2025 April

 They say, 'When it rains, it pours,' and this past April? Oh, it poured.  And if " April showers bring May flowers", then May should be bursting into bloom.

Throughout April, time felt scarce, emotions ran deep, but it's been fertile ground for growth.

After all, rain isn’t just gloom right? It nourishes, it cleanses; and amid the downpour were many moments of light and love—small bursts of warmth that make the deluge worthwhile. 

Here's how April went down....

Psalm Sunday

Instead of the typical Easter Egghunt, we took advantage of Psalm Sunday and did a "frimary" (aka fun primary) focused on Easter. It was so beautifully planned and carried out by Nani and definitely a great way to prepare our hearts and minds for the rest of the month. 





Leila got her Driving Learner's Permit

This fool put 5'8'' as her height hahahah



Metuli & Salani's Spring Soccer Season Started

Tuli plays on the same team with her cousin Maddy and is having so much fun!
Salani is also so fun to watch, she just smiles and looks happy to be there. 

Cousin Hyrum plays on the boys team. So twice or sometimes three times a week we're at the field watching these tittle run their hearts out. 





Leila - Salt Lake City Showdown 

This is a national qualifier for volleyball clubs to move up in the divisions. Leila's team came out 1st in the Bronze bracket....In other words...17th out of 100+ teams in the 16U age group. This tournament is rough! Long days and little sleep in between three days of volleyball. There are 60+ courts and hundreds of teams. Aljay and Leila got clipped (see the clothes pins). 


Aunty Fu'a Decided to go party up in Heaven!

During Leila's tournament, we learned that Aunty Fu'a might not make it through the week. Early on Sunday, April 6th, she took her last breath. The call came at 5:45 a.m. I sent Aljay to Salt Lake with Leila and then made my way to Teuila and Bubu's house.

Aunty Lomiga (my mom and Aunty Fu'a's older sister) had arrived the day before and spent all her time with Aunty Fu'a. When Aunty Fu'a heard her sister's voice, she grabbed Lomiga's hand and held it tightly. We all know she was waiting for her sister.

This was my first experience of its kind. Uati, Omi, and Mamo brought so much comfort and stability during that difficult time. My heart ached for Teuila and her family. Watching her say goodbye to her Mom brought me to tears. It has been just the two of them for so many years. Aunty Fu'a lived a rich and full life with Teuila, Bubu, and their kids.

I’m grateful she passed away peacefully and without prolonged discomfort. I couldn’t be prouder of Teuila and Bubu. Their example of love and service is truly inspiring.

Aunty Lomiga, Sio, my parents, Candace and her family, Camilla and her family, and Mamo and Kaelyn all came out. It has been a joyous reunion. 

April 19th - We celebrated Aunty Fu'a most beautifully and simply; a family service and then an open house. Teuila gave the most beautiful eulogy, Bubu shared a beautiful testimony on the Plan of Salvation, and everyone got to share their memories and best experiences of Aunty Fu'a. 

We love you Aunty. Don't worry, we got Teuila, Bubu, and the kids. Go enjoy your family on the other side. 

Sefa Surgery and Aljay's Dental Extractions

In the middle of funeral preparations, Leila's trip preparation, and my work's preparation for our end-of-year graduation banquet, we also had Sefa's surgery and Aljay's teeth extraction. 

April 16th - Sefa had his knee scoped. His recovery is going well. 

April 17th - Aljay had his bottom teeth extracted and a denture put in. He had a periodontal infection in his jawbone. The doctors cleaned it out, and he's been feeling soooooo much better. 


Leila & Aljay in Vegas

While we were attending to funeral arrangements, Aljay and Leila embarked on their trip to Vegas. They drove out on Friday, spent Saturday through Monday playing, and returned Tuesday morning. This marked Leila's first out-of-state tournament, and I couldn't be prouder of her efforts. It's been a season of tremendous growth and learning for her, and I am especially proud of her mental resilience and progress.


Leila & Sefa's People of the Pacific Performances

Leila was the taupou this year. She did a beautiful job! So proud of our girl. In true Leila fashion, the ding dong let us know a week before the performance that she was the taupou. With the power of Amazon,  her Dad, and Aunty Brittany, we were able to pull together her fit. 

Tuiga - Aljay
Kiki fulumoa - Sandra
Dressing/choreography - Brittany

Since Sefa was injured, he emcee'd the Family Night performance. I was so proud of him for giving it a go and doing his best. 






Ending this post with some special moments--

First Gen Executive Mentorship cohort of students I oversee--
celebrating the end of the academic year at Tucano's buffet. 

Our little broke besties :)


All the family time with everyone who was here for Aunty Fu'as Life Celebration





















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