Putting things in perspective in Samoa

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 11 July 2017, 12:00AM

“I am never going to be the same because of Samoa,” said Rachael Gorrange who has been in Samoa for the last ten days for mission work. 

A High School student at Wyong Christian Community School based on the Central Coast of New South Wales, she’s here on a Church Mission to spread the word of God. 

But for Rachael, this was not just about the mission, this was also about her putting a lot of things in perspective in her life. 

Rachael is one of the 10 students here on a mission staying in Falese’ela. 

“I was able to interact with the children at the primary schools and that was the highlight of the mission for me. 

“They are so welcoming. 

“I mean it didn’t matter that we are total strangers to them... they accepted us as if we are family. 

“And I love that everyone is family in Falese’ela. 

“We shared our food, our stories and doing our chores, we shared the responsibilities. 

“Now that was something totally new for me; to help and share the load of our chores with one another,” said Rachael. 

One her most favorite things about Samoa is the dancing and the culture. She pointed out in their school, the young people are taught to grow up to be mature and responsible members of society. 

“We learn how to be role models and the need to combat negativity in a manner where we can bring out the positive,” she said. 

“I am able to share that with the young children at the Primary School and there’s nothing more fulfilling than to be able to share that with them. 

“Please know that I am not saying these issues are not being addressed, however our role is just to help the little ones,” said Rachael. 

The young woman, anticipates returning to Samoa in the next few years. “When I do leave for home, I hope to take back a few Samoan words and hopefully I’ll be able to further grow my Samoan language before I come back. 

“I think because of Samoa, I have learned to be more accepting of everyone I meet because Samoa has shown me that I can be family to anyone,” said Rachael. 

 

ABOUT WYONG CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL  

At Wyong Christian Community School, we believe that the more the students can be influenced in a positive way and understand what God, through His word the Bible, has to say on these and many other issues, the more likely they will respond in a positive manner. 

We believe that the issues and content that are discussed during lessons have eternal significance and the students should find their hope, their self worth, their identity and their purpose in life through serving Jesus. 

These are not messages that the wider society is presenting to the students and it is for this reason that we see the thousands of hours that students spend in school as an opportunity to invest in their lives and help them to grow up into responsive and responsible disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 11 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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