hours of church that day…that’s a lot of church, but it was worth it to see all the kids having a blast. Here are some pics. Don’t worry Dad, the diving pics will be on my next entry…probably in 2-3 weeks.

The kids of the house where i was staying before they went to church. The oldest is , then Fetu, the little boy and TiaMaria the little girl.

This is the march before it fell apart.

And this is it when all the kids got excited.

Dancing and Singing.

A Play.

A pretty sunset in Poutasi. This is the view from the Fale where Donna spends her down time.

My gracious hostess. Thanks Donna!