WHY WE MOVED TO AMERICAN SAMOA | AMSAMFAM LIVING ON A TINY ISLAND IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC
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- Опубликовано: 13 апр 2021
- Why did you move to American Samoa?
That's a question that we get ALL THE TIME!
And while we don't mind answering it, we thought it was time to tell you in video form. From feeling stuck in the "American Dream", through a couple of moves, a few trips, and lots of adventure planning, our family took a huge leap across the ocean and moved to a tiny island in the South Pacific.
Now, American Samoa is our home and we couldn't be happier!
Plus, join us this Saturday, April 17, at 10 am Pago Pago time for a RUclips LIVE announcement and Q&A.
TIME CONVERSION
Sydney/Brisbane, Australia: Sunday, April 18, 7 am
New Zealand: Sunday, April 18, 9 am
Apia, Samoa: Sunday, April 18, 10 am
Pago Pago, American Samoa: Saturday, April 17, 10 am
Hawaii, USA: Saturday, April 17, 11 am
West Coast, USA: Saturday, April 17, 2 pm
Mountain Time, USA: Saturday, April 17, 3 pm
Central Time, USA: Saturday, April 17, 4 pm
East Coast, USA: Saturday, April 17, 5 pm
Thank you again for coming along with us! Hope to see you LIVE, this Saturday (maybe Sunday for you).
Tofa Soifua!
If you'd like to support our channel, please consider pledging to our PATREON account, where you can pay $5, $10, or $25 per month, helping us keep these and other videos about our life and adventures in American Samoa coming each week.
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FACEBOOK: / amsamfam
After hearing this. It only meant one thing. You guys were meant to be there. Welcome Home, you're Samoan in my book and i'm pretty sure the people of Samoa feels the same.
AGREE❤️❤️🙏🙏Such a privilege to have this beautiful family with us❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Amsamfam
Awww, thank you both so much!!! The love we have felt from the people here has been indescribable ❤️
@Jordan Barclay Different strokes for different folks. Not everybody in the world are going to move to Florida like you did lol. Your question just sounds immature! These are grown folks conversations bro. Get in where you fit in!
@Jordan Barclay I don't understand the moral of your question. You do know that AMERICAN SAMOA is part of the US right? what 3rd world nation are you talking about? "News Flash" what rock have you been sleeping under? As a proud American, It sad to tell you right now we are no longer the greatest country in the world. Once again, you sound very immature.
WTF!!!!!
Awesome guys..Well done. As a Polynesian, born in Niue, brought up in New Zealand and currently living in Brisbane, Australia, I feel for you. I'm sick of living in false hope that everything will get better. I'm over it.
I just want to find a tiny little spot either in NZ or Niue to spend the rest of my days, chilling out, living of the land, and not worry about materialistic wealth...
Yes! You get it!
We just bought a sailboat and have been looking around at our nearest neighbors. Niue doesn’t come up much in sailing communities as a common place to visit, but ever since moving here and seeing the islands around us, we’ve been intrigued. How cool to know you’re from there and wanting to go back. We definitely want to plan a trip there ❤️
Haia, liu hake ke tupuna he motu 🇳🇺🇳🇺🇳🇺
@@AmSamFam you definitely should!! at night, u could see how wonderful the stars are
@@poavao6832Niue 😱😱👈😱👈😱👈😱🇺🇲🇺🇲👉🇺🇲😱
The best thing about this move is that the kids will grow up with that Samoan culture & spirit in them. Strong, resilient, care free and appreciative of every small thing life offers. God Bless your Family.
Yea but the downside is the kids will have a fragile immune system........ When they do move back to the States their kids will be sick every week
@@norrinradd8923 I moved to Samoa when I was 11. I moved back when I was 22. I was not sick at all! Of course...I did get a battery of vaccines in the Army a week after I left the island. :P
@@roachmojo Not everyone who goes to the islands are cared by the military......
@@norrinradd8923Wdym?? Every citizen is cared by the military. Withoht the military im sure there would be 50 nuke detonations in large us cities the next 10 minutes
Is that what you think? you're a nut case lol oh America savior of the world lol@@RonnieMcNutt_Mindblowing
Love your love of the Samoan people and culture. God bless you.
Thank you 💗💗
@SEAN PETAIA wouldn’t that be fun 🤩
Just like us samoans moving to the states for better opportunities, you both did the same! People are not always meant to be where they were born and raised but often wherever the heart is. You guys were looking everywhere but God had already planted love for Am. Samoa and the samoan culture in Nate’s heart a long time ago. Surely he meant for you guys to live a prosperous life here♥️ I would love to meet you guys someday. I mean, its a really small island, how could we not have met by now? 😂😂😂😂😂
Love you AMSAMFAM!!!!!!
That is such a beautiful way to explain it. Thank you ❤️❤️
I’m sure we’re going to run into each other soon. Like you said, how have we not already 😂😂
10 years ago I moved from Idaho to work for the VA in Tafuna. I lived in Leone for two years. It was a wonderfully awful/awfully wonderful experience that I am really glad we did. My daughter was was in Junior High at that time. I moved in March from Pocatello to AS. I think being part of the LDS community would have been a huge benefit but we were not Mormon. I do remember spending a lot of time trying to learn Samoan from the missionaries most of whom were from Utah or Idaho. It’s unusual to see folks stay as long as you have. I can see that you love it and I love your videos because they remind me of the good adventures that we had as a family. 💞
Thank you for sharing your story🙏❤️
Kathleen, not everything here is rainbows and unicorns, that’s for sure, but for something it just works for some people, us included. Having that instant connection through church was a huge help in the beginning and continues to be so as time goes on. Our friends really have turned into our family ❤️ We’re glad we can remind you of the good times. For us, it’s important to focus on the good, and let go of the things that we have no control over.
,
I was born in American Samoa in 1965 and our family moved to Hawaii in 1974 and I have never been back I now live in South Carolina obviously visiting American Samoa is a bucket list item for me
I want Some-more of Samoa 😃
Everytime ur videos are out I want to watch it at home on the big screen than my cell phone...Your family is awesome..SAMOA needs to takecare of those who call Samoa home as well...Stay blessed...We love you all...
Thank you! You’re so sweet ❤️ I can only really speak for ourselves, but I think the people here are doing a pretty great job making us feel welcome.
Prayers bring mysterious joyful surprises to life. God bless you all.
Yes, well said! 💗
You guys are awesome
America Samoa government
Needs people like you Nate
To make our island better
Most definitely !!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for saying that ❤️❤️❤️
"It called the American dream because you have to be asleep too believe it" glad y'all found America samoa too call home God bless
Nate, it was Gods plan for you to move to American Samoa. See how things fell thru for you and your family. Look at you and your family now. You’re enjoying everything about American Samoa. Now you really have a taste of true Samoan culture. We enjoy watching every videos you make and you’re true blessing to the island. You’re a government employee 👏👏 I truly believe you’re valuable to the the DOC. God bless you, Melinda and kids.
Thank you so much ❤️❤️
Love my Amsam fam🙏❤️🤙
Love you too Sam ❤️
Oh wow, I am from American Samoa but currently live in Nampa Idaho. I miss home but I love Idaho 😊. Love watching your journey in Samoa 🎈
That’s so awesome!! We love Idaho too! We just love American Samoa more now 🤭😂
But seriously, I (Melinda) spent basically my whole childhood in Nampa, right behind the Karcher Mall 💗
@@AmSamFam what a small world! We changed places 😊
I do live behind Karcher Mall, but there are a lot of homes there now. The Karcher Mall is almost nonexistent. We have bigger stores outside the mall. And they just built an Amazon here a few years ago. Lots of changes and close to 100,000 people in Nampa alone. My husband and I always watch your channel. I told him they have been to places on that rock I have never seen before.
@@cissytuitasi4830 very cool! Yeah, all that development started happening about the same time that my parents moved further out to the country 😄 Last time I looked on Google maps, our old house is still there, which is fun to see. That’s crazy that there’s an Amazon there now! And 100,000? Wow!!
😭😭😭🥺 what a beautiful story this got me moved well done my USO much love and respect family 😭😭😭🤧
You sir, deserves a chief title in Samoa!!! You are a hella of man than some of us Samoan man. You sir earned my respect 💯🙏. Your beautiful kids will make a change in Am. Samoa, that’s why God send you to Samoa. I see potential in loving children n a perfect parents to lead them. Well that’s my opinion , and may our Heavenly Father blessed your amazing beautiful family 🙏🙏🙏🙏 soifua ma ia manuia. From your aiga in Savannah Georgia!!! #AmSanFam#
Thank you, uso! This means a lot to me. We really appreciate your support!
My family immigrated to the US from New Zealand back in the 60s. There was a significant migration of Polynesians that immigrated to the US during this time, especially to the Jackson County, Missouri area (which includes my family). There was some direction from David O. McKay to do so, and many Polynesian families made this trek to support what they believed was inspired direction for them. The family first left NZ to go to Hawaii (because of a job opportunity at BYU Hawaii), and then, later on, finished up by moving to Independence, Missouri.
A lot of my extended family - whose surname is AhMu - still resides in Samoa (mostly Western Samoa). In fact, if you make it out to the LDS Temple in Apia that is the plot of land where that side of my family originates.
Fun story! I didn’t know there was such a large population of Polynesians in Missouri. 🤙
I’m so glad of what you two done for our Island, put it out for family who never been in Am Samoa.welcome home fam family.
LDS!!!!! Yeahhhhh!!!!!! Wow, Nate.... your younger pics look just like your kids, especially your daughter! Beautiful! Why do I have a feeling there is more to this story that has to do with God and His mysterious ways to make this all happen in your favor at the exact right timing with Samoa and your family’s Intertwining .... I feel there’s a testimony in there!!! How great God is!!!! Thanks for sharing!!
❤️❤️❤️ You should see baby/childhood pictures of Nate and the kids side-by-side! #carboncopies
I feel like God’s blessings are easier to see in hindsight and while, at the time, the timing felt fortuitous, looking back we have truly been able to see the hand of God throughout our journey through this life 💗
Yea the other family in Apia that youtubes are also LDS, they never mentioned it but when you name one of your kids Zarahemla that's a 'dead give a way'........
What an awesome story! This wasn't an accident surly God's plan came into play here. But now you're at home with us AmSamFam! Thank you for choosing to live with the Samoan people God bless! Tofa soifua!
Thank you ❤️❤️
Such divine guidance!! You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. You surrendered to faith & love & so happy for you. Very inspirational & thanks for the story! Blessings to you & aiga 🦋🙏💛
Thank you 💗💗
That is how we feel like we cannot breathe here and we have the beautiful caravan. Good on you both for trying and loving it all.
Thank you! I’m glad to know we aren’t the o my ones, sorry you’re feeling it too. Hopefully you can find a way out of it soon 💗
I love you guys’ videos. I’m an American Samoan native from Leone & I’ve been away from home since 2017. I’m glad your beautiful family love our beautiful American Samoan islands. ❤️❤️
Sounds like we traded places 😊 Hope you’re doing just as well in your new life too ❤️
Hi guys. Laws of attraction and your inner being your guardian angels all come together to answer your vibrations for something new and fresh. Well done.....you have a beautiful family true wealth and happiness.
Thank you 🙏
what an inspirational story. and how ironic...an 'economist'...who surely knows the moral verdict brought upon 'usury'', is led by the Spirit it would seem, to find his childhood dream...and then...one of the most beautiful sailboats is literally delivered to his door! what blessings...
i have a similar story, too long to tell her, but ending in my childhood dream that seemed unattainable suddenly 'materializing' and leading to the blessings that i count as wonders to me, since i did nothing to encounter them of my own, but followed the spirit in me as it presented itself...and still live in awe of the unfolding that i embarked on in faith and have since left to the chance of that bold decision.
it has so far led me to make two single handed deliveries of my own sailboats from san francisco to mexico, 10 years apart, when i never thought i could ever have my own canoe, let alone an ocean going sailboat!
all i can say is, don't lose the faith that conquers fear...and, 'love your neighbor as yourself'. these are the only two things that matter in the end...and what is rewarded by the Master. all the things of the world, 'do not come from God, but from the world...and pass away'.
look forward to seeing your family on that sailboat!
We’d love to hear the full story sometime!
God works in a mysterious way. CONGRATS to you and your family💓🌺🌺🌺❤❤❤🌺🌺
My wife and I sold everything we owned and moved from Texas to Costa Rica with our 2 pets and 4 suitcases. There are 100 reasons why we did it but the biggest ones were the climate, change in nature, and the changes in the culture in the U.S. I wanted to move to Guam but my wife did not so we ended up here. We had been here a couple times before. I grew up in Boston and as a teenager I always wanted to move someplace warm. We moved to Texas when I was 45 and I kicked myself for not doing it years earlier. I didn't want to regret not moving outside the CONUS.
Thanks for taking the time to put this great video together. I loved hearing your story. All the best.
Better late than never. Great story! Cant wait to watch your “why we moved to Costa Rica” video someday. Side note: we went to Costa Rica on our honeymoon, so it holds a special place in our hearts!
Our family's best friends are Samoans. Good hearted people with good vibes.
Love this story. You guys are a great..great addition to Am.Samoa. Love your spirits... you may not be Samoan by blood but your spirit n your love for this territory makes you samoan in heart... and that's all it matters. 😍
Great story guys! I’m from American Samoan but grew up here in the Mainland all my life. I do want to retired back In American Samoan 2025. My recommendation for you guys, is buy a land there. Build your own house in Samoan, it’s tax free land. Good luck guys and hope to see you in 2025
🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡.
You pronounce “Samoa” and “Samoan” perfectly. Thank you and I will always consider you Samoan 🥰
Thank you!! ❤️
Inspiring family story for all those with similar dreams and ideas. God blessings.
Thank you ❤️
Good to see your children enjoy themselves in American Samoa. You and your family have been to many places on island that I have not even been to. Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your videos.❤️🌺
That’s definitely part of what we love so much- being able to get out and explore so much ❤️
Well, I didn't choose the move but my parents did. We moved to Australia when I was almost 7. I think we might still be there if my mom didn't get homesick. So, making a move like yours is really in Nate's blood.
Yes! I (Melinda) am so glad it is 😁Thanks for instilling a curiosity and love of new places in Nate 💗 and for always supporting our crazy ideas!
@@AmSamFam Nate definitely got the bug from me. Could be why I don't see your ideas as crazy!!
Love you guys very much ❤ awesome 👌 ❤ God bless 💖 🙏 tofa soifua....
Fa’afetai Lava!! 😊❤️❤️
This is a great vid. God Bless
Best story ever. Thanks for sharing.
Agree. 👍
Thank you!! 😊
Great video. Thank you.
Love your videos and God bless!
Great post from great people.
Loved this! ♥️♥️♥️
Awesome stuff Guys, thanks for sharing 😊
Awesome!!
Cant wait to see more!
This is an amazing story!
Awww I love thissss🥰💜💯
I’m Tongan/Fijian but I love y’all stories. This awesome!! Praying for the best for you two and your kids. Ofa atu
Love the story guys. That’s awesome
Wonderful inspirational story thank you. Enjoyed your video
Awesome we live in AMSAM from 1986-89 my father worked at Bank of America Samoa. Your family is truly blessed. Be safe and thanks for posting and keep my memories alive of family and friends and adventure we had on American Samoa...
Very cool! I’m glad that we can help keep those memories fresh ❤️❤️
Jerry and Carol? My last name is Carson. We lived in American Samoa as well from 84 to 87 I think? I have memories despite being so young. I think I remember you too. I hope to go back some day soon ❤
Yes I knew your family your mom Karen and your Dad Larry (sorry for your loss). What a small world. You didn’t step on frog did you ? That memory will stick with me.
My name is Brett Bentley
Awsome story thanks for sharing, wishing you guys all the best.
Amazing Story. 🙌🏽🤙🏽
Love your story, very inspiring 👍🏻
Your story is very inspiring, thank you so much for sharing it💜
This is all amazing
I loved your guys story. Your love for American Samoa and commitment to having a great life for your family is outstanding. Wishing you all the best and God's blessings on your journey.
Thank you! We wish you all these things and more ❤️
Awesome video
So happy for your family! Awesome story! Aloha!
Yes, Please! I would love to see a video about the logistics of moving to American Samoa. 😁
We’re working on it right now 🤙
This was such a wonderful story thanks so much for sharing !!! ❤️
Awesome story awesome people👍🏽
that's awesome AmSamFam.. love watching your guys videos.
Wow what a wonderful story inspiring us all
Hey awesome story and video...
Keep up the great job...
Much love from Fiji
Excellent video
Absolutely love yuur story,
Amazing,god bless you both and the kids
Love u guys and ur kids awesome content alofa atu be safe
You guys are awesome! Thank you for sharing these videos. Take care and God bless 😊
Your testimony was encouraging
Your family journey is amazing
Cant wait to see part 2 of this documentary 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Good luck with your life adventure, very brave 👍🏿 God bless ✊
Wow love your journey...Cheehoo!!!
Awww beautiful video, God bless your family ❤️
Wow, hope to have more videos from you soon!
Love love love this story! And especially since you’ve documented everything from the very beginning. My favorite part, #debtfree ... thank you for sharing your life adventures with us, and also Melinda for the friendship. Truly an inspiring story ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Jewel! Being debt free has been an amazing blessing in our lives and I don’t think I can ever go back to having that ball and chain of debt again. I’m grateful for your friendship too 💗
You both are inspiring me👏👏💐
Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you and God bless.
Man, thanks for sharing!!
Alofa atu 🤙🏼
awesome story bro, I hope you guys enjoy your new journey of life. God bless and be safe
Aawwww glad y’all enjoying and loving our island home..God Bless you guys🙏🏼🙏🏼♥️
Amazing family story! Very adventurous. Blessings!
This is so inspiring, thinking of relocating to samoa in a few years
Love your story. Love your modest lifestyle. God bless.
Talofa lava. Fantastic story you guys. A similar thing happened to me many years ago. I was a single mum with 2 children. I felt restless. I always wanted to travel but being on my own with two small children, that did not seem likely. One thing I did have, was a university degree. I applied to do Volunteer Service Abroad. I needed permission from my kids dad, to take them overseas, which I got thankfully.
I was selected for position as an English teacher in Arusha, Tanzania. We were so excited. However the position fell through at the last minute. We were all disappointed but then a teaching position in Samoa came up. I was reluctant to go for this position though, as my father is Samoan, and I was wanting my family to experience cultures and environments that were new to us. However, a house was provided for us in the school compound and airfares were paid for my children and myself. It felt like we had won the lottery. So I accepted the position.
It was an amazing experience and something that my now adult children still talk about fondly. Even though my father is Samoan, I was born in New Zealand and English is my first language. I grew up in the city. Life in Samoa was vastly different from the world and culture my children knew. We also experienced two cyclones in Samoa and had to learn to live without electricity or running water for two months. I discovered strengths in myself that I did not know I had. The children learnt to carry water from the spring, to watch the flying foxes at night. Without power I read to them by candle light. We read all the CS Lewis books that way. It is still a fond memory for them.
I noticed how much happier they were away from the stress of city life back home. They swam every day, chased pigs around the school compound. Our friends were the local Samoan people, as well as UN workers from all around the world, India, Ghana, France, Japan, Australia, America, Germany etc. Our Christmas dinners were potluck, with amazing international dishes from our guests.
I'm so glad I responded to that restless feeling and didn't accept that just because I was a single mum with 2 kids we couldn't go on an adventure. As adults my children are now world travellers and I have also continued to enjoy travelling through Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. I feel the experience helped my children to grow into adults who embrace diversity and have adventurous spirits. They have also both chosen careers where they work with people from all cultures and backgrounds.
This experience will be so wonderful for you as a family unit. A great adventure. ❤
Wow! What an amazing story!! Thank you for taking the time to share it ❤️I’m guessing that when that opportunity in Tanzania fell through, it felt a little like the end of the world. I know I’ve felt that way when things haven’t worked out the way I’ve thought they should. Yet, looking back, I wouldn’t change anything, because everything that’s happened has brought us to where we are, living the way we are. Things happen, that we have no control over, but it’s what we make of it.
I’m so glad your family got to have an unforgettable experience in Samoa ❤️❤️
Y’all story is awesome,i will faithfully following y’all,for more videos and story,love y’all all the way from San Antonio Texas!
Hey guys... It's me aunty Lei. I know Melinda from our weekly taebo sessions, also with beautiful freely running around kids. This is your second video I've come across. Stay here where it is safe for your kids. No gangs, guns, all that here. Will see you Monday Melinda!
Thanks Lei! Yes, we can’t imagine a better place to be raising our kids ❤️
This is awesome! Love it! I miss Samoa 🌺
Loved this video. You guys are beautiful. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar 24 years ago, and ended up living the past 22 years in Malawi. Would love to visit Samoa one day. All the best to you! ☺
Awesome. Well we are more then happy to welcome u to our/your beautiful island.
thanks for sharing..I had always wondered how you guys ended up here & chose to stay...it's actually very inspiring and a great story for a tv movie some day! take care always!
Thank you! We’ve heard that suggestion a couple times now 😳 I don’t know that we’ll ever go that far, but thanks for the love ❤️❤️
You guys are amazing! American Samoa is blessed with you as essential part of their community. 🙂
Thank you 😊 We’re so grateful to be accepted into the community here ❤️
Most definitely!!!!!!!!!
Love your story. Enjoy the Samoa hospitality.thanks for sharing
Thank you! ❤️
You’re very smart brother, God bless you and your family 🙏
Great video! Thank you for sharing, this really inspired me. So many good points.
🙏
Love you guys, looking forward to meet you guys in person. Alofa atu from Junction City, KS.
Thanks for sharing this was an awesome video!
Thank you! ❤️
Born and raise there. Keep up with those video. Love it. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ American Samoa 🇦🇸 🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸