I seldom find myself speechless. This past week I have been speechless many times. I am in American Samoa providing dental care for the good soldiers of the U. S. Army Reserve. I knew Samoa would be tropical and beautiful. My expectations have been more than exceeded. On this small island in the South Pacific, I found myself pondering just how diverse this planet really is. Looking at the globe, I am on a speck of an island in the south pacific and the vast ocean is on every side. This idea makes this place feel a bit isolated and at the mercy of the sea if nature gets angry. Especially when the largest earthquake ever to occur in Japan occurs and the tsunami warnings are very, very real. These people respect the power of the oceans and the earth. The natural beauty has been incredible. The food has been far above expectations in freshness and in portions. For a Las Vegas resident the humidity is refreshing and the rainstorms breathtaking.
The most incredible part of this experience is the people. Strong and quiet, truly noble people. I see the Samoan soldiers who went to Iraq and lost at least ten soldiers in combat- ten warrior brothers gone! Many more were wounded and scarred from stepping into a hell that I know well. I have observed these people from a limited distance and I am fascinated and honored to serve their soldiers as well as be a quest on the island. There was one bean counter who came to push "Army Efficiency" and his arrogance was mind blowing . I had been told that Samoa had an amazing blowhole. It is a hole in the rock, at a spot where water spouts 60 feet high when the tide is right. I did not know the Samoan blowhole had such competition. Otherwise the mission has been a great success. General Chang had a great vision to assist the care of these men and women. The soldiers are great patients to work with from the standpoint of this dentist. The smallest service has been appreciated and the kindness as well as gratitude has been beyond my vision until experienced.
Part of me could leave the news, politics and American insanity-and just dump it all for island life. The other part knows I will still go home and never stop traveling or dreaming. I will tke home stories and sights that humble me. I spoke in depth with a soldier who was injured with an IED in Iraq. He told me about when they were hit. He checked on his guys and one was dying and had his lower body blown apart and lost his life. This strong soldier provided care to the wounded as well as returning home injured. Sgt A's life will never be the same. He accompanied his fallen comrade home to his family in Samoa for burial. Noble and final for the dead with no time to say goodbye. Time to rebuild and cherish life for the living.
I get some time to search and snorkel this week and I will take photos by the dozens. I sat in a isolated lagoon and in the dark watched the waves crash. I felt the Samoan waves wash away my stress and sadness. I was speechless and emotional at my fortune to be here with my brother Scott and friends.
Samoa is not perfect, no place ever is. But to judge or mock would be foolish without further investigation. I have respect for men who will take a pot and water to the beach and get the food from the ocean. They brought no other food and we ate crab and lobster in the dark. That was faith in a true sense. I was optimistic- they knew. I will cherish my stay. I will never forget the spirit of these noble and wonderful people.
On to the Japan earthquake aftermath. I cannot imagine the plight of those great people. The disaster is still unfolding as I type. The tsunami warning has been lifted in Samoa. The island closed on Friday and most stayed away from the water. They got hit by a tsunami in 2009. They respect the power of the ocean. We were hit with a surge but not damaging. I guess this has been a week of ups and downs. I will now sleep after a wonderful barbeque and snorkeling in perfect water. In Heaven-also known as American Samoa.
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