I can practice law in American Samoa!

Well, that took over two months!
But Tuesday, August 20th, I was officially sworn into the American Samoa Bar!

My Lei

I received the phone call on Monday afternoon.  I was right about to leave when I got the reminder from the High Court.   My first thought was, "Yes! Finally!"  Then quickly, "Oh crap!  I'm going to be in court once a week at least!"  But this is what I wanted - more litigation experience!

I woke up earlier than usual, did my hair and makeup and wore a light cotton blazer with a teal blouse and zebra skirt.  I was going to be sworn in with my friend Edwin.  Actually, they didn't even tell him. I mentioned it to him on the way home and he never received a call. He wore a very nice shirt and tie with a lava lava.  A lava lava is a traditional cloth worn as a skirt by all men.  His mom is staying with him right now, so she joined us for the ceremony.

We arrived at the courthouse early to allow time for security check-in.  Our Civil Division supervisor, Marian, surprised us with leis!  Edwin had a gorgeous bright red lei.  Marian gave me a beautiful white lei made from ginger flowers.  The fragrance was heavenly!
 (It now rests hanging by my bed.)

We waited on the second floor for the Chief Justice to address the cases first.  When he was done, he called us forward.  We stood and raised our hands.  The first thing was hand to state was our name and village.  I didn't know what to say...Sacramento...Manila...Fogagogo? (where I currently live).
I overthought it, freaked out, and just said my name.
We said the oath, and at first we were nervous...I even lisped a few words.  And I thought this is ridiculous, and I started say each word louder and with more confidence.
When we were done, everyone clapped.  We had to sign a document for the ceremony, and all the justices shook our hands.

We took more pictures outside.  Edwin wanted to stay and get an individual with the Chief Justice.  He had just started a hearing and it could take some time.  I preferred not to wait around.  Instead I went back with Marian.

I promise to update the post with pictures.  Everyone took pictures and I am slowly gathering them all.

Back at the office, I told my bud, Lorna.  She was sad she missed it, but she is one of our criminal prosecutors, and had another obligation.  To celebrate, we shared sweet and sour pork and fried chicken.  Now that the deed was done.  I washed my face and put my hair into a ponytail.  I even changed my clothes.   Different people stopped by my office throughout the day to congratulate me.  It was hilarious.  Each time, they would hug me, then take a step back, and look me up and down.  Knowing what they were thinking, I assured them that I looked better in the morning.

That same day I had to return to court for my first appearance.  I am now officially in charge of all thing related to public health and the environment in addition to my child support program. 

After work I  watched the moonrise and sunset simultaneously.
It was a full moon.

Later that night my friends and I went to a hotel for a prime rib dinner.  (It is really hard to get quality red meat here!).  We stayed there until closing, talking all night.

It was a good day.