Tonight I had the pleasure of having dinner with seven lovely young ladies from our Youth group. They had just finished performing a show for a retirement luau. To reward them for all their hard work, I decided to take them out to dinner. "A nice dinner", I told them. "You choose the place". So they smiled and told me the place they wanted to go. I laughed and said OK, they deserved it. We went in and they placed us at a nice table off to a side room. Even though the restaurant was pretty crowded, it felt like we were having dinner at home because they sat us at a long dinner table. I made the mistake of sitting at the head so they called me dad. LOL Jorge, our waiter - his name wasn't actually Jorge, but that's another story. They asked if we wanted some wine and before they could say anything, I jumped in and told him that they were all under age. LOL
They giggled as they looked over the menu as we were all kind of lemasagi to the Italian words. But being Hamos, we never let on and ordered anyways. Several of us ordered the same thing, kind of like that old joke about Hamos that went to basic training and just said "same" behind the palagis. When they got their eggs over easy they complained to the cook their he didn't cook their eggs. LOL We laughed and joked and fellowshipped. I don't usually hang out with them on a social setting, remember they consider me their "dad". But it was a wonderful evening. I couldn't help but to think of the Biblical principle of fellowship. It's a word we sometimes throw around lightly, but often times we don't really fellowship. We just get together and go through the motions. But tonight, there was actual fellowship. Nothing like celebrating together after a job has been completed. I wrote a few days ago about being nice to people you don't have to be nice to. And I can say that these young ladies were extremely nice to the waiter and waitress. Maybe a little nicer to the waiter, though. LOL
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
It takes a village...to cook a pig
The last post I wrote was about "John Wayne's" trip to Texas. I'm still trying to wrap my mind about the whole experience. There is so much to learn from this past weekend. There are cultural perspectives and spiritual perspectives that run deep. I think I'll split them in two and do what I learned about culture today and what spiritual lessons I gained tomorrow.
The biggest cultural lesson I learned was a re-affirmation about what it is to be Samoan. There were so many nuggets about this concept sprinkled in this trip. It begins before the trip, as our entire community prepared for the arrival of the father of our territory. The church prepared as well as the active duty military. It was like everyone was given a task and each person went about what they were assigned. It reminds me of the Biblical concept of many body parts but one body that Paul spoke of. Or the Samoan proverb about how many hands lightens a load. As the Governor and his party arrived on Friday, everything was ready. We had hosted big events before. But somehow, this was a little different. But there was a peace in my heart because there was a sense of trust that everyone had done their part.
On Saturday at his meeting with the commanding general of Ft. Hood, the general told the governor that he had wanted to cook a pig for a luau he was hosting. He was advised to look for Samoan soldiers if he wanted the job to be done well. He found three soldiers and they performed beyond his expectations. The general said that these soldiers has "brought their villages" to cook the pig. A task that he thought was insignificant, these soldiers took great pride in. The governor commented about how proud he was, that Samoan soldiers had represented our people well. They demonstrated the essence of the fa'aSamoa about service, love and respect.
The governor also spoke to the soldiers and encouraged them to bring their kids home. He didn't say to move back to Samoa. But he said we should bring our children home at least once, "to touch the earth, to feel the soil under their feet that their forefathers once walked on." The statement had a profound impact on me. I had never thought it a big deal, but in retrospect, it is important. To go back to the motherland, to take your children to their ancestral home is important. They may not choose to live there, but they have touched the land and felt the soil of their ancestry. I think one's journey in life is not complete until you've been "home."
On Sunday, both Tama and the governor spoke on the concept of service, or tautua in Samoan. Tama said that tautua had many deep connotations in the Samoan culture. He listed many types of service. There is blood servicethat the soldiers do. There is financial service, which people do all the time when they send money home to their families. There is service to the chiefs, to the churches, and so forth. He said in essence that service is a fundamental to the Samoan culture. That if you don't tautua, then you're missing a big part of your culture. I never thought of it that way before, but he's right. You are not a Samoan if you don't serve. Our culture dictates it. Service is a way of self abasement, a way of showing respect to your family, your village and your God. He tied it in with Jesus' service, about how He came to serve, not to be served. What a unique concept.
When I observe our church and community, these traits are evident. People serve, not because of other people, but because of the culture, because of our faith. I saw that at the to'ana'i after the service on Sunday. I saw that all day Saturday at the different functions that were held. I learned about that from the story the general told. The governor said we serve because it shows obedience, humility and a can do attitude. And tautua is the physical embodiment of our alofa. We serve because we love. I agree. No matter what station in life you are in, I believe we are called to serve. It is the essence of our culture, and of our faith. I hope we never lose sight of it.
The biggest cultural lesson I learned was a re-affirmation about what it is to be Samoan. There were so many nuggets about this concept sprinkled in this trip. It begins before the trip, as our entire community prepared for the arrival of the father of our territory. The church prepared as well as the active duty military. It was like everyone was given a task and each person went about what they were assigned. It reminds me of the Biblical concept of many body parts but one body that Paul spoke of. Or the Samoan proverb about how many hands lightens a load. As the Governor and his party arrived on Friday, everything was ready. We had hosted big events before. But somehow, this was a little different. But there was a peace in my heart because there was a sense of trust that everyone had done their part.
On Saturday at his meeting with the commanding general of Ft. Hood, the general told the governor that he had wanted to cook a pig for a luau he was hosting. He was advised to look for Samoan soldiers if he wanted the job to be done well. He found three soldiers and they performed beyond his expectations. The general said that these soldiers has "brought their villages" to cook the pig. A task that he thought was insignificant, these soldiers took great pride in. The governor commented about how proud he was, that Samoan soldiers had represented our people well. They demonstrated the essence of the fa'aSamoa about service, love and respect.
The governor also spoke to the soldiers and encouraged them to bring their kids home. He didn't say to move back to Samoa. But he said we should bring our children home at least once, "to touch the earth, to feel the soil under their feet that their forefathers once walked on." The statement had a profound impact on me. I had never thought it a big deal, but in retrospect, it is important. To go back to the motherland, to take your children to their ancestral home is important. They may not choose to live there, but they have touched the land and felt the soil of their ancestry. I think one's journey in life is not complete until you've been "home."
On Sunday, both Tama and the governor spoke on the concept of service, or tautua in Samoan. Tama said that tautua had many deep connotations in the Samoan culture. He listed many types of service. There is blood servicethat the soldiers do. There is financial service, which people do all the time when they send money home to their families. There is service to the chiefs, to the churches, and so forth. He said in essence that service is a fundamental to the Samoan culture. That if you don't tautua, then you're missing a big part of your culture. I never thought of it that way before, but he's right. You are not a Samoan if you don't serve. Our culture dictates it. Service is a way of self abasement, a way of showing respect to your family, your village and your God. He tied it in with Jesus' service, about how He came to serve, not to be served. What a unique concept.
When I observe our church and community, these traits are evident. People serve, not because of other people, but because of the culture, because of our faith. I saw that at the to'ana'i after the service on Sunday. I saw that all day Saturday at the different functions that were held. I learned about that from the story the general told. The governor said we serve because it shows obedience, humility and a can do attitude. And tautua is the physical embodiment of our alofa. We serve because we love. I agree. No matter what station in life you are in, I believe we are called to serve. It is the essence of our culture, and of our faith. I hope we never lose sight of it.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
John Wayne has left the building
I apologize for not posting during the long holiday weekend. It's been hectic since Friday, and only now am I able to sit down and get back online. The Governor of American Samoa visited over the weekend with the First Lady. Our church was the host and we had a great time with them. It's the first time I've met them and I have a new appreciation for what they do. The schedules they keep are ridiculous. Just on our little weekend, they had events for most of the two days - almost every minute filled with something to do. And every time they have to go to a function, they have to be "up" for it, no matter what. It doesn't matter if they're tired, or sick or just don't feel good. The public expects the best from them. Most of the people they encounter, including myself, will remember the little time we spent with them for a lifetime. So that's why it's so important for them to be at their best when they're out in the public.
I saw them talk to every person that wanted an audience with them. They spent as much time as they could with each person, and accommodated every picture request. I just marveled at them. On Saturday and Sunday, they must have spent at least an hour after their events posing for pictures and visiting with people. That would have worn me out. But one of their security people told me that's how it is in Samoa all the time. I had a chance to ask them where they get their energy, their strength. The answer they gave me was prayer. They said they pray every morning, and they also realize that many, many people lift them up in prayer all the time. And they could really feel those prayers.
Wow! What an awesome feeling to know that thousands of people are praying for you everyday. And we can do that for each other. Lift each other up in prayer. I know our prayer meeting group lifts all the soldiers and the families of the church in prayer. But we can practice that on a personal level as well. Choose someone to pray about everyday. A family member, a co-worker, or someone like the Governor and our political leaders. Also lift servants of God up in your prayers daily. People need prayers. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the prayers of others.
A final note on the Governors visit...well, final for now. The Women's Fellowship gave him and the First Lady gifts to remember Texas by. The First Lady got a purse from Texas and they both got matching cowboy hats. As soon as the Governor got his hat, he put it on his head. He said when he was young he used to go to the theater in Samoa and watch old cowboy movies with John Wayne. Now with his hat, he felt like he was John Wayne. He didn't take that hat off for the rest of the to'ana'i. That's the Governor with his John Wayne hat up top.
Well, I thought he was just being nice. When the van pulled out to take him back to the guest house and people were waiving at him, he said, "John Wayne has left the building." LOL And when we saw him at the airport the next morning, guess what he was wearing? The John Wayne hat.
I saw them talk to every person that wanted an audience with them. They spent as much time as they could with each person, and accommodated every picture request. I just marveled at them. On Saturday and Sunday, they must have spent at least an hour after their events posing for pictures and visiting with people. That would have worn me out. But one of their security people told me that's how it is in Samoa all the time. I had a chance to ask them where they get their energy, their strength. The answer they gave me was prayer. They said they pray every morning, and they also realize that many, many people lift them up in prayer all the time. And they could really feel those prayers.
Wow! What an awesome feeling to know that thousands of people are praying for you everyday. And we can do that for each other. Lift each other up in prayer. I know our prayer meeting group lifts all the soldiers and the families of the church in prayer. But we can practice that on a personal level as well. Choose someone to pray about everyday. A family member, a co-worker, or someone like the Governor and our political leaders. Also lift servants of God up in your prayers daily. People need prayers. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the prayers of others.
A final note on the Governors visit...well, final for now. The Women's Fellowship gave him and the First Lady gifts to remember Texas by. The First Lady got a purse from Texas and they both got matching cowboy hats. As soon as the Governor got his hat, he put it on his head. He said when he was young he used to go to the theater in Samoa and watch old cowboy movies with John Wayne. Now with his hat, he felt like he was John Wayne. He didn't take that hat off for the rest of the to'ana'i. That's the Governor with his John Wayne hat up top.
Well, I thought he was just being nice. When the van pulled out to take him back to the guest house and people were waiving at him, he said, "John Wayne has left the building." LOL And when we saw him at the airport the next morning, guess what he was wearing? The John Wayne hat.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Caps and gowns
Today is the day I became a father. I know I was a father the day Perise entered our lives. Technically. But in reality, I was no more a father on that day than any other day previous. I had no idea what I was doing. I had no idea what type of dad I was going to be or how we were going to raise her. All those questions would be asked and answered and re-asked and re-answered later. It's an ongoing process, shall we say. But today was a special day because my little girl graduated from pre-school. And before you ask, yes, there is such a thing as a pre-school graduation. I had no idea myself until Tuesday. That's the day we got our "invitation" from the day-care about their graduation.
Tile was instantly excited. She immediately made plans to take the day off. She said she wanted to make ulas and perhaps get 'Rise a new outfit for the day. In my mind cash registers were ringing and cheap old me said to myself, "hey, it's just pre-school." Off course I never uttered those words aloud. But as the day got closer, I could see the excitement in my daughter's eyes. She would ask everyone in the family if they were coming. Everyone answered in the affirmative. Except for me. I had an important review for my kids before they take their final unit exam on Friday. This was important and I couldn't miss it. And besides, this was just pre-school. On the morning of her graduation, as we sat in the drive through line waiting for her kolache, she looked at me and said, "daddy, why aren't you coming to my graduation?" At that moment, I don't know how to explain it, but I didn't know what to say. I mumbled something about daddy hving some important things to do at work but mommy would be there and she would take pictures to show daddy so it would be just like daddy was there. I asked if that was ok. She nodded her head and looked out the window. Not a good sign. We drove to her school without uttering another word. When I kissed her good bye I said, "I'll see you tonight at your party." She smiled and said, "mommy will take pictures."
Those words jarred me. As I drove to work I kept saying to myself...it's only pre-school. Next year she will have a kindergarten graduation. And then there's elementary, high school, college, law school. OK, my mom would say "va'ai ga la mamao lau kogi." But then a thought occurred to me. What if there is no next time? What if there is no next year? Tile had a student whose two year old sister died last week. I've had one niece and one nephew die before they could "graduate." I realized what I had to do. I got some friends to fill in for me and made my way back to my daughter's graduation. Today, my daughter would come first. Today, everything else would come in a distant second. I realized that there are no guarantees in life. Life is a precious gift from God that He grants and takes according to His plans. I realized that there would always be reviews, there would always be important meetings, there would always be church functions, there would always be fa'alavelaves, but on this important day my daughter would come first.
As I stood there in the hallway and listened to her recite her poem, my heart was filled with joy. Today is the day I joined thousands of fathers who stood beaming behind their children as they attained a milestone in their lives. And yes I know, it's just pre-school. But I thank God I was there because today is the day...I became a father.
Tile was instantly excited. She immediately made plans to take the day off. She said she wanted to make ulas and perhaps get 'Rise a new outfit for the day. In my mind cash registers were ringing and cheap old me said to myself, "hey, it's just pre-school." Off course I never uttered those words aloud. But as the day got closer, I could see the excitement in my daughter's eyes. She would ask everyone in the family if they were coming. Everyone answered in the affirmative. Except for me. I had an important review for my kids before they take their final unit exam on Friday. This was important and I couldn't miss it. And besides, this was just pre-school. On the morning of her graduation, as we sat in the drive through line waiting for her kolache, she looked at me and said, "daddy, why aren't you coming to my graduation?" At that moment, I don't know how to explain it, but I didn't know what to say. I mumbled something about daddy hving some important things to do at work but mommy would be there and she would take pictures to show daddy so it would be just like daddy was there. I asked if that was ok. She nodded her head and looked out the window. Not a good sign. We drove to her school without uttering another word. When I kissed her good bye I said, "I'll see you tonight at your party." She smiled and said, "mommy will take pictures."
Those words jarred me. As I drove to work I kept saying to myself...it's only pre-school. Next year she will have a kindergarten graduation. And then there's elementary, high school, college, law school. OK, my mom would say "va'ai ga la mamao lau kogi." But then a thought occurred to me. What if there is no next time? What if there is no next year? Tile had a student whose two year old sister died last week. I've had one niece and one nephew die before they could "graduate." I realized what I had to do. I got some friends to fill in for me and made my way back to my daughter's graduation. Today, my daughter would come first. Today, everything else would come in a distant second. I realized that there are no guarantees in life. Life is a precious gift from God that He grants and takes according to His plans. I realized that there would always be reviews, there would always be important meetings, there would always be church functions, there would always be fa'alavelaves, but on this important day my daughter would come first.
As I stood there in the hallway and listened to her recite her poem, my heart was filled with joy. Today is the day I joined thousands of fathers who stood beaming behind their children as they attained a milestone in their lives. And yes I know, it's just pre-school. But I thank God I was there because today is the day...I became a father.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Leaving tips
I went to lunch with my sister today. We went to a Chinese restaurant. One of my favorite things to do when I go to a restaurant is to observe and how they treat the waiters. This is a test for me. I read a book once in college called the Book of Virtues by Bill Bennett, one of my favorite people on this planet. Every parent in America should buy this book and read it to their children. Check, every PERSON should buy this book. It's filled with so many great stories and life lessons. In the book he made an observation that has stuck with me for many years. He said you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat people they don't have to be nice to. He said it's easy to be nice to people you want something from; spouse, parents, boss, children, etc. But being nice to someone that you don't have to be nice to, like waiters and flight attendants and janitors is hard. Bennett said that's how you gain the measure of a person.
Every time I go to a restaurant I observe this and it never fails that I gain a tremendous amount of insight into people by how they treat waiters and waitresses. I know a person whose philosophy is that he puts a whole bunch of money on the table when he sits down. Every time he feels the service is lacking, he takes a bill away. It's his signal to the waiter that he better step up his service or he won't have a tip. I know a person that HAS to find something wrong with the order. The food is too cold, too hot, too raw, too cooked, etc. I think they just get off on the power over these people. And let me tell you, these are two people that I admire greatly, until we got into the restaurant. Does this make them bad people? No, absolutely not. But it does give you a glimpse at who they are.
Jesus tells us the same thing. He said blessed are the meek for they inherit the earth. Sometimes we are flying so high that we forget the people below us. I'ts easy to be nice when you have to be nice; but being nice when we don't have to be, that's the real test. It speaks about self abasement and humility. It speaks about self control and patience. All virtues that every Christian should strive for. People ask me, but what if you get horrible service? What do you do then? I leave a big tip. Makes them think twice about giving bad service to the next person. Kill them with love.
Every time I go to a restaurant I observe this and it never fails that I gain a tremendous amount of insight into people by how they treat waiters and waitresses. I know a person whose philosophy is that he puts a whole bunch of money on the table when he sits down. Every time he feels the service is lacking, he takes a bill away. It's his signal to the waiter that he better step up his service or he won't have a tip. I know a person that HAS to find something wrong with the order. The food is too cold, too hot, too raw, too cooked, etc. I think they just get off on the power over these people. And let me tell you, these are two people that I admire greatly, until we got into the restaurant. Does this make them bad people? No, absolutely not. But it does give you a glimpse at who they are.
Jesus tells us the same thing. He said blessed are the meek for they inherit the earth. Sometimes we are flying so high that we forget the people below us. I'ts easy to be nice when you have to be nice; but being nice when we don't have to be, that's the real test. It speaks about self abasement and humility. It speaks about self control and patience. All virtues that every Christian should strive for. People ask me, but what if you get horrible service? What do you do then? I leave a big tip. Makes them think twice about giving bad service to the next person. Kill them with love.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A heart for ministry
I'm still working on my commencement address. Thanks to those that have sent in ideas. They were some wonderful quotations and scripture. It's harder than I thought it was. To try and put all of your life philosophies into one coherent manuscript is hard. But I'll keep plugging away. The way I figured, by the time some one comes around to realizing what a brilliant person I am and decides to invite me to speak is the same time I'll wrap up this speech. LOL
Yesterday's message had to do with being responsible about our own "fields." Each of us is called to farm a certain amount of land. Some of us, it's our families; others have bigger fields. Ministers have their congregations, evangelists have their missions and so forth. But for most of us, our fields are the people around us. The people closest to us. And for most of us, we have no specialized training on how to farm. The good news is that God sent us into the fields with a manual, the Bible. There were many people God called into the field who thought they were unprepared. He called Moses out and Moses ran away. He said he was a sinner and in any event, he couldn't speak well. God said nonsense, I will send Aaron with you to do the talking. God called Jonah and Jonah ran away. Well, we know what happened to him.
When God called David his dad had to ask Samuel twice if he chose the right son. Samuel said those famous words; "God looks at the heart." Same thing with Gideon. He told God how could he be sent. He was from the weakest family and he was the weakest of his family. But God saw his heart. God saw Moses' heart. When we look at ourselves, we sometimes see the blemishes first. God looks past those blemishes and into your heart. When God calls us sometimes, we're timid and think we are not worthy because we know our inequities and frailties. No one knows me better than myself, with all my shortcomings. No one...except for God. We see our limitations. God sees our potential. So the next time you feel a call, an urging, don't hesitate. Despite of our past and all of the baggage we carry around with us, God doesn't see any of that. He just sees our heart.
Yesterday's message had to do with being responsible about our own "fields." Each of us is called to farm a certain amount of land. Some of us, it's our families; others have bigger fields. Ministers have their congregations, evangelists have their missions and so forth. But for most of us, our fields are the people around us. The people closest to us. And for most of us, we have no specialized training on how to farm. The good news is that God sent us into the fields with a manual, the Bible. There were many people God called into the field who thought they were unprepared. He called Moses out and Moses ran away. He said he was a sinner and in any event, he couldn't speak well. God said nonsense, I will send Aaron with you to do the talking. God called Jonah and Jonah ran away. Well, we know what happened to him.
When God called David his dad had to ask Samuel twice if he chose the right son. Samuel said those famous words; "God looks at the heart." Same thing with Gideon. He told God how could he be sent. He was from the weakest family and he was the weakest of his family. But God saw his heart. God saw Moses' heart. When we look at ourselves, we sometimes see the blemishes first. God looks past those blemishes and into your heart. When God calls us sometimes, we're timid and think we are not worthy because we know our inequities and frailties. No one knows me better than myself, with all my shortcomings. No one...except for God. We see our limitations. God sees our potential. So the next time you feel a call, an urging, don't hesitate. Despite of our past and all of the baggage we carry around with us, God doesn't see any of that. He just sees our heart.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Don't worry about the ankle biters
I had an opportunity to speak with a really good friend today. A real strong Christian pastor who is on fire for the Lord. But I sensed in our conversation a little...how should I say it... little down I guess. He wasn't the same old guy I had come to know. But as we got to talking, it became clear what was going on. He was being put through the ringer by some of his closest friends. People were beginning to question his motivations for doing certain things and why he had changed them. And this was weighing heavily on him. My heart went out to him. I too have gone through many situations similar to his. When you stick your neck out and try to serve the Lord in non-traditional ways, this blog for example, you're putting yourself out there for criticism and even ridicule.
I did the only thing I could for him, which was to encourage him and tell him that he was on the right path. The people resisted change and that this was no different. When I got back to school, I opened up one of the daily devotionals I subscribe to and had a message that was perfect for his situation. The message was about obedience to God in the ministry field. Our job is to simply enter the field, plow, and continue to scatter seed. The praises of men will come and go, but the joy of knowing that God is glorified by our obedience is steady and unshakable. What a wonderful testimony. The praise of men will come and go. That is sooooooo true. People will love you when you're doing things they want and agree with. But they will stop loving you if you stop doing what they want and agree with. But if you are obedient to what the Lord says, in His Word, then God's love is steady and unshakable.
Sometimes in ministry we are obsessed about the "results" or "praise." Oh, the numbers in our Sunday School is dropping. Or the numbers at church are dropping. What can we do to bring it back up? The real message from God is that the numbers and results will take care of themselves if we are obedient to His calling and His will. Our calling from God is a lifetime commitment. There will be times when we see HUGE results, large numbers, etc. Yet, there will be times we see the opposite. It shouldn't diminish our fire for doing His will. It is the same God with the large numbers as with the small numbers. The same God with people praising us and when people criticize us. If we our service on God relies on the approval of people, then we will never be able to serve God because we can never gain people's approval. But if our service to God is dependent on our obedience and love for Him, then that should never change.
I did the only thing I could for him, which was to encourage him and tell him that he was on the right path. The people resisted change and that this was no different. When I got back to school, I opened up one of the daily devotionals I subscribe to and had a message that was perfect for his situation. The message was about obedience to God in the ministry field. Our job is to simply enter the field, plow, and continue to scatter seed. The praises of men will come and go, but the joy of knowing that God is glorified by our obedience is steady and unshakable. What a wonderful testimony. The praise of men will come and go. That is sooooooo true. People will love you when you're doing things they want and agree with. But they will stop loving you if you stop doing what they want and agree with. But if you are obedient to what the Lord says, in His Word, then God's love is steady and unshakable.
Sometimes in ministry we are obsessed about the "results" or "praise." Oh, the numbers in our Sunday School is dropping. Or the numbers at church are dropping. What can we do to bring it back up? The real message from God is that the numbers and results will take care of themselves if we are obedient to His calling and His will. Our calling from God is a lifetime commitment. There will be times when we see HUGE results, large numbers, etc. Yet, there will be times we see the opposite. It shouldn't diminish our fire for doing His will. It is the same God with the large numbers as with the small numbers. The same God with people praising us and when people criticize us. If we our service on God relies on the approval of people, then we will never be able to serve God because we can never gain people's approval. But if our service to God is dependent on our obedience and love for Him, then that should never change.
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