Papatoetoe
New Zealand
14/5/00
Dear Lesina
Talofa. How are you? I'm fine and so are the children. How's aunty Mele? I
heard she got married about a month ago. I would have loved to go, but as
you know there is not much money coming in at the moment but the good news
is that with this letter is $200 dollars to help with the repairs of the
village after the storm. Sorry I can't give you much but things are tight.
It seems like we haven't talked in years and it's only been three months, I
miss you guys so much. I mean New Zealand is great and all but I miss the
hot weather and of course you and the family. It's been so hard trying to
find a job but I've finally found a great one. I'm teaching Samoan language
after school to those people who want to learn our language and so far there
has been a great turn out. My class is enthusiastic and they are getting the
hang of it really fast. The children are going to Papatoetoe High School and
are having some trouble adjusting to a big school and they are also having
difficulty with English but they are good learners so I'm sure they will get
the hang of it soon. Ioane is making some good palagi friends and likes to
be called John now. He is learning how to play cricket, it's like kilikiti
but different. Kolini is having some trouble making friends but she has just
joined the choir so I'm hoping that will help. But the one I am worried
about is Lipano, see he keeps getting himself into trouble and is not
settling down to work. I don't know what to do. He still isn't over his
father's death and he is angry at me for moving. I'm worried he might get
suspended or even kicked out of school for good. The people he has been
hanging around with, I don't like them at all I'm sure they're all on drugs
or something. I just hope Lipano won't be silly and take them too. But
there's not much I can do but pray.
We are living in Auckland which has the biggest number of Pacific Islanders
in the world so it's easy finding people who have had the same experiences
that I've had, like these people at my church they have been wonderful in
helping us. They have even been helping me with Lipano. They have found a
counsellor to go to.
I am finding it difficult wearing all these layers of clothing. I'm just
used to wearing my lavalava but you sort of have to wrap up for the cold
weather. When I save up enough money I will have to come over and see you
guys. I miss the fresh fruit and vegetables. At the house I am renting there
is not much of a garden and the vegetables that I planted haven't come up
yet. But the good news is that the shops are great, there are so many foods
to choose from all around the world. The shops are so big, not like our
little market back home. Well I have to go, I have a meeting at school with
the principal and some of Lipano's teachers to see what we are going to do
about him. Please write back soon, I could really use your advice.
Tofa Soifua
Si'u
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