The thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are my own and do not represent those of the WorldTeach organization.
Malo!
Um today started my first day of Samoan language lessons...very challenging. The math brain in me had quite a lot of trouble. At 10 am Monday-Friday for the next two weeks we have two professors from American Samoa Community College come and teach us Samoan. Today was very overwhelming as they started out with greetings and introductions before telling us how to pronounce any letters. My partner, Felicia, has a large background in languages and completely outshone me! Tomorrow when they arrive we need to be able to have a discussion with them...haha! Not happening.
Since I arrived in American Samoa I have been living in the local VoTech High School. Nine of us share one classroom. We sleep on foam pads and live out of our suitcases. It isn't the best of circumstances but we are learning a lot about one another. On our first official day in Tutuila we had a short discussion on some of the American Samoan culture. A huge emphasis was placed on the stray dogs. This afternoon the Pacific Islands Program Director, Courtney, who is here helping with training was attached by one of the dogs as she was walking. Rumor is that she was walking down the street and a group of dogs were fighting and she stayed on the opposite side of the road trying to stay away. One dog approached her and she yelled, "Talu! Talu!" Which pretty much means stop. The dog didn't listen and bit her in the leg. She picked up a rock and as soon as the dog saw that he ran away. I am definitely more aware now of the dog situation and will not be walking alone!
After our discussion last Friday, we went on a scavenger hunt around town. The scavenger hunt was fairly easy and just made us go out of our comfort zone by talking to Samoans and taking the 'aiga (form of a bus...look at the photos).
On Saturday, we went on a tour of Tutuila. Tutuila is the main island and where most of the volunteers will be working. The trip was mostly to have us see the schools we will be working at and enjoying the scenery! Since we were done at 3 PM we had a lot of free time to do as we please. Along with five other people I went swimming at Airport Beach. The beach in front of my living quarters has harmful chemicals so we walked for a half an hour to avoid that! The coral was really great and I saw some beautiful fish such as a barracuda!
On Sunday, I went with three other volunteers to Catholic Mass. Our guard at night time was nice enough to drive us over. After mass, his aunt invited us to a feast at her house. In American Samoan culture you can not say no to an elder. He had plans to go golfing and was not able to do so. It was very exciting to see a house and watch how the family interacts. The children in the house are like slaves and have to do everything asked. The lady whose house we stayed in has never been married nor has any kids. Instead of her own kids she has a younger niece that works as a slave. Sala was not able to go to church that morning because she had to prepare the food for everyone. She was in charge of setting the table, preparing the food, cleaning the dishes, everything but talk to the guests. Not once was she acknowledged by the family, we had to ask her her name. She also didn't know what to do when we offered to help with the dishes. She was so confused. It is a very frustrating thing to witness, but that is what happens. The meal was mostly focused on meat. We had ham, chicken, sausage, hot dogs, corn beef and fish. Oh and we had corn as our solo veggie. To finish the meal we had three desserts to choose from. Don't be surprised when I come back ten pounds heavier!
I am surprised by how much down time we have had but I think during the week we will be quite busy. Today was definitely overwhelming! I will try to write soon!
Love,
Gretchen
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