Family Service dedicating "Garden of Blessings" Vaivasetai

I have just returned from Samoa this last Wednesday 14 May 2008. I accompanied my sister Seine who sought medical help in Brisbane.
It was also an opportunity to work together with the family to complete the project on 'The Garden of Blessings' which was conceived after the passing away of Vavae Toma in May 2004.
It was indeed a joy and pleasure to be part of the dedication family service held on Sunday 11 May 2008 at the familyresidence at Vaivasetai.
I felt a special priveledged to lead the family service.
The following program guided the family service.

Start in Samoan Fale:-
1. Family opening words - This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
2. Hymn: Matou te Vivi'i ma Fa'afetai...Piano played by Sinamoli Toma, Violin played by Olive Hogarth
3. Family Prayer: "Our Loving and Merciful Father...(pray together)
4. Everyone to proceed to the Garden of Blessings
5. Unveiling of upgraded and new headstones:
Sam and Malcolm - Take off cover forthe headstones of great grandparents Toma and Fo'ilagi
Sinamoli and Lauren - Take off cover for the headstones of grandparents Vavae and Avai'a (Tina)
Letta and Olive - Take off cover for headstone of Letta's Dad and Olive's Uncle Toma Vavae Toma
6. Family Dedication of the "Garden of Blessings" (read together)
7. Proceed back to Fale Samoa
8. Sing Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers
9. Opportunity for family members to say significant words for the occasion.
10. Sing Grace "Malie Pule le Tama.." Family Lunch.

Graham Hogarth expressed his appreciation for the special effort by the family to translate the family service in to English as he was the only member who could not speak Samoan. He then expressed his enormous sense of respect and appreciation to Vavae and Tina for being the christians they were - accepting him so readily into the family as they did. He mentioned his elated feeling when Niko called him "brother". He thanked the whole family for accepting him in to the family.

Fo'ilagi Leifi (my eldest sister from Wellington) expressed her gratitude to all who made the occasion possible for her to attend. Special thanks and acknowledgement of the physical and creative skills of the builders Niko, King and Sipa in constructing the special monuments and arranging the garden of blessings.

Sinamoli Toma (my 9 yr old niece who played the piano)wished everyone a happy mothers day.

Faipeaia Aufa'i (my older sister resides in Samoa) thanked all the family for a successful family effort. Special mention of the ladies..June, Alma, Dorothy

My overall thanks for a job well done utilizing talents from God. That these talents be pursued and used for the further glory of God. The program was designed using up to date computer skills of Tom Hogarth and Livia Va'ai; the transportation of the plaques were done by Tala and most of all the prayers said whilst awaiting the completion of the family project.