Koreti takes me to church

St. Peters church

This is my dear friend Koreti. She is an employee of LeVasa Resort but we became so close to all of the staff there that they became our family . As I said before, the island is laden with churches, many denominations, most of them elaborately built and decorated by faithful members. It is only logical that such a beautiful place be very spiritual as well. Samoa is after all, a bit of heaven on earth. So I accompanied Koreti on Sunday morning to St. Peters Catholic church, only about a ten minute walk from the resort. Koreti came by to pick me up and we walked, taking shortcuts through yards where she greeted others in Samoan. We dodged the low hanging branches of breadfruit trees heavy with fruit. The morning air was humid and thickly scented with frangipani. We eventually came to the two lane narrow road that goes all around the island. Pickup trucks full of churchgoers passed us, the road was busy with church-going traffic. The church was large and wonderfully appointed; traditionally open-sided for cross ventilation, and beautifully inlaid wood everywhere, an attest to local craftsmanship, simply wonderful. I was initially impressed with the beautiful singing of the choir.(and the most uncomfortable kneelers of any Catholic church I've ever been in!) Samoans have an innate love of music and I think, a dominate gene for tone, key,voice, harmony, etc. They all sing. The harmony was beautifully pleasing and the words all in Samoan but unmistakably full of worship and reverence. I was moved. On the way, Koreti gave me a colorful pandanus leaf fan handcrafted by her sister, and a necklace made from materials from the island, kukui nut I think. The fan came in handy. I have the necklace hanging by my mirror, a constant and cherished reminder of a memorable Sunday morning and a dear friend. The mass was completely in Samoan, although all the parts of the service were recognizable. The homily must have been a good one full of humor and gentle guidance. Taking communion was particulary emotional for me, realizing that my life long dream of returning to Samoa had come true and I was actually sitting in a Samoan church on the island! After the service, Koreti guided me with gentle pokes in the back to a side room where the ladies had laid out several tables with numerous homemade goodies, and........pizza! Delicious. The congregation milled about socializing, and the children played, much like any church in the U.S. I found myself wanting to sing in the choir, and to be able to understand Samoan so I too could chuckle at the humor in the sermon. And I wanted to be one of those ladies who made sweet goodies for the congregation and gathered and arranged the flowers that so beautifully and elaborately adorned the alter and the rest of the church. I guess I just wanted to belong to this wonderful culture to which I had every right and entitlement but had been denied. Maybe I will get to go to church with Koreti again some day. And I will wear a colorful pule tasi as the other women do. And maybe I shall prepare sweet treats for after the service and I will gather great fragrant bunches of teuila and frangipani for the alter. That would be nice.