Samoans are hard working people. This is the summation of Katie Payne’s 10 days in Samoa. 

Here on a church mission work, Katie is from Australia and is part of the Wyong Christian Community School delegation which came to Samoa to spread  the word of God. 

Wyong Christian Community School is based in Central Coast of New South Wales and has been coming to Samoa since 2008 for their mission work in Falese’ela. 

While in Samoa, Katie was afforded the opportunity to work with the young kids at Falese’ela Primary School. 

“I just love how their faces light up when we come over to the school for a short visit. Waking up knowing that I will be able to make a young boy and girl smile is an awesome feeling.” 

“During our stay in Falese’ela, that is what I looked forward to all the time, was working with the kids,” she said. 

Another interesting aspect of their trip to Samoa was working the plantation. “Getting my hands dirty and working with a machete. I mean that’s just a whole new different thing for me.”

“I know it’s not a big deal to other people working the plantation.” 

“But for me, growing up just staying indoors and having play dates since I was little, is nothing compared to working the plantation and chopping stuff with the machete,” she said. 

It was from the plantation that Katie saw how hard the Samoan people work. “They are up early in the morning, then its feeding the chickens and off to pull the weeds at the plantation and watering the plants. Then you can drink a cup of koko Samoa or CCK coffee, something you never see back home.” 

Another highlight of Katie’s short trip is the diversity between Samoa and Australia. 

“I love the Samoan culture and how children have that full-on respect for the elders and women.” 

“Even if they’re strangers, if you’re Samoan it’s a must to respect those who are older than you,” said Katie. 

“This one thing makes Samoa so unique.” 

Another interesting fact the student took to heart is the hard work of women. “You see it all around, the Samoan women taking care of a family, in control of the money. They suit that multitasking role very well and I want to be exactly that,” said Katie. 

“I love how the Samoa men are keen on keeping them in the highest regard.”