Sleepless in American Samoa

Backyard for Mom & Dad's house is our private beach-Pu'afotu Beach
in Lauli'i, American Samoa. Went to bed & woke up to this breathtaking view. 

Our short trip to Pago, Pago was unimaginable; we had so much fun hence the busy moments of our time we took out from seeing friends and families, to run errands and doing Mom's feau's (chores). We returned to Wisconsin homesick and daydreaming about the times we woke up to no worries or a rush, as this was the norm in my schedule in the Midwest. It seems like as soon as that Hawaiian Airline Flight 465 arrived in Tutuila (American Samoa), everything is on pause. What happens out in the world is now in the back burner, and what's before us is peace, relaxation,family, lots of time, simplicity and the beach everywhere you turn. That is the beauty of home, the beauty of American Samoa that I love most!

My fave-Plumeria pic taken in Nanakuli 

After several snow delays in Minnesota and Seattle, we made it to Hawaii close to midnight. We were welcomed by family and the unstoppable laughter helped to relieve the delayed acclimation to the humidity. We had time to relax and prep for our connecting flight to American Samoa; also had time to shop around for macadamia nuts as it is a gem for loved ones to receive us with goodies. The restless connecting eagles from Wisconsin really had us jet lagged, including the time difference, yet, out of 5 planes and 11 hours on air, we were overwhelmed, and beyond excited to see our final destination.

We boarded from Gate 24 in Honolulu International Airport in Oahu. The flight was not full, so most passengers waited until the flight took off to change seats around. In between counting hours to our final destination, we were comforted by polite flight attendants and the famous tunes of Israel Kamakawiwoole, Keali'i Reichel and Mama Genoa Keawe. My phone was unable to upload a go-go in flight package to browse the internet while on flight, but prior to wheels up,  I was able to update a few statuses and send out last minute reminders before sealing my phone for a roaming status in American Samoa. And FYI-all services from Sprint, T-Mobile, Cingular, Verizon Wireless, Boost Mobile, Mobi, Virgin Mobile, AT & T, etc., currently used in the United States, don't function past the Hawaiian Islands. Most people switch sim cards to Bluesky or ASTCA phone services when they land in Pago.

Something that always catches my attention while on that Flight 465 or 466 is the flight attendant that translates airline instructions to the Samoan passengers. Upon updating my Facebook status about the politeness, poise and articulation in her voice and the way she speaks, I was proud of the way this shows complacency in the Samoan language. The clarity in her voice reminds me how unique my Samoan language is, that although it may seem easy for the world to understand; it is a language that has its own roots and levels from the spoken, written, slang and formal-relatively the same as the Hawaiian language in spoken, written and the slang in Pidgin. For example: "You like me lick you?" Translation: Do you want spanking? Do you want to get beat up? That's Hawaiian Pidgin.

Receiving Area (Immigration & Customs Area) at Pago, Pago International Airport

We landed smoothly in Pago, Pago International Airport at approximately 9:30 pm. The whole flight home was actually smooth compared to a multitude of other January flights where airplanes made turnarounds. January, in the Samoan Islands, is known for hurricanes, trough monsoons and its stormy season. There were forecasted vines about a Cyclone Victor in the South Pacific while we were on air to get home, but it veered away from our final destination a few hours before we departed from Chicago. As scary as it seems, the flights are always successfully transporting locals back and forth in between Honolulu and Pago, Pago. The airport in Pago, Pago is a safe landing zone, and while I sometimes battle the phobia of being in an airplane, I always think of the worst somewhere else than where I am presently sitting-like the Lukla Airport in Nepal where the wheels up zone is right at a cliff that is leveled below hell if you miss jetting off in air or the Port au Prince Toussaint Couverture International Airport where passengers actually knock each other out without saying soddy!
The Hawaiian Airline ramp workers greeted Talofa and Welcome Home as we deplaned into the Receiving Area. We passed the departing gate where passengers for Flight 466 were seated and awaiting clearance from the ticketing agencies to board. That stomached feeling of "Thank God I'm not them" is the same feeling I chuckled to, everytime I pass that entrance when people, who are leaving American Samoa are seated. Im always depressed in that waiting area.

The receiving area for customs and immigration is always the longest wait or hurry up and wait process. We deplaned quickly out of the airplane to stand in line 10-20 minutes to get our passports stamped. The process took long, but we were comforted by the lovely smiles and the K-9 customs dog that sniffed around my Hawaiian Springs artesian bottle of water and the airline pretzels crumbled up in my purse I had to point out to the curious workers. The humidity greeted us too. We rushed off to the immigration area and waited in line for a good while. And while we stood there fanning our immigration forms and passports, we were pouring sweat everywhere. The ceiling fans in the area steamed the area with humid air, and despite the discomfort,we made it past with a smiling immigration worker who welcomed us back.

Like every flight nights, the airport was jam packed. When I got settled at home, I wrote a long status on Facebook (Molioleava Books Facebook Page ) about my arrival and home:

"When you wake up in American Samoa knowing that this is where it all began. Our little home in Lauli'i, where Mom and Dad molded our future from the humbling beginnings with fried herring smothered in wesson oil and eggplant. Yummy! It is so great to be home, and knowing that with all of us home, our house is so loud-soon, we'll be clowning on each other and then get an earful. This is the joy of returning home with your siblings to visit Mom and Dad. And I just can't seem to filter the sullen feelings when we have to part ways and leave our home again, it'll be quiet and gloomy to hearing a needle fall...Well it's too early to think of leaving, it's time to make memories and paint my siblings' faces with Mom's burnt frying pan. 

I woke up to the beach view out back, the sound of waves and the eerie breeze from Namumeaavaga (Molioleava-harbor light upstairs). This is the pleasant view that ships and boats row on by and admire a lot. It always turns necks when purse seiners and cruise ships sees us waving right at bay, behind our secret beach in Lauli'i-the Puafotu Beach behind Mom and Dad's house. The airport was pretty busy last night. It sure does remind me a lot about those nights we'd just throw on our finest clothes and shoes to go hang out at the Pago, Pago International Airport. Then we see people flying in with the grandest style and the new shoes..boy, those were the nights we enjoyed making people think we were actually leaving the island with our sikaili(styles). Well, I didn't come out looking like I was flashing a grand statement, I love my flip flops too much and the love and aroma of just stepping out of the plane to feel the love of this heat is what I waited all along for. It is very good to be home. 

As for any plans for today-Well, I was planning on sneaking out to Fagatogo to get some pancakes at 5AM, before everyone wakes up, but Lo & behold; these hyenas are peeking in through the louvers-Mom's dogs. I left home when they were just born, and now they grilling at me like I'm some foreigner. So I'll wait. I daydreamed of the pancakes in Fagatogo while basking in the Hawaiian sun yesterday, and here I am making noise everywhere while everyone's still asleep.I stared out the back of our house to find any traces of my old graffiti writings or any trace of my childhood, but it still looks to me, that Mom has not cease with her habits of maintaining home, the way it has always been all our lives. Her plants are growing alphabets around these rainbow lumbers welcoming us home. She has re-painted our home to welcome us and it's funny that the names drawn onto the cemented floors are still in tact, but a little bit of greenish moss growing around the names.You'd laugh if you see what I wrote when I was 8 years old:we fathomed English names so much and for my adoration, there is "DARLYNN" drawn on nearly every step by our house. Our shack out back is still there, our umu (cooking hut) is still standing after enduring so much since Hurricane Ofa & Valerie. I hear the pigs out back and the morning roosters. It was a little awkward when it was only 2AM and I heard a rooster out back, but that only happens when someone returns. Mom says it is like that when people return home-people who are unfamiliar with it always claim there are spirits around, but it doesn't bother us much. When I sit out back on moonlit nights, it is such a pleasant feeling, you can just fall asleep believing that your floating on the crashing waves out back. Since I left in 2000, I only come home once every year. This past year feels like it has been a while, but it may have been the fact that Wisconsin is very far from motherland. I am very thankful to be here and reuniting with my loved ones. If I see you around, don't be a stranger, I'll say hi hi hi, have a good day!!! If you need a signature for your book, you're more than welcome to beep beep on by, and I'll run upstairs to sign it. No problem. I hope it'll be low tide today, cause a fishing frago is in effect.Manuia lou aso (Have a good day) from me here in Puafotu Beach. HUGS." 

Morning sunrise in Lauli'i, American Samoa

One of the captured scenes during my visit home are the morning and evening sun views. Because of the time difference, I only slept probably for 2 hours before waking up to watch the kids make their way to school as the sun made its way out. The pleasant view in the morning and the coolness of morning dew is a gem, but once the sun is fully out, be prepared to bask in an oven at full blast. It did not stop us from swimming and doing our normal chores back home. The feeling of being home was overwhelming. You wave at aunts and uncles nearby, even wave at the creative car beeping overheard from the road. American Samoa is known for its pleasant views and National Park preserved lands, and indigenous habitats. In my village in Lauli'i, National Park preserves the naval artifacts in Breaker's Point from World War II and the vast wetlands near this preserved monument.

That house in between those two mountains is my home in Lauli'i, American Samoa.
The name of that private beach in our forefront is Pu'afotu Beach.

Visiting families in Vatia 

When I'm not busy with errands and things to do in town during my trip, I took the time to sit in our backyard to write. I used to drag a mat over to a shaded area and fell asleep to the sound of waves out back. This simplicity and view out back of our home in Lauli'i is a time share package to the world. But for me, I feel blessed not only because I grew up here, but there is still value in my upbringing that is still present in Pu'afotu that I will forever cherish no matter where I am now. 

Sundays in American Samoa

Sundays at home, is a view that is very rare, different but unique. Unlike other countries in the world, the Samoan islands are more preserving with Sundays than any normal day. For both islands, they are grounded under a belief of: Samoa, muamua le Atua (Samoa, put God first) & Fa'avae i le Atua Samoa God (Samoa is founded on God); and vested in their respective practices and beliefs, everything is summoned under respect for God and His Sabbath Day, which is Sunday. There is hardly any cars roaming on the road, there's no stores open, town areas are empty, no businesses running or aiga/transit buses roaming, no sports, no games, no swimming; and very peaceful and quiet-everyone respects the Sabbath day. That smoke you see in the picture is a norm for Sunday mornings in the islands. From 4AM to 7AM, there is smoke coming from outdoor cooking huts; young men usually cook around that time before church begins.

Molioleava-Harbor Light 

In light of my books and published work, I named my producing engine, Molioleava Books after that mountain on the Eastern side of American Samoa. Locally, it is called Molioleava, as the crater holds an irradiating landmark for the territory, a light that harbors many ships from far into the inner wharf of American Samoa. That crater is highly elevated that it picks up a high signal for telecommunication services, cable, television and radio stations in the territory. My house is on the opposite end of the mountain and the land, which belongs to my family in Lauli'i is called Namumeaavaga. There's several antennas seated up in Molioleava today as you see in the picture, but the beauty not captured in this picture is why my heart clings dearly to that crater. Surrounded by antennas most important to the island of American Samoa are my forefathers and elders buried in Namumeaavaga and when you hike up the crater, it looks like a crown of antennas guarding tombstones of our elders and forefathers buried up there.

Molioleava-This is the harbor light seated on Namuameaavaga
in Lauli'i, American Samoa 

Swimming & Rugby 

Aside from volleyball in the evenings, swimming and rugby are the faves in the island. We were devoted swimmers since our day one, from noon to the rippled evening tides.  My daughter was like a coral reef throughout the days home. We didn't get to fish but a few stumbles on the coral reefs to find  a gold (clams & sea urchins), like a regular "Mata Ai"(seafood edible-eater) got us a little bit of luck before it was high tide. What I noticed about the coast and our area is how our tall seawall was getting shorter and shorter. Then I remembered the climate changes and the many storms throughout the years that resurfaced many things in our surroundings back home.

View of inner wharf & town area from Molioleava 

Sightseeing in American Samoa is a natural wonder for an area well-preserved with lush of natural beauty and preserving communal lands. Families own their own treasured lands, and unlike other countries; neighborly villages are only entitled to clusters of families and extended families. Like my village of Lauli'i, there are clusters of different families from Peleafei, Mulitauaopele, Pele, Salanoa, Aulava and Vaimaona. Tafuna, an area mostly filtered with different families and people is known to be more privatized for anyone who purchases or leases a land.

Outdoor cooking huts back home-Breadfruits & taros are baked under heated rocks

Besides the beaches, landmark views and beautiful sights of American Samoa; food is one of the best things about being home. There's restaurants and different menus to choose from in the islands, but a home spread is always the best. My favorite is the breadfruit, taros and luau (green leafs baked with coconut milk). You can't ever go wrong with this.

Poke-Raw Fish
DELISH! 

I posted an update from home in Molioleava Books Facebook Page:
"Some breadfruit, taro & fresh coconut milk straight from the cooking hut makes my day every day. People take pictures by McDonalds in Fagatogo, Equator's in Tafuna, & Carls Jr @ Laufou while I am taking my instagram moments by my Dad's charred cooking hut with all the organic love microwaved by the heated rocks underground- that costs nearly an arm in US and abroad. The beauty of our farms and homebred foods is that they are so costly in the world, but free here. Just clean up the bananas, taros and breadfruits out back.. Individuals and franchises are so fascinated by this lifestyle that it's so cloned and adopted for a lifestyle. But you see, this is home that we love, what we have is right in our backyards. Feeling blessed knowing that I was born and raised right here. I love you American Samoa. I love you too ulu (breadfruit), taro, pe'epe'e (coconut milk),and oka (raw fish).. Must try: That restaurant in Utulei by the Scanlan Gas Station with BBQ and fresh oka to go. Ono grandeur!"

Warriors wear skirts 

It is said the strongest warriors are from Scotland and Samoa. Why? Because men wear skirts. In the Samoan islands, they're not skirts, they're called ie lava lava, ie faitaga or sarongs. These materials are worn respectively for cultured and respected occasions like family events and functions as well as church on Sunday. The color "white" is an assembled or an elite chosen color most churches wear on Sunday in Samoa. As a Methodist, our dress code is always a white puletasi for females (a blouse and skirt dress) or white safari (shirt & skirt) for males. 

View from Molioleava to the far end of the ocean where Lady Naomi
enters & exits from Apia to Pago, Pago 

You'll never see clouds or stars that low from the horizon until you visit American Samoa. This breathtaking view was taken from Namumeaavaga (Molioleava) while hiking up to visit my relatives. 

My daughter is wearing my school uniform from
back in the days for Lauli'i Elementary.

Mom had saved this uniform from my elementary years and it fitted well on my daughter when we arrived.  Cyncere experienced a whole different curriculum and enjoyed it. I started off in Lauli'i Elementary from ECE to 3rd grade off and on, then went to Marist St. Francis and Fa'asao High School. From my daughter's experience, she told me that the children were so nice to her. They asked her, "Fia kaalo tip top?" (Want to play tip top?) And she learned, 1)Inky Inky Monkey, keli pua kali 2)Ke malaki, a panipopo, a bye bye!! 3)Aki (jacks using perfectly smooth-rounded rocks). Throughout the years since she was born, she was very curious about my life and upbringing while growing up in American Samoa. I did mention to her how it was, from getting a metric ruler hit on the palm for a mistake on a homework, and the scrumptious pani (bun) and milk upbringing in a life that believe in corporal punishment for students. She loved her experience in Lauli'i Elementary and my fa'afetai and thank you to the lovely staff of Lauli'i Elementary for giving my daughter a homebred experience that she'll remember eternally. 

Home is where the heart is. 

Although we're far from home, I'll always remember where I began. In a humble upbringing, I'll always hold true to where all of what I am now came from. Not a lot of people reflect to the beginning and how life was. Something very simple may be different, but it is costly and extinct in someone else's life. I feel blessed and lucky for my own upbringing, for my life and where I am from. We do a lot of traveling around the world since we left, and invested a lot in getaways, but a lot of what we choose in travel packages is what's right in our backyard. The food chain in other countries is leaning towards the healthy side like organics and natural resources. The produce aisles in grocery stores is becoming more expensive, but it is free back home. This is what I solely value more about where I am from. 

Airport Parking 

 This was one of the signs I saw while in American Samoa. Another interesting sign I saw in town was: "A leiloa le mea e tuu ai le lapisi tuu i lou ----!" I remember when parking spaces were free, then it increased to a $1, $2..and now it's $3. It changes every time I travel home, and after riding around to see the airport unloading/loading zone filled with parked cars, I came around to discover the new fee to park. The security has to literally come out with his ticket booklet and pen to hint to the drivers sitting under the airport guesthouse, to move their cars out of the airport drop off zone. Drivers would then ride around and come back to park at the drop off zone, again. The airport carts by the conveyor belt in the airport terminal has increased to $4 now; it was also free before. In an annual count for both venues, I think it would be really nice for these two venues to work a cycle in putting air condition in the Receiving Area for Immigration and Customs, so it can balance out on both Arrival and Departure areas to appeal the same way.

Starkist Tuna-Cannery in Satala, American Samoa 

The big tuna cannery operates mainly in the islands and has played a huge employment role for our local residents in raking in sources of income and numbers for the territory. There is a possibility for downsizing, and vines towards the licensing problems for the boats forbidden to fish until a fee of $17 million is paid by the company. My mother retired here after 30 years of providing and raising 11 children. Families and individuals made ends meet through working here, now that advantage is vanishing slowly like the other cannery that recently closed which closed many opportunities for local residents. American Samoa is a great location for the tuna cans to be manufactured from, as it is surrounded by water and its convenient location helps purse seiner boats. My continuous prayers for everyone working in Starkist and Starkist. 

My Peace & Zen
My Canvas View while Listening to Tiama'a 

In the evenings, after hearing the smooth grooves from Real Diehl and the beautiful sounds & Morning Show from 93KHJ (John & Sia), this canvas view and Tiama'a on 2AP is all that's left. All these breathtaking views doesn't require photo shop, or an adobe plug, they're all filtered in naturally with the mild breeze, sound of crickets, cannery buses passing by and the echoes from the Bingo Hall in the village. It's depressing just looking at it, while gazing out at the snow thawing on my law in Wisconsin. We left home satisfied and happy. We spent time with family, we did our chores, we ate some Fagatogo market pancakes, even devoured some german buns from Amy's. Now we're home, and trying to adjust time and weather changes around; it's not easy but we'll get used to it as always. From all that we enjoyed, I miss my parents and families the most. 

Happy 70th birthday Dad!

Although this was not a vacation, we enjoyed our short time home with families and friends. Family time is more important to me than anything, and waking up to see my parents each day is everything I could ask God for each day. I got to spend time with Mom and Dad, even had time to chat and catch up before celebrating Dad's 70th birthday. He has battled through the years with so much, but God pulled through for Him everyday. During my trip, I was able to visit him at his appointments, even stopped by Lyndon B. Johnson Medical Center to say hi to him and his friends as well as his nurses. Im so thankful for their hardwork and perseverance while serving patients day in and out. My continuous prayers for LBJ and the crisis it's undergoing at this time. It's not easy, but my continuous and yearning prayers for all patients: from elders to younger children who are in need of medical, intensive and palliative support and care each day. I love you all. #PrayersIVLBJ 

I dropped off my novels to SSAB-Pago in Tafuna
for local readers who have no access to Amazon  

During the last few days in Pago, Pago, I was able to drop off copies of my books, Lovefolds of Our Upbringing- to the SSAB-Pago Samoa Stationery & Books Store in Tafuna. Thanks to Sina & staff for your support and acceptance. We took a picture together before carrying on with my errands for my parents, and followed their links on Facebook. You'll see more of their updates on here SSAB-Pago , even enjoyed seeing some of my favorite Samoan authors on catalogs and displays while visiting SSAB-Pago. Fa'afetai tele lava, Thank you so much!  

Latest Rumors & Slangs 

Well, while home, I keep hearing kids saying, "E ese le kalo, ese le pakeka," (Potato is different from a taro), which has an unusual meaning that can easily curve a micro aggression assumption, but it's a slang that kids toss around in sarcasm. It means those who are from off island eats potatoes, and a Samoan eats  taros. The comparison between a taro and a potato is in comparison for a traveler and a Samoan breed or someone brought up in the islands. When it comes to an altercation when a visitor wants to throw a temper tantrum, a kid from Samoa would say, "Ese le kalo, ese le pakeka sole!" -a potato is nothing compared to a taro.. dejavue! 

Another slang is Poki Loa! The hyped generation today makes you feel old or out of place when returning home, but it's always nice to hear it and giggle about your non-belonging self when you don't know what it means. 

Rumors in American Samoa may seem new to a traveler, but it's becoming a practice that everyone easily exclaim with another slang, "Like leva ia." -like long time!! Out of marriage affairs is a big thing in AS. You're supposedly the talk of the town or the popular thing if you're having an affair with someone else's husband or wife. It outgrows the keen, the righteous, the successors, the integrity...but in reality, the behavior may flaunt well as cuteness, or like a soap opera, but it's adultery-which means, it's wrong, bad and all of the below unacceptable. What makes affairs more prominent or heavily headlined among conversations is where it is commonly practiced. Before, it was shushed easily or dusted under rug, but now, a lot of people are saying, that everyone knows, and no one cares. People are coming out more openly in public, and yes, it is common in high floors or high leadership positions within the territory. Should I be worried or threatened? I am sure God has me, but I feel for the wife who walks by her husband and his mistress having lunch in town and does not say much. I think we can tolerate that as women to speak up or milk the cow in the wrong dry. 

Other rumors are the pay hikes for representatives. As I heard, the pay hike may only be 20 cents annually, I'm not sure, but for the first time in my life I am proud of the citizens and local residents for formulating an interest group or a body to advocate and voice opinions for what is right. I like that idea, and I pray it remains that way. I also value the idea of putting pay hikes behind, and working to balance out where there is a lack in funding first before suggesting any pay raise. 

I was curious and began asking around for candidates and who's going to be running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor this next term. I am beyond excited and interested to know who I will be voting for, because a lot of my favorite role models ran last year. My prayers for our government and our territory of American Samoa. There is hope for change. A lot of hopes and prayers are answered, but there is also this vision, that even a humble and a suited leader changes with power and authority. There is also this belief, that while some work to help people, there is always one who will say one thing but will work to help His own people. I like to observe and see where it goes, but my prayers remains for my home sweet home. 

I love you American Samoa! 

My trip ended with a few Machiatto stops in Chicago and then our last haul to my temporary abode here in Tomah, Wisconsin. We missed home as soon as we saw the snow thawing on our front door step. Despite the withdrawals and nostalgic moments, I got right back into business with writing and returning back to work. It was all fun while it lasted, but it's crunch time until I can release "Pintail Foundation."

Much Alofa to all of you & God bless!

Lynn

Child Sexual Abuse VS It's Your Fault For Being Cheeky

Protect your babies. 

Have you ever experienced when someone wink at you or lick their lips when they see you when you were a child? Or someone touching you the wrong way? How about when it happens and everyone thinks it's your fault? It's not your fault at all, if you ask me.

This common behavior happens so often, that it sometimes pins victims as the main provoker to crimes committed by perverts. Yet it doesn't define the behaviors of pedophiles to the roots when it happens. For instance, when a child is asleep and someone creeps up to touch them wrongly in their private parts, or even perform sexual acts to them when no one is around. This is the abominable illness increasingly growing in this world that is not taken very seriously by people, to protect children.

Younger children are experiencing the trauma of being sexually abused and harassed at such young ages. I simply find it disgusting that pedophiles and those who are aware of these acts are the reasons why these behaviors continues to bombard our communities today. Children will always be vulnerable as long as they're unaware of gestures sick people are more prone to, especially when a child is not protected.

At a young age, I encountered the same repulsive acts out of people. There are children who grow up to contain the churning feelings. Those feelings eventually influences the present and everything in their surroundings from trust, security, marriage, and relationships.

As hideous as this neglected behavior disguises a person's life in the way to feel, think and live; it appeals to me that the efforts to eliminate these grime behaviors and child molestation still doesn't cease people from harassing and molesting children. Many cases of child molestation are especially affecting the category of younger girls in their homes and in trusted circles. Laws are enforced, but I believe that more untold damages are still occurring but still unknown over reasons of fear, or a child feeling ashamed to expose themselves where they could be portrayed in different labels, or because of  interfering practices that withholds advocates from helping.

I had a nice conversation with a young lady who was very successful and well-mannered. When the subject crossed us that day, she quickly tilted the bottle of Cabernet into her wine cup and waved her hand adding in to my clouding remarks. For years, when someone puts an arm around her in a slow dance, she would quickly move the hands of her dancing partner up to wrap around her neck. She has a tendency of keeping her distance from a person next to her, so their arm doesn't touch the side of her hip or side of her breasts. I couldn't comprehend why at the time, until later, that this was the aftermath from getting molested when touched privately by someone at a young age. She doesn't let it get to her much, but the mixed emotions still ruins some moments in her life.

One time, we were all asleep one night and it just so happens that a night creeper made it past our front door into our rooms. Our European home is more of an open house with knobs comfortably unlocked while we slept; safety and security was transparent in our family circle. But it was not until one night when I felt my blanket pulling from me all of a sudden. I didn't think much about my blanket, considering that my little sister always pulled a blanket or sheet from me when she gets cold at night. I screamed after feeling someone's hand on my chest.The mysterious night creeper ran off when I turned the light on. My whole family was alarmed by the incident, but it happened again a few days later. The creeper managed to quietly remove all of the the louvers on our window that night. We were awakened by the sound of a cracked louver, then the dogs barked. The night creeper fled from our house.

Several times in my childhood encounters; whenever I walked by a crowd, or see a man staring, there is always someone winking. It's crazy that even to this day, predators of inhumane behaviors still think winking is a groovy fashion statement for a pickup line. Literally, only a "moekolo" (night creeper) does that, if you ask me. The last time a man tried to touch me wrongly, I threw a rock to his head. I didn't care at the time if he was bleeding or not, but death was all I could wish for a person who looked, smiled, acted or portrayed any diabolic behavior of molestation. Although physical damage in throwing that rock brought defensive relief, it doesn't heal wounds of a decreased esteem about innocence and childhood feelings. And it just doesn't help much with knowing that in your own extended family, where one could feel more comforted and secured, there are some who makes you feel as if you've just drank a cup of water filled with broken glasses.

For most people I had met, they've learned to nurture a great disguise about themselves now, compared to the feelings of what they underwent in their young lives. They moved on, enabling the notion of healing by letting go of the past, with the comfort and support of families and friends. Unfortunately for others, it may take long to recuperate from the bottled feelings or not being able to salvage their stolen innocence. For a child who knows not much about these predicaments, they experience long-term behavioral, physical and emotional risks.Sometimes, they do not know how to comprehend the way they act or feel about themselves until years later.

The aftermath of child molestation and sexual abuse can cause more damage in the mind of a child. The results does not misconstrue anything nor eliminate the causal effect that can lead a person to commit suicide, or become diagnosed with other illnesses and phobias that damages their internal being, relationships with people and their future.

When I went back to school, my main passion was to pursue a Human Services degree to advocate and help young girls who were molested and sexually abused. I learned that the bigger percentage of these cases happens in homes, or in trusted circles around families and friends. And I found lobbying interest in that category to raise awareness to help younger children experiencing these inhumane acts, because not a lot of people have the tendency to voice or raise that concern to make a difference. There are two sides to a story, and the common label among societies today always depicts a young girl as being cheeky or labeled as someone who asked for what they got. For a child; there is no exception as to who is wrong, a child does not know much and they're helpless and should always be protected by adults, not sexually abused. I am disgusted that an adult does not get it in their head that a child is still considerably young whose organs and growth are still developing.

There are so many people who encountered being sexually abused at a young age, but have not admitted that it happened to them. But I found Lady Gaga's confessions more appealing in her recent song, Till It Happens To You. This song captures different perspectives and tells a story about the culture of shame and silence towards sexual abuse. It portrays a realm of being vulnerable and feelings that grows in time, to behaviors and the way a person will feel; at which, for someone who never experienced being sexually abused, would never understand or know anything about. These lines as she shared in solidarity:"Til it happens to you, you don't know how it feels, how it feels. Til it happens to you, you won't know, it won't be real. No, it won't be real, won't know how it feels."

If you were sexually abused at a young age, know that there is hope in the world for you. I hope and pray that you will conquer your fears and speak up about it. I hope that you will consistently remember that you are not at fault and it shouldn't ever hurt to be a child. Bring justice to your heart and talk to someone. Don't worry about people. They will always bicker and say that a vulnerable child was the provoker; but truly, they won't ever know until it happens to them. My prayers and solidarity for you. Hugs.

Citizenship for American Samoa

I had been following several dialogues regarding the citizenship lawsuit case for the United States Territory of American Samoa. This case brought out several debates and controversies months ago relating to a preserved federal law, that makes American Samoa US nationals instead of US citizens; and the overturned decision made by the Court of Appeals. The results following this case to grant citizenship to the US territory was denied. 

A small group of Samoans living in the United States, petitioned this lawsuit case, over the effects of this federal law. These men have been living in the US upon leaving American Samoa. They pursued education to become qualified for careers and opportunities to support their families back in American Samoa. They are the only few who remains under the notion that we are entitled to that right to be natural born citizens. 

I also read several disagreements made viral on social media by people, questioning why anyone would want to become a citizen when this is the life of living free. They remain under the impression that these people, who petitioned for the lawsuit, are fiapoto (think they're smart) or ungrateful for the freedom we are currently embracing in American Samoa, as an unincorporated territory.This does not specify directly whether the people chooses to become US citizens like all the United States territories; or if they want to continue enjoying the freedom under a self-governed territory-or to become an independent state instead, since the confidence is to not pursue that right to become natural-born citizens.  

This freedom we currently embrace, according to majority of the local citizens and the government, doesn't give restrictions to land ownership that are entitled to those of Samoan ancestry. American Samoa could live free under its very own lands, have a chiefly system practiced in our local government and our own constitution-with the exception that we still get money from the US to fund our chiefly systems and the needs in our territory. They think that if we are granted that right to become citizens, it could undermine Samoan local traditions and practices, change the whole chiefly system and laws in the territory, which at this time, a citizenship lawsuit would be the last thing that needs to be supported by this opposing end. 


Personally, I find it hard to weigh the arguments for both sides with the absence of voice of the people. And when I say people, I mean people as in everyone. Not just leaders who speak on behalf of people without propositions in place stating that this is what the people wants-in ballot for citizenship or no citizenship and signatures of the people. There are no speculations in writing whether the people are for, or against the decision made recently. If people want to vote for citizenship, they should immediately advocate to cast that ballot, or if not, let the ballot determine the rest. I think that from dialogues and the fear of the unknown, not many are aware of these effects and how it can affect them and the future.But here's some of my thoughts about it:


HISTORY
The forefathers of American Samoa granted America permission to establish a naval base in exchange for military protection in 1872. And then along the way, there was war when Germany, UK and America fought over the two archipelagos (Western Samoa and Eastern Samoa). Many artifacts and remains of that war still remains and preserved for tourism in several villages in the territory today. Anyway, that Tripartite Convention between the three countries separated the two islands. Another treaty signed, later claimed Western Samoa as a German colony, and Eastern Samoa fell under America in 1899. It was not until 1900 when a Treaty of Cession was signed (Tutuila chiefs & America), which made Eastern Samoa or Tutuila, the United States Territory of American Samoa. Western Samoa, now called Samoa, is now an independent state. American Samoa is still considered an unincorporated and self-governing territory under the US, today.

Western Samoa lives on its own currency, runs its own government and relies upon its trade and independent exports to survive in their own lands. Their remarkable foundation is a phenomena similar to the constitutional and chiefly system practiced by American Samoa. Samoa acknowledges local traditions and practices of the Samoan culture, and have no restrictions on their own lands. There is equilibrium in their facilitated foundation as an independent country. 

SINCE THE LAW
With this preserved federal law in place, it makes American Samoan people, US nationals, but not US citizens like those born in US territories of Puerto Rico, US Virgin Island and Guam. When you flip to the last page of an American Samoan passport, it states: THIS BEARER IS A UNITED STATES NATIONAL AND NOT A UNITED STATES CITIZEN. 

THE EFFECTS
American Samoa citizens cannot vote in the US Presidential election. That means, everything we bicker about on the news, from public policies and propositions in the US; those do not apply to our territory or us. Moreover in some perception, when a national candidate campaigns and receives more support, he will more than likely, only consider the needs of his supporters in his agenda settings. Idealistically, college students had more votes in the last presidential election. 

In order to become a US citizen, an individual must leave the territory and live in a US state for three months to apply for naturalization-nearly the same process immigrants undertake to become citizens. 

The inconvenience extends out to many things in this process. Financially, the expenses of the process, cost of traveling (Hawaiian Airline one way fares are $800 and above, or more during holiday seasons),the cost of living and healthcare, prevents people from pursuing citizenship. With healthcare issues inclining and its reform among the US, it contributes to that effect also. Some have to wait three months in the nearest state off-island in order to qualify for a healthcare plan. 

American Samoa still ranks #1 as the highest recruiting station in the United States Army. Majority of the soldiers who are recruited from the US territory are waived as US Nationals when they join the military. So,even though American Samoa is denied US citizenship to its people, more of its sons and daughters makes up the biggest and strongest Army in the world. American Samoa is one tiny dot on the map but it contributes largely to peacekeeping and wartime operations for America. Compared to Native American tribes, American Samoan soldiers in the days of Civil War were also used in code missions. Meaning, their language were used to send different codes or messages from one company to another on military radios. Today, American Samoa,the heart of the Pacific, has the highest death rate out of all US states and territories, since the war began in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

There are students who graduated from off-island universities and colleges and in JROTC programs in the territory; whose goals are to become commissioned officers in the military. The dreadful effects for this process is; in order to become a commissioned officer in any branch of the Armed Forces, a candidate has to be a US citizen. 

Students who graduate from universities and colleges in Hawaii, usually return home to join the military from the home station in American Samoa.The station any recruit joins the military from, is their home of record. 

For cadets in military academies, they condition under the terms to await the process to become citizens. Once they receive their citizenship certificate, they can graduate as commissioned officers. The effects of this law impedes the process of commissioning for some cadets and candidates. If a cadet does not receive his or her citizenship in a specified time, their contracts are terminated. This also affects a scholarship they received before venturing off island to a military academy, and that student is sent into the needs of the Army to serve time. Furthermore, those who applied for financial aid just to pursue their dreams in a college or a university has to unfortunately pay back everything. I know that the US Army has a Student Loan Repayment Program for soldiers, but such program is limited based on fiscal year funding and barely guaranteed. With the low financial wages for parents, they still try their very best to ensure that their children meets the requirements for military academies.

This applies in other levels of government in the US, too. If anyone looks up USAJobs.gov, most of these positions requires candidates to be US citizens. This does not only apply for federal positions. Some individuals who want to become law enforcements are facing the same problem. For a lateral entry police officer process, one has to be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma, good character, moral background, a state driver's license; and lastly, be a US citizen. 

For elections, people from American Samoa are denied the right to vote in every state in the US. Also, only those who are US citizens are able to run for government positions anywhere they relocate to as long as this candidate is a resident and a US citizen. For someone born in American Samoa, they don't have a chance to that right. They cannot vote in the US, they cannot run, but they are entitled to send absentee ballots home- where laws, policies and fiscal year fundings does not benefit them in the US. On the immigration side, someone from American Samoa has to be a US citizen in order to sponsor anyone from other foreign countries. 

American Samoa is considered an unincorporated territory, self-governed under its own laws and constitution. The constitution anchors under or evolves around the chiefly or the matai system. I remember when retired veterans returned back to American Samoa and took positions in the American Samoa Government. They now hold matai or chief titles upon taking director positions in the territory. I also remember election days. Candidates will run for elections using their birth certificate names. Months later, they began to carry chief titles.

The beauty of the Samoan culture is having matai's or chiefs. Compared to Israel, Samoa is very prestige and honored in this Fa'asamoa practice of having chiefs in each family and villages. The respect and love is always there for our treasured practices. My father is a chief in Western Samoa and American Samoa. Mom is a chief in her family too. I have a matai title too, Seugaali'i is a beautiful name granted by my elders in Falealili. However, I think it is also beautiful to recognize the potential of the new generation and enforce a moral practice in the work environment balanced across with those with credentials.


Several dialogues about the matai system and its effect on the US territory and the governmental jobs had given me a view on why people continue to contest to ongoing crisis or corruption lingering around sectors in my homeland. 

I sometimes wonder while reading through some of the comments by people about how the government is so corrupted and how people only hire according to connections and chief titles. The comments I would normally see are: So corrupted! Exploitation! Ua uma tupe o le malo (Territory money is finished/gone!) 

Connections on the other hand, for example: When someone starts working in the Fono, their whole family are all of a sudden hired to work there too. Even though they orally express in the beginning that people must apply for positions, you can walk into any department today and easily recognize that some cubicles and offices has at least 4 or 5 people from the same household, same village or related to one another. 

Have you looked around your office, your department, your hospital in American Samoa yet? Are the instigations from dialogues of people correct? Is it fair that you went through school and paid tuition for a job in the hospital, but years later, someone who never went to school all of a sudden shows up with scrubs? Do you think it's fair that you pursued a Master's Degree from an accredited institution but returned home to work under someone with only a matai title? 

These are the concerns of the people.People must also know, this is an incorporated practice chosen from the beginning. And the effects of this preserved federal law getting approve may inhibit its continuance.

THE RIGHTS 
The citizenship clause in the 14th Amendment does state that, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and its territories are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." According to the Appeals court, this amendment does not apply to American Samoa, which makes us just a possession.

In broader definition, we are a possession far out past Hawaii. Like Turkey, US has an air strip where they could land airstrikes from in that country anytime. Like the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, it is used as a nuclear testing base and still operates today. American Samoa, an overseas territory, since the days of colonialism and does not fall under that citizenship clause. 

Do you remember the last time a president visited American Samoa? His name is written on the only hospital in the territory, LBJ-another sector undergoing several financial issues in the territory. It was a long time ago on October 1966 when Lyndon B.Johnson visited American Samoa. His presidential speech in Tafuna shared so much about inclusion.

A few of his words upon arrival were, "For no other corner of the world can be left untidy or ignored today. The time is fast coming as there will be no such thing as the far corner of the Earth. So I think this is the way that God intended it. I cannot believe He wanted man to be isolated, ever, from his neighbor. He did not seek that distance or race or religion or creed ever separate us from one another. At the table of need, we all find our place, and the greatest need of all today, I think, is for human fellowship and a sense of what each of us can do for the rest of us." (Johnson, L., 1998: Remarks Upon Arrival at TIA.) 

This federal law would never be approved until there is oneness from the people of American Samoa. As much as I agree with the freedom embodied in our territory, public policies in the US are evolving subjects which continues to change with different presidents and their new insights about government and public policies. That change may one day affect our status as a territory, as long as we are an unincorporated state. Recently, the US reopened its embassy in Cuba after many years. When that opened, it brought a lot of tourism into the country.This inflated Puerto Rico's number in travel and tourism tremendously to no escape. Puerto Rico hangs on a thread as long as US continues to face issues with budget deficit. 

Same sex marriage has been legalized in some states. American Samoa is not entitled to other rights, yet the US still needs an explanation from the territory if they'll allow same sex marriage in the territory. The changes in policy continues to make what was once impossible possible. 

If the board of judges in the Court of Appeals can easily say that the 14th Amendment which subjects anyone born in a US state or a territory to become a natural born citizen, does not apply to American Samoa; then let us think about the military protection under which the Treaty of Cession was signed in 1900. Are we protected today? 

As long as we are under this preserved federal law, we will always have pitfalls here and there concerning minimum wage. As Lyndon B. Johnson stated when he visited American Samoa, "Samoan children are learning twice as fast as they once did, and retaining what they learn. Surely from among them, one day, will come scientists and writers to give their talents to Samoa, to America, and to the world." 

By considering the potential of our future leaders who are returning to American Samoa with higher education and experience, more creative thinking, knowledge and ideas can contribute to mitigating financial issues in the territory today, like the minimum wage in Starkist and our one and only hospital in Fagaalu. 

I was fascinated about Guam's history when it came from an unincorporated territory to winning support in self-governing and citizenship for its people. Guam had its own group of representatives, similar to the chiefs of Samoa. They voiced concerns to the navy governor at the time and set their policies in the island. When the governor didn't support the voice of the people, the group walked out of the session, with no care in the world as to what America will do to them. 


Guam did not listen or follow any demands from the governor. What's unique about this story is, it rallied full support for Guam by the attitude and courage of its people to stand up to the governor. From that time, Guam was able to vote for their own governor and when they asked for citizenship, it was granted. Guam still owns their lands, considers tourism and travel for growth-and are able to voice and advocate for its rights. 


I love my Samoan culture. I also know that we can practice our Samoan culture, but distinguish our culture from government affairs especially in hiring and budget departments. I am sure that there are people who are not familiar with this topic and may believe other sources that intentionally instill fear for the people of becoming US citizens. 

I also think that people are knowledgeable of the circumstances, but refrain from speaking up. When people really see rational stance on support for this lawsuit case, they'll clearly understand or narrow down why this seems to always have a bipolar effect between culture and corruption. In the end, some people will realize that the support for this lawsuit case just might be about self-governing, and was never about land restrictions. 

I think it's necessary for the people of American Samoa to formulate and advocate on its own without a representative towards this law. I also think that the voice of the people should also be heard towards other areas of the government more than just this federal law that denies us citizenship. Can American Samoa become an independent state like Samoa? I don't know but it's the voice of the people that makes a difference. Once there is legitimacy, there is hope for any policy the people brings to DC as long as there is a voice from the people of American Samoa. A successful policy is approved as long as it is supported by the local government and the people. The local government and its leaders works for the people of American Samoa. In the end, the people's voice will determine if there is public trust. 





Lyndon B. Johnson: "Remarks Upon Arrival at Tafuna International Airport, Pago Pago, American Samoa.," October 18, 1966. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=27945.


Constitution of the United States. S.PUB.103-21 (1994), prepared by the Office of the Secretary of the Senate with the assistance of Johnny H. Killian of the Library of Congress,

Agency, C. (2012). American Samoa. Retrieved from http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/171791

LOYAL READERS

I'm going through my weekly check in's here and reviewing several messages from all of you, current events from motherland and the continuous checklists of things to do this month. I can't believe it's already December and in 3 weeks, it'll be 2016. 

For the messages: Thank you dear friends for your continuous requests and acknowledgment for Lovefolds. I thank you for your reviews as well. Much respect to all of you who managed to invite all your friends on your friends lists to like my page too. I know nothing is ever given freely in this life without faith in God, hardwork and the support from people. The road is still going, and I can't say it's been long as I have just began. My continuous prayers for the long days ahead and all these plans after and for all of you.Nothing is ever possible without the Lord who continues to manifest his love and guidance in this journey. I hope you are all doing well and received your copies. Someone had asked if I would make this a full time job. I love writing, not just novels. I still write journals and a few letters to soldiers in Afghanistan. That includes everything else around my home-from letters to Tewey's teachers, emails to families and friends, and to my orientation advisor who's planning my orientation packet for law school. I sometimes edit papers for students,even proofread proposals and grants for friends in different sectors-more of a freelance writer in some aspect. The only difference in all of this is my passion to work and help people. I also still take care of Mom and Dad, aside from taking care of my own family here.Therefore, I still like to work where I'm at, helping soldiers while writing my books. 

Current Events: I read the news yesterday and wrote this long status before I went to bed. I woke up to discover several comments from friends and families. It still doesn't change the fact that I will continue to live and curse the life of one who molests or sexually abuses a child.But here's my status:I'm reading the comments on Samoanews made publicly by people towards a sex offender who had sex with a minor. He gets 15 years.Im also reading comments made towards another case of a man (former cop and mayor) with the same charges. He got 5 years. Both men had sex with children..What's the difference? They should be tried and given the same punishment.Lately, there had been too many cases on child molestation. Let me rephrase that: Cases finally coming into exposure out of the multitude of cases that have occurred and still occurring. You can't always trust your judgment on giving chances or pitying someone over their service and credential. We are all bona fide advocates in our community. We notice wrong and voice it out to cease grave behaviors by granting punishment fairly. That would be a good way to help and bring closure. Time and counseling must take its course.A pedophile bleeds temporarily but a child's traumatized spirit will bleed forever. Protect your babies.In cases like this, anyone can do harm to any child. It can be a friend, a person coming to you for help, the same sex, even a family member. As I wrote in my Lovefolds book, there are inspired events that constitutes to sullen whirlwinds in a child's life. Some children who have experienced being molested in some way grew up building walls and barriers.They are insecured, hopeless and withdrawn from life. In the most transitional stages of a child's life, in the teenage year, they are more vulnerable and prone to cutting themselves or even make attempts to commit suicide because they were either sleeping and someone moekolo to them or a person touched them in a dreadful way."It takes a village to raise a child", as long as you're with the right villagers. Watch your babies..too many moekolos. (For this status, the only person that was on my mind is Deputy Attorney General Mitzie Jessop-Ta'ase-her exemplary efforts are shown in every cases dealing with child molestation and sexual abuse..my applause to her)

Lastly, my checklist for the month of December. For the month of December, I filled up a notebook on everything from now until January.The scribbles on the half-torn page are reminders for:

1)Tewey's lunch money
2)scrub the oven asap
3)the tree's still naked
4)order cap and gown for commencement
5)gym membership?
6)mom and dad's groceries
7)pack for trip to Samoa
8)change oil
9)find a grooming shop for Molioleava (my Heelermix)
10)7's in Vegas next year? ...list goes on.

Other things I found myself jotting were lists of recipes for crockpots..Did you know that besides a clock with a snooze button, a crockpot is my second to the greatest investment ever? I meannnn, I get off work, run the cleaners out, pick up Tewey from daycare and then welcomed home by dinner waiting in a crockpot. It never fails.My new book ‪#‎PintailFoundation‬is still on schedule to be released.But I wouldn't bug anyone as the hope is to see you all enjoy the holidays with your families and remembering the reason for this season.It is a month of graduations as well, my MPA program is officially complete, but I can't walk until April when there is actually a commencement ceremony to attend for us activists and public administrators.By that time in April,law school begins. My prayers for the countdown of days and weeks ahead and the sleepless days and nights. May the Lord continue to guide us all safely and peacefully throughout the last weeks and days of this month. Much love to all of you and thank you again for your support, respect and alofas. 

Lynn and her long list of December heart emoticon
xoxo