Pasifika hui

Words really can’t explain what it is to me to be fully immersed in the cultures of Pasifika.  Experiencing Tongan, Nuiean, Tokelaun, Cook Island, Samoan

• To prepare, complete with lavalava ready for the welcome to the ‘village’;
• To enter and greet the chief and family, and sit cross legged in a circle on mats;
• To listen and soak up the interaction and witness the kava preparation;
• To hear the singing, to feel the pulse of the dancing;
• To really listen, to really hear and really learn…
• What a privilege…. 

Following on from this session we were in teams to take a term from a culture and create a banner.  Our term was Feoaki –  relationship, relationship building!

Team ‘purple’ worked to create a masterpiece…

Yet another rare privilege in the day was to hear stories from leaders within each of the cultures.  There really is nothing that sticks with me more, than the sharing of a personal story.  To quote my favourite lecturer, “do not judge me til you walk 39 days in my mocassins…”

Another true highlight of the day was a total lack of using devices until this afternoon.  I know they are key tools of our work, but oh, it is so very refreshing to do without them! 

Kia ora, kia orana

Kia ora, kia orana

E. . . ei tiare, e - tiare -

Tiare, Lalaga Tivaevae Niu

Kia ora, kia orana

Kia ora, kia orana

E. . . ei tiare, e - tiare

Tiare, tiare, Tātai Aho Rau

Tiare, Lalaga Tivaevae Niu

I just love the sound....

And, just when you thought it couldn't get any better...

Tomorrow is another day......