Sivai and Austin, P.O.V.

We bought a small digital camera for Sivai and Austin to use while we were in Samoa. They had a fun time taking pictures and video with it. I have a bunch of pictures but I think their pictures really tell a story.
Above: Sivai's birth Grandmother, in the green, birth sister, in the red. She makes Siapo, or tapa. It was such an emotionally rewarding and draining experience for all of us.

Below: Afaesi, Sivai's foster brother for a year. They were best of friends while we were there.

Leufito, this was Sivai's foster Dad, he is married to Tulelei. He can hardly speak English but Sivai loved being with him while we were there.

I wish Sivai would have gotten a little better picture, but this is Tulelei, some of her kids and some of her nieces and nephews.

"Umu," outdoor oven. Leufitu and family made a wonderful feast, the black things on the pig are hot lava rocks, the white is taro and banana. After all the rocks are added they cover with banana leaves and cook for several hours. Sivai and Austin were fascinated with the process, we watched the whole butchering.

Sunset at Manase beach fales.

Austin wanted a picture of us with the ocean.

Sivai's birth Uncles. I don't know what but this is the pose most Samoans give in every picture you take of them, Sivai caught on quick.

Grandpa Dotson pulling a face for the Camera.

Tulelei and my Mom, they got a long well but it killed my mom not being able to help out. It's custom there that the guest are served first and waited on. No helping out allowed.