“There is usually a gap between parents and their children. God is the bridge for them to communicate.” -Rev. Ionatana Tupolo Two years ago our church had the honour of listening to a sermon delivered by Rev. Ionatana Tupolo, the theme for the day stood to highlight the importance of identifying yourself as a Christian. I can tell you for certain that Rev. Tupolo’s words have stayed with me…

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Dear 2017, We did not meet eye to eye at any given point throughout our journey. I can’t say I hate you for that because our progress has been somewhat worthwhile. I met you with a bitter heart, a hot head & pessimism overtaking every thought of mine. It wasn’t fair I had a lot to be grateful for but I chose the latter of my emotions to win rather than humility or clarity. You weren’t that…

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Midnight. Insomnia. *starts typing on phone* Blog post 3hrs later. #Polyponderer

I have found that some Pacific Island communuties OUTSIDE of their Motherlands tend to be divided. Perhaps, it’s a generalisation that I agree with, but let’s put it simply. There is (unfortunately) an invisble line that divides our Pacific Island communities. Now I speak for myself and the Samoan community I’ve grown up in and now find myself through multiple platforms – whether it be church,…

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11 month hiatus is over.

  For the past 10 months I have been in and out of writing this. The complexities of our state of mind (especially a writer’s) are a force to be reckoned with day in, day out. I myself find myself nervous because I can’t seem to get to the point as faster as I used to so bear with me, it’s been a while and it’s not as mundane a piece as I initially thought it’d be. You’re welcome for the…

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Blessed, grateful & ready – 2016

“Be happy, noble heart, be blessed for all the good thou hast done and wilt do hereafter, and let my gratitude remain in obscurity like your good deeds.” ― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo I look back this year and continuously thank God for the blessings in which He has showered upon me throughout this journey. Blessed beyond words and the glory always goes to Him for his grace and…

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From the start – Amataga o le alofa

As I watch Amataga o le Alofa come to life think back to where it ALL started. Not the start of the script-writing but the START. Despite being born and raised in Melbourne and my Aussie accent I’m still asked “How old were you when you came from New Zealand?”  Even worse when you correct and try to map out where Samoa is on the globe I still get, “I thought Samoa is an island in New Zealand.”…

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Polyponderer has been off the grid and sincerely apologises for the hiatus. It has taken me two weeks to sit down in front of my laptop to finally try and write something. Not because I’ve run out of words – something would be terribly wrong with the world the day I run out of things to say haha – but because I just don’t know where to start. So we’ll just start from what’s happened since I went…

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Samoa – My home away from home

We’ve all heard the saying; “home is where the heart is” and for me this saying doesn’t suffice what Samoa truly means to me. I was not born or raised in Samoa and I have only ever visited the Motherland twice; first time about three years ago and my recent trip about two weeks. I have NEVER shied away or been ashamed of telling people I am Samoan with great pride I showcase my culture in any way…

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Dear 2015, thanks for the curveball

“I know better than anyone that life doesn’t line up into this perfect straight line, but it would be nice if I didn’t get the curveballs every now & then.” – Gabriella Dawson    Chicago Fire Dear 2015, First let me say we met on the grounds of me not knowing where you were going to take me and let’s just say we still haven’t quite gotten anywhere either, but that’s okay better luck in 2016 God…

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