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

The "F" word

I shared a dialogue in an interview about fa'alavelave's one time. It was not in any way near contesting my culture or anyone. Thoughts are free and the ones shared are valued more than thoughts not shared. I value our humble traditions and practices, however, some of our prominent customs are slowly gliding into extinction. 

A fa'alavelave, or a special family function,will always be a part of us. There are different types of fa'alavelave, but my chosen one is a funeral, because it is such a huge event in the Samoan family life.

We will all eventually leave this temporary realm someday. We are also loyal to our roots and extended bloodlines. Aside from taking care of our very own, we render and contribute everything into fa'alavelave more than how other countries honor a loved one's passing. Helping a family member is a wonderful thing. However, we may have taken it far from the norms originally practiced by our ancestors.The coconut which was always used, is now nearly an extinct tradition.

If you ask a Samoan what their definition of fa'alavelave is, be prepared for the answer. To some, it's the "F" word. 

If you look at our world, big countries are suffering from economic crises. Fiscal funds may now or someday not cover portals awaiting assistance to fund salaries and paychecks. Some of us are more eager to consider reputation, thoughts of others and pride more than other consequences. As Lani Young mentioned in one of her Blogs about Faalavelave's, Food and Fuss (here),"A lot of what we do at a funeral has nothing to do with grief, sympathy and mourning. It's all about WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK?!

There's distress in oil rigging, financial disasters and the lack of expansion in big countries we harbor upon. That can affect us. That and the unemployment crises of course. The cost and living among us, is inflated by population and the incline of health problems lacking cure also. Funding for research is becoming harder for scientists than it normally did. Interest groups aren't campaigning harder than they used to; laws are becoming harder for scientists to develop answers. Hospitals are auctioning generic supplies and equipments to meet the needs of patients, while battling funds. The Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in American Samoa is still in an interrogatory era with hopes for change soon. Financial crises will soon expend us a slim-to-none funding, which plays a huge role in the provisions for our many fa'alavelave's.

Fa'alavelave' has slowed down possibilities and positive outcomes for change. I am sorry to break it to you, but this is true. As a Samoan proverb states: "E fofo e le alamea le alamea." It means, our own solutions comes from us alone once we choose to consider "solution" by taking the steps to resolving financial splurge, family bind and decline in our islands. For example, let's save money for a college fund for our kids…how about purchasing more dish wares , because apparently some "aiga basket" walked off with the brand new dozen purchased before the fa'alavelave..Here are some steps to help ...THERE!! (Do skip Step 1 please, ANZ is still struggling to answer for the doubled ATM fees in American Samoa and Bank of Hawaii left American Samoa, well not really, sooner, but not soon, its ATMs are still functioning though.)

Essentially, my main concern is about the days after a fa'alavelave, when our children has nothing to eat for a month after rendering all into a fa'alavelave. Where are we going to get this money from with the outpour of financial troubles arising in our economy today? Monies collected, on the other hand, are used to purchase the fine 2 Liter sodas for a suata'i or 80 yard of satin materials and so forth.

Our society will increasingly splurge and lose the indigenous practices because of pride that will not benefit us and our families. We can change anything we choose to change as long as we remember the important factors and consider traditional practices our ancestors fathomed over the years when it came to fa'alavelave's, or in other words, the Samoan"F" word.

The Shell

My homeland is blessed with a background of noted lineages and a family tree of supportive families. We unify under sustained practices that makes us one and whole in the eyes of others and God. Our customs portrays family-oriented traits that we possess as cultural and religious people.

We abide by a myriad of norms, which sets examples, most unifying and rare around the world. The common lifestyle is not estranged to us.  The culture we embrace everyday is unparalleled. The hospitality and love that loiters around our guest houses limns gracious and friendly people.

We support and help each other as family. We cope through tough times at functional and cultural events. We also ground under a traditional saying that individuals have fostered under for many years-"O le uo i aso uma, o le uso i aso vale." Endowed along with our blessings are values and morals that serves as a welcoming aura to the world. This gleams a perfected state that somehow seals a prominent and errorless setting among our people. 

That setting unfortunately, have made people more prone to pureness and goodness obscuring the fact that things happen. And those things are blessings. A mistake for instant, as I can easily express here, is pregnancy in a Samoan community. I'm sure you've heard of this before. I am also certain many are familiar with society's reactions towards this topic. The traits, norms and prominent traditions unfortunately, suddenly vanish whenever a circumstance such as this occurs. 

 I garnered a belief that deep within our treasured norms, there is a disillusionment, a perfectionist pride we cannot swallow. A transparent fear of being judged or perhaps being marked as a curse (luma i aiga) by society, and the dispondency out of our very own-when unexpected circumstances occur. These unexpected circumstances makes us, especially women, foreigners and outcasts to our very own over promiscuous reports from people about behaviors, assumptions about men, and lastly, pregnancy.

Our communities still immunes to the fear of being judged, acceptance, and the insecurity of facing a culture, that blurs a belief that a pregnancy is a blessing to mankind.  Nevertheless, someone pregnant out of the wedlock could never be endowed, welcomed or accepted as an image of a blessing in the eyes of our own people.

I had a friend who had got pregnant in high school. I still remember that time very well today. Many people disowned her. Some glared at her, cutting her with their looks, after discovering rumors about her pregnancy. People who favored values and hospitality suddenly turned their back on her. Her parents were in remorse over what people said about them.

There was embarassment and a feeding ego that favored validation from a society. It was fixed on a mesmerization and graceful practices, than love for a child.No matter how many times I encouraged my friend to be strong, the presence of a grimy society towards many girls in our community was obvious. The sad reaction unfortunately has no comparison with the loving descriptions entailed of a prominent culture. Even without knowledge of why it happened to my friend, it limned to our very own as a curse beyond our practices and traditional grounds.  When she looked back for help, she was accused and labeled by those most dear to her.

The pride to sustain a good reputation have infused morals as people of God. The sin of fueling our minds with embarrassment, hatred and lack of forgiveness is worst than the pain an abandoned heart carries. Somewhere in society failed to recognize the distinguishing factors between a curse and a blessing.  The gift of life is a blessing. We can only get more human or less every day, we learn from being less or more regardless. But the curse is not pregnancy of course.  The curse is a society suffering from denial and a barrier they built for themselves to believe. 

We cannot welcome others if we cannot accept our very own. We cannot condemn others for their sins, and freely bury our own. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

When we look deep within ourselves and remember God's love for us, we'll truly be reminded everyday that the gift of life will always be His blessing to Man. And while we can sit and teach our children the right ways to walk, we must also foster communication, protection with investment of our time in their present and future. It makes a difference. 

Discipline System

I sat and listened to a presentation one day. The topic was Child Abuse. It was an intense event. Others agreed while some, not all, disagreed that there were random cases that are not derivative to the subject.

It was obvious that not many agreed to the topic. Because of course, one, no one in their wild mind would allow a total stranger to hit their child; and two, that would be totally ridiculous! A no-no! Corporal punishment, according to some people, is still identified as another form of abuse. 

I had different perspectives and motives to disagree. I saw it differently. This presentation appealed to me that one, presenters held index cards; two, they all abide under a law to which its processes required them to give parents with child abuse charges, the chance to reunite with their children, regardless. These are the same parents and guardians who starve and beat their children daily without a child's wrongful doing.

The index cards these presenters were holding are statistical data from many child abuse cases. My curiosity had suddenly revolved around data for dropouts, robberies, demographics  in prisons, the irate of misdemeanor cases today; versus the successful data of entrepreneurs, NFL players, reverends, and successful leaders.

There is an understanding that child abuse contributes to trauma and other disorders. The numbers doesn't gather summation for successful people whose lives were planted from day one- under disciplinary practices, or corporal punishment.

I was able to raise my hand for corporal punishment that day. Not because I was from Samoa where the termed idea of child abuse exists, but to share the significant difference between discipline and child abuse in my homeland.  There is a narrow line for this unsung gratuity and for those who lived to raise that bar for their children. People had to know and I was firmly pressed to convey my thoughts. So I raised my hand and added my two cents:

"Child abuse is not the word anyone should give to parents who invested a lot to see their children grow and succeed. The faces you see on my walls at home, are the only two who are responsible for the woman I have become. Their sacrifice, prayers and unconditional love brought me far into this world. Blessed with that great upbringing, I was able to discover the difference in many things-good and bad. Now if they didn't ever discipline me, I would probably contribute to the data you need to gather for dropouts, robberies, prison and misdemeanor cases that is dramatically growing." 

"My upbringing began in a home in American Samoa where everything grounds under God, family and respect. This was the norm of home, norm for Mom and Dad, as well as families.  Essentially, it does take a village to raise a child. I valued that all my life. I still value it now. It has not inflict or tamper anything in my life then, and not even now. Emotionally, spiritually and physically, I am able. I am also strong. I love my family and I am doing good with life.  Corporal punishment is nothing similar or close to the assumptions protested on lobbyist boards and brochures you share in society today.

"Love springs from the heart and it is guarded. This disciplinary- accepted practice guarded me from influences and changes in the world. Do you remember when influence was once a parent's biggest concern? Now, technology has rescinded that and it has continued to create a blur in relationships. "

"In the bible, it is stated, "He who spares the rod, hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." What I embrace more about this modern day proverb is the message it continues to admonish. If a child will grow accustomed to getting his own way, he will become, in the common vernacular, a spoiled brat. 

"The era that I have grown used to is different. Corporal punishment not only existed at home, but in the schools as well.  Nonetheless, it was never administered to me in any abusive manner, but it was a disciplinary- accepted practice during my childhood.

"In some communities, one of the most disturbing child abuse cases I don't condone or tolerate are the ones that our society needs to analyze more today. These cases are the continuous delinquency in societies that still averts changes. The changes that dramatically accrues cases with children sexually abused, unfed, trafficking, children who are murdered and beaten daily." 

I am thankful for a great upbringing. My parents ensured that I was disciplined and always favoring
respect towards anyone. They never missed a recap moment and always ensured there was effective communication in the house. They didn't have to worry about pulling me out of a store screaming for everything on the counters. All they ever worried about was me losing my soul to this world and forgetting my Savior and my humble beginning. If they never disciplined me that way, I would not be here today to tell you how happy and healthy I am." 

I believe in corporal punishment. I don't believe in other crimes that fall under this term. Those are crimes that continues to make changes deterrent in society, today. 

Archipelago Assets

Upon signing our final inspection checklist, we hand over house keys to Ms.Lauri, our real estate agent. She promptly thanks us with a handshake for our service. She made her way out to the front lawn, to adjust the “For Rent” sign, and shoves it into the ground. Once more, we are roofless. Our new resident is now a king- size bedroom at the Laquinta Hotel.  

All that we own will be gathering dust in our mini storage. A ration of 5x7 pictures and mini keepsakes are stashed into the side pockets of our rucksacks.  

Shortly, I had only 24 hours and counting, to savor the comfort of my curling iron, blahniks, Apple Bottom jeans and palm pilot cellphones. By tomorrow, we’re bound to our new abode for the next 12 months.

This distinct normality, as a family, who stashes things away temporarily, makes this lifestyle a bit harsh to some. It is not the type of American dream a couple would hope for. Not a typical milestone one would ponder on to gather admiration on MySpace or Bebo, as a romantic couple. 

Our cellphones are suspended, temporarily.  Bill collectors are informed. Despite the concerns from family, they have come to accept this life we chose, before the dreams we fathomed together.  

Our wills are reviewed and signed.  We specified the colors of our coffins. We drew maps to our burial site; if ever, knocks on wood, something happens to us while in Iraq.

The agony of going away from the reality we charmed, is actually something we individually raised our hands for. Hence that our idea of reality was something else. 

Our idea of that reality is a cozy home, in the comfort of furnitures and real blankets; watching the latest episode of Friends every day; while platters of California Temaki rolls, grilled BBQ, cold Corona and artichoke triscuits assembled finely on the dining table. Pictures of our families and friends are on the walls. A glittering wine cellar with a jetted jacuzzi is a must. The fridge would have to be filled with frozen meat to cook. That centered view cannot be a diet man's image of a bottle of water and ketchup  most see in a soldier's refrigerator. Piles of snacks and pogybaits are organized in the food pantry. This is our fantasy, our dream home exactly.

We fathom this dream as a military couple. My husband is a field artillery gunner. I am a small arms and field artillery repairer. Since we met, we have been inseparable.We knew our duties necessitated a lot from us.  Deploying to the same place together and not knowing what a day in war would make of us was our main concern.  Yet, we embraced this life humbly as important assets to fulfilling the freedom for our country. 

We checked into our hotel room with duffle bags, rucksacks and a tuff box filled with baby wipes, vienna sausages, ramen noodles and goodies.  Through the night, we prayed. We ate TV dinners and chuckled at the last season of CSI Miami. We took the pleasure of taking as many bubble baths we can, and a few dives in the swimming pool-our last real shower exactly. A three-way phone call with my sisters to rant about Calleigh and Eric's secret thang for each other in CSI Miami, took another 3 hours. The tears that were already bottling up from days, weeks and months dispersed easily at the thought of Horatio's wife Marisol killed by a sniper in the recent episode. Nonetheless, all the feelings of war quickly engrained in every character from any action movie on the cable menu.

While all the commotion is going on in Room 220, the door bell rings. I peek through the window. The Colgate smile, through the peep hole, of the receptionist immediately moved my hand to unhook the door chain. She greets us with a large pizza and a 2 liter Pepsi. “This is for you from all of us here. We want you to know how much we appreciate your service and I hope you know how much we care and love you guys for doing this for all of us,” her tears slowly splotched her mascara as she chokes to regather her composure. 

Her pain became my sorrow. I found myself shedding a tear silently. The smudged mascara on the reception's cheeks added more oil into the fire, even compounded the thoughts of the days and weeks I'll be roaming around desert blemished by the Jordanian dust. We step out of our rooms to comfort her, even chuckle together as my husband voluntarily jokes to buff their floor in exchange for her place. Momentarily, we part ways and she returned to the front desk. We tucked ourselves away into the nice clean sheets and warm throws of the hotel.

3AM snuck up fast. The beat up alarm clock, we chose to take with us, was hollering from the bathroom sink. Coffee boiled over into nearly the size of my measuring cup somewhere in storage. After a night of consuming pizza and Pepsi, the uneasiness of today and the hurry-up-and-wait manifest awaiting us, is all that is rattling in our tummies.

Manifest call across platoons ended smoothly in the red-eye morning. We’ll be standing on this slightly cracked tarmac this time in 12 months, with 4 hours and 30 minutes already deducted to bid farewell with family and friends.

Every stop near our destination had a kind soul greeting and thanking us. We shake hands and part ways as we continue on. We embrace the sideway toilets in an airport somewhere, even devoured the last bits and pieces of pretzel crumbs and ginger ale. The last (for now) moment of using a real toilet in the luxurious and swooshed-flushing lavatory on flight is last on our bucket list. 

We make it into dodge and are welcomed by faded uniforms and dusty boots. They relieve finely with gleaming eyes at the clean, velcro camouflage standing before them.

Months were swift and prolonging. We survive mosquitoes, flies, ruptured septic tanks and few baby wipes staled by the 100 degree weather. Musky days acclimated well with the heat and war debris. No one ever evoked a smell of cleanliness; dry sweat was the accepted common. The “Love Spell” Victoria Secret spray only lasted me two weeks. The off spray and mosquito repellants was the common smell of hygiene on our sunburnt skin.

Mails and care packages greeted us shortly after two months of a wait. Longer days turned into just a week. Like sleep, a day frantically fought night impeding the many calendar countdowns that hung over each individual cot. Like the common stench, two months was the common wait. A month before that mark, the loitering in silent dialogues are threats of divorce, cheating and lost of faith. Morale had slowly descended. There is a smirk in rooms, a roommate crying for her two daughters on the wall, and the depressed battle buddy whose wife packed up and left.

We are jinxed monthly by care packages for others. We look at each other other nights and guestimate care packages we’d have if one of us was home. Our only smile via mail were online orders from Amazon of Clinique products and the goodies from families and friends. The outpour of support even reflected the thought over the smiling Iraqi locals who waved at every convoy with $1cigarette cartons, currency dollars with Saddam pictures, goodies, prayer rugs and the contrabands, "Madam! whisskeeeyyy, we love amedika, dollar whiskeeyyy Madam!!"

A sandstorm evening, unlike any other, brought good news. I got a care package. Everything we had, were stored away. But we were puzzled that someone thought of us from 11,312 kilometers away...in Indianapolis.


Who could it be? 
A nine year old name Khaliya.
I opened the box that evening. Hidden beneath the lime and aqua tissue papers is a book of stamps, baby wipes, a hand sanitizer, two minty’s with a letter. Khaliya wrote:



Dear Hero, 

My name is Khaliya. I am 9 years old. I hope you get this box fast and I hope you are safe out there. I am praying for you. Thank you for my freedom. 

With Love, Khaliya 

Morale began to ascend with mail and new-built buildings. We bid farewell to baby wipes and home-made overheads when shower trailers arrived. We received crates and pallets of near beers, muffins, food and lastly, water! Prior to that transition, water was purified straight from the camp swimming pool. 

The endless days to MRE ceased. Scrumptious mermites were also on schedule. Burgers and fries in the dustbowl, could not fabricate the faces well enough, of grateful souls visualizing Red Robin or Carl's Jr in every bite, any time, every day.

The long lines to use the AT&T phone booths makes 2 hours worth the wait, when lucky. The days when we cannot call home are the days we have commonly studied in melancholy. When memorial ceremonies, moments of silence and a sad news is delivered to a hero's family, phone centers and computer labs reopens.

Brighter days came as we got closer to home. By that time, MRE, sand bags and constantine wires will be the image in our rearview mirror. We will no longer have to save JP8 to burn containers filled with feces, for our home made portal potties. Instead, we'll finally enjoy the comfort of sitting to peacefully on a toilet while it automatically flushes. For us, we would no longer have to pray and hug each other so tight when we go out of the gate. We would be holding hands finally in civilian clothes calling each other baby or honey, not by rank and last names in public. 

My mail for Khaliya is on its way back to the US. We zip our rucksacks with our deteriorating 5x7 pictures and brace our return. Through debriefings and more, we become more defiant with hurry-up-and wait formations. 

Home meals and our storage awaits us. The words numbing through my head now are the specks of what's imprinted in my last letter to Khaliya: “I love what I do. My husband and I serve together for this nation…that unconditional love is just like putting lipstick on every morning. I thank you Khaliya for supporting me. I head home soon. God bless your heart, and be good in school my friend.” 

I stand here smiling at emotions while wiping the dust mingling with sweat off my neck. By dusk tomorrow, we will be in our hotel awaiting the next available house up for rent. We will be dusting picture frames, ordering from Peking Chinese and merely flabbergasting at the revelations from each fortune cookie. We will catch up on 12 months worth of episodes we had missed from the Desperate Housewives and Horatio and his crew.

 By next cycle, we will pack and store things, again. Our dreams for reality remains persistent. Stagnant until we are allowed to drink our first beer back. We have to wait until we pass the crowd in the gymnasium while Lee Greenwood's patriotic hymn is played over the guidons, flags, cheerful families and friends. 

Before the time is up, we will remember this sacrifice and  the outpour of support from everyone.  Even what we do and the love we gave. The love when we raised our right hand to serve, love for battles buddies we met along the way, love of strangers who sent care packages and delivered pizza and Pepsi to our hotel room; our love to protect this freedom…and the love for this great nation..the only love we ever knew. 

Happy Veterans Day! 

#FAMILYOVEREVERYTHING

Unlike the Westernized family life, my family is pretty much everybody and their mamas. I assume that is not entirely the same thing in 3 out of millions of families around the world. Not unless, some extended families in the world presumably turns a blind eye on their family members on purpose, or this type of family relation is not entirely important to one who may only consider immediate family as family. 

We all have that one family member who loves to tickle our minds with the monumental histories about a strong family. By means of that, he or she may overly boast, "Our family is a very very big family in honor, strength, matai titles, more government workers and historical warrior stories. We are also a very caring family." 

Sure, because no one has to know about the dishes shattering in the sink out back when the other family members joins us for dinner. No one also has to know about the day we pull hairs and call each other names. Get it straight, our family is a very lovey dovey family and no one has to know about the rest. 

With regards to all the beautiful things that knits a perfect family, the hidden brawls and same old #ghetto rock-throwing sessions are never a surprise. There is name calling, brawls, fights over lands and titles and continuous disagreements. Some of these wild events are explicitly imprinted in my recent novel (Lovefolds of Our Upbringing Book .) What's questionable to most people about the continuous rampage between families is already a familiar topic to many. Here are several reasons how #FamilyOverEverything changes quickly into #FamilyWhat?: 

1. Fa'alavelave's 

    Some say that the only time they'll see a family member is when a cousin, brother or long distance relative needs something or when things happen. Faalavelave's or special events for Samoan families are very common. Loved ones bring monies and fine mats over to a fa'alavelave as a family tradition or covenant. A family member may give more in one fa'alavelave, and then dialogue over what was given. And it's never a fa'alavelave until every knows about the $500, 100 fine mats and hard mats used by the family in the guest house the fa'alavelave falls on. When conflicts occur, the whole village will know about it after outbursts and bickering on who gave more, who didn't and who banked on the rest. 

2. Competition 

    You probably have that type of family where everyone wants to brag about their child becoming a Valedictorian, the prettiest or possibly be going to Malua or marrying a Piula reverend in the future. You're not alone. Every family has to have that gene, that rallies around shining the dull, on what wasn't accomplished, to make one look more better than the others. The children, who has no idea, what's going on unfortunately just nods along in confusion during the #MineMoBettah session.

3. Territorial 

You ever had a time when you're picking up leaves and cleaning up an area, or even cut the wrong clusters off a banana tree then all of a sudden you get a warning letter from Samoan Affairs over a complaint from your own family member? I mean, you can smell the curry chicken and shoyu turkey tails they make every other day next door. You can even hear their toilet flush, yet they managed to drive to Samoan Affairs to file a territorial complaint about leaves the wind blew to your front door. It happens in every family. To some, they would much rather have someone type up a letter on their behalf, in case they can't get a salt, banana, onion or a cigarette the next time they knock on your door for some. 

4. Titles

 In extended families, a title is the right of every one in each family circles. What's complicated about it is that everyone has a "say" or "nay" about a title. They can petition to remove a title, agree or grant a title. As long as that right exists in the blood types, the process in finding a chief for the family will take its time as long as the court tolerates the ongoing family riots in between circles of #UsuPai #FaaeeLeGafa #Lafai. When a title is discussed, the whole family has to agree to it before anything. Regardless of how close knitted a family tree is, when it comes to the family constitution in seeking a person suitable for a title, that precious hashtag, #FamilyOverEverything is out the window. It divides family in little elites on who is for and who is against. The rival never calms until they hug and reunite at a family reunion like nothing happened. 

5. Birthrights 

   Not all families were born in the same place. A young lady from a family may marry a man from another village, but her children are still entitled to rights in her family. For instance, my grandmother was born in American Samoa, my grandfather is from Western Samoa. Her children were born in Western Samoa. Her children later returned on her behalf to American Samoa. There are also relatives who migrated to the United States for careers and education. They raised a family, and their children later returned to their homelands. Events occurring in #1 and #3 leads to name calling for #5 such as: You were born in Upolu, you were born in Tutuila, hey, you're from America, you don't peel banana there! All in that same package. 

6. Blood Type Universal 

  When it comes to #1, no one will ever claim that you're adopted, until either #3, #4 and #5 happens. Some family members are adopted or were raised up by mothers and fathers out of true love for a child. When mothers and fathers pass on, they leave behind their adopted loved ones with a chief title and entrusting them to take care of family. To those who turns out to be #3 about everything, they'll always send vibes about adoption and how one is not family and will never be family regardless of their service to #1 and #4. 

These reasons always exhibit an endless void in families. It precedes an omen of wrongs until one has to brag to a stranger about how powerful or high his or her family is. The wrongs are always tossed in the back burner when in pressure among others. Even though one may not be in speaking terms with that family member, the family image and pride is highly conducive to that great act. There could be other things that always makes a family imperfect, until #1 happens or a loved one dies. No matter what happens, family is always family. There will be days of peace and days of Rambo and Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Lovefolds of Our Upbringing

   I know you're growing curious as to who the heck this is out of all the Samoan writers and authors who has made the headlines and monumental best-selling list. I know. I felt the same way when I first discovered Kindle online and some South Pacific writers. When I read about Daniel and Leila, I was very well locked into my room for hours. Must I add, I went days correcting my husband several times about the sudden glitch in the system and error in my birth certificate. "Ummm I beg to differ, it's Leila, not Lynn!" 

I love Lani Young, Sia Figiel and Logo Filloon and their talented work. I give them full credit and respect for opening more windows to the world to see the capacity of growing talents in our archipelagos. The world has not only discovered talented people in both Samoan islands, but have also got a chance to see more behind the dots on the map. Humbly, I am just a rambunctious soul who fathoms life, Samoa, my korean soap operas, pinterest crafts, pisupo (corned beef), flip flops and Five Stars. I am from Lauli'i, American Samoa and my roots originated from Samoa, Savaii, the Manu'a Islands and the waves of immigrants from China who settled in Falealili. There you have it, I'm full blooded Samoan and not a #LivalivaAsoLeAiSeTaimiu 

I began writing Lovefolds of Our Upbringing (This Book Here ), when I was in 3rd grade. My journals and diaries since then are still with me presently. I still vaguely recall the many times I made attempts to publish this book. I paused every day over doubts and mixed emotions if what I was writing would be something my readers would relish in a world fixed upon fiction prose of demi gods and mythology mortals as well as other topics. 

When the doubts accumulated, I began to appraise train of thoughts that many people would ponder anxieties upon at the glance or thought of uncertainty.  I started out by creating my own genre for my chosen audience with assurance (#tooshua) that if at anytime in a cloud of doubts, my fierce reaction would be to keep going even if a declination from any publishing company motivates me to jump over the bridge or #pugaIlefreeway. 

    
Subsequently, I chose an influential topic to exhibit a positive message for younger generations with a culture-centered setting to inspire readers. Children leave home upon completion of high school for military careers, off-island opportunities and education abroad. Many things happen from: rapid changes upon transitioning from a small island to big cities and increased influence of technology and other factors, which contributes to reclusive habits.  This type of bearing isolates one from the normalcy of taking care of parents and the foundation they fostered under to always remember family, as well as the beginning.  Many may have forgotten that and have immune to the notion of other practices by which at a certain age, when a child ascends to the legal 18, they are no longer obliged to a parent even their consent. 

     
The way life works now is nothing compared to when I was growing up in the Samoan Islands. It is a familiar background to many. Yet for some, they may surprisingly read through the unfamiliar setting of Lovefolds. It creates a culture shock for many, while some may customarily share the relatable and solitary norms practised by all Samoan families. 

I portrayed a setting people would attract to and reflect to the beginning. I also elaborated more on the indisputable based from experience and some of the encounters witnessed in neighborliness villages with others, families and associates as envisioned in this fiction book.

The message that the "Lovefolds of Our Upbringing" book (Read Reviews here) prominently shares, does spin a charismatic upbringing for many. The book grasped curiosity about the life in Samoa for people who are unfamiliar with the Samoan culture, and the beauty of the practices and norms that its people embrace.

The first draft was transferred over from scratch. It was in scribbles on a spiraled "Winston Churchill" notebook my good friend Edith sent me. An array of "pay-it forward" viral statuses on facebook earned myself a notebook. That book was later filled with characters of a mother, father, their 11 children and the humble upbringing in Samoa as well as extended families. 

This compelling story evokes a compendium of journalism perspectives from all characters in the family and their upbringing- from waking up in the morning to a fixed schedule of chores, the bond between parents and their children,family prayers and recaps, the norm of growing up under the dogma and notion of the Samoan culture founded under "God before everything." 

This book also exhibits a fine and vigorous background, and a grotesque of the skirmishing encounters each characters endured and braced through. If you have not experienced riding on a Samoan rollercoaster yet, prepare yourself now for a real Samoan rollercoaster brawl!

More reviews and updates for Molioleava books can be found on My "Molioleava Books" Facebook Page. Much alofas! 

Lynn Pulou-Alaimalo
Author of Molioleava & Lovefolds of Our Upbringing