A Fond Farewell

 

This weekend I got to experience a cultural event like no other. A once in a lifetime sort of thing. Not every day does a minister retire with over 30 years service to his church and congregation ! Sete had told me about this man long before I even arrived in Samoa - a father figure, a pastor, a friend. In Samoa 70 is the age of retirement from the ministry (or so I believe)

The day began with his final service - kind of a White Sunday style service with performances by children and young people. Although all in Samoan, I could feel the love and devotion to this man who has given over 30 years of his life to the people in his parish

Following this was the to’onai (lunch) with a gift giving ceremony like no other. Each family from the congregation gifted things to show their thanks, from food, to treasure boxes, to plants perfumes and book cases in honour of this man’s life of service. This was then followed by reciprocal giving from the family to the members of the church in attendance. I was humbled to be acknowledged and included in the gift giving too. 

What a wonderful experience, rich in cultural practice, that I was able be part of. Big faafetai to EFKS church, Vaivase uta for the opportunity and the inclusion