Tae Kami Medical Fund

July 8th 2009

Hi everyone
Just got back from Tonga on Monday, July 6th with mum and sister Joy. We were there for 2 weeks for my Grandpa's 70th birthday and also the Methodist Annual Conference. My uncle Vilivaka was ordained as a church minister. We had so much fun because my cousins from New Zealand were there and my two uncles Vilivaka and Sifa and my aunty Saiatua and husband Rev. Vaitulala were there too.
We were also surprised to see my dad's sister, Taina and her daughter Rosa visiting from Samoa.

We visited Tae's grave every evening  and sang songs there while some of Tae's friends also stopped by at the cementry, so it was like a meeting place in the evening for all the friends. Her grave still looks beautiful with flowers and some new ones laid there by visitors from overseas who came for the conference. We sang all her favourite songs because we know she is watching us from Heaven.

It was nice seeing all the friends and family and on our last night in Tonga we had a full house, which reminds me of our time with Tae how we always have people in the house. Going back home and visting Tae's grave makes me realised that no matter where we will go in the future our heart is always in Tonga. We had so much memories at our house at Kolomotu'a.. and they are good memories.
We are hoping to go back to Tonga for Tae's 1st anniversary on the 16th of August.

My sister Joy is doing fine and mum is not feeling well after the 2 busy weeks for her in Tonga. But she came back happy that she had time with the members of the Child Cancer Foundation of Tonga and met lots of her friends plus spending times with her parents.
My dad came back from the Solomons on the same day we arrived Suva. Also uncle Pila was here and left for Tonga yesterday.

I turned 11 on the 2nd of July and I had my party here at home with friends before we left for Tonga also got to celebrate it again with family at home in Tonga. Only one thing missing from this birthday was my sister but I thank God for everything!

Thank you for reading and "ofa atu
WOWS!
Mia

16 June 2009

Bula from Suva!

Just finished a long weekend and spent the holiday Monday afternoon walking with Mia and Joy through Suva's rainforest park at Coloi Suva - only after Joy promised not to cry and not to ask to be carried... quite an adventure. The girls ended up swimming in the pool by the spectacular waterfall in freezing water and ... Joy walked all the way there and back. 

Here is the view from a lookout along the track.

We (Sina and the girls - Taholo will stay back for work) are planning to go to Tonga next week,Monday June 22nd. We will be there for 2 wks during the girls school holidays. We will be there for  their Grandpa's 70th birthday and also for their uncle, Vilivaka's  ordination as church Minister during the Methodist Annual Conference in Tonga. Their aunty Saiatua and uncle Sifa from NZ will also be there with their families. We are all looking forward for that and also have time to visit Tae's grave everyday while we are there. 

Tae's dream for the cancer kids in Tonga and in the Pacific is still our dream and we will make sure that those dreams will come true. We are working on things right now and praying that it will all come out at the right time, with the right people and at the right place. 

God bless you all
Walk on Walk strong!

(Those of you who are on bebo: Tae made sure before she left to give me her password for her bebo page so I am on it most times... under : tonungatonga )

31 May 2009

Bula from Fiji!

It's good to be back home with the girls, Mia and Joy. Taholo is still traveling, he went to India and he called last night from Syndey Australia on his way to Canberra and he will get here next Sunday.

I left for Tonga last Friday to attend my cousin's wedding. It was nice meeting up with friends and family again.When I got there on Friday, 'Unaloto, Nesi, Mia, "Ana Vete and Tuina, Tupou and Sivi all came to help me with preparing food for the wedding. Also Meleane and Ema came for coffee and chat while the girls all busy in the kitchen. After the two days celebration of the wedding. We moved to my uncles place to prepare his house for his funeral. The burial was on Wednesday. I am sure Tae was one of the angels who opened the gate of Heaven for uncle Masi to enter.

On Thursday, we went to town to watch the students march for the opening of the Parliament in Tonga. I stood there and waited for Tae's school, Queen Salote College ... as they approached us.. I couldn't hold back the tears .. rememebering Tae on her wheelchair last year and how she wanted to march for the last time with the school she loves so much.. and she did.. but this year she is marching around in heaven ..no wheelchair!

During my time in tonga, I visited Tae's grae everyday.Sometimes I got there and there were boys sitting around her grave, sometimes her friends already there. I am amazed at how she touches so many people and when I got there, her grave looks beautiful as if we are in Tonga to look after it.

My parents are in Tonga and I will take the girls back there next month for my dad's 70th birthday also my younger brother, Vilivaka will be ordained as Methodist Minister during the church conference in June. Taholo's mum, Tae  and family are all well, and they are all looking forward for the girls visiting next month.

We are planning something to be done on Tae's first anniversary in August. We are thinking of a fundraising concert to help build the resource room for cancer kids in Tonga as it was one of Tae's wish she left for us to do. We already have funds from her friend in NY, Kallan, which she organised a concert in NY last yr and raised 6000  Pa'anga to help with the resource room. Different people have emailed us supporting the idea of the resource room.We welcome any suggestions for the fundraising in August.

'ofa atu and thanks again for the continues support and prayers. I am still working on Tae's book! The WOWS products will come out soon..
love you all

WOWS!
sina

Thursday, 21 May 2009 - Update ('Amelia)

This morning, my dad, Taholo left for India for a meeting. We missed him already. Mum is packing her bags to leave for Tonga tomorrow morning, to attend her cousin's wedding (Lotomo'ua Faleafa')
 on Saturday and booked to come back on Monday, next week.

But, this evening my mum got a call from her sister in NZ, saying that their uncle Kilisimasi 'Aholelei (their dad's younger brother) has just passed away in New Zealand. They will take the body back to Tonga for burial there.
My mum said, that the wedding is still on and uncle's body will be on the flight to Tonga on Tuesday and the burial will be on Wed. I told my mum that it's okay for her to stay for the funeral because we have aunt Make here to look after us and Grandaunt 'Ofa.
Tomorrow night, our cousin Nia and our friends ( 'Una, Malia, Suliana, "Elenoa and Tepola) from the University (USP) will all come and spend the weekend with us here at home. We are looking forward for their coming as we already have dvd's to watch and also games to play.These students were regular visitors to Tae when we moved here (Suva) last year. Also my mum would invite them over here for lunch on Sundays, so they are like big sisters to me and Joy.

I now know what Tae meant when she told me to take care of my little sister, cyclone Joy.. I am only 10 yrs old but I am learning a lot.  I told Mum not to worry when she goes to Tonga because  we have aunt Make here and her children, Thomas and Moana to play with in the evening.

Rest In Peace.. granduncle Kilisimasi .. give Tae a bigggggggg hug from me and Joy.

Wish my mum a safe trip and for dad to come home safely after his meetings.

'ofa lahi atu
Walk on Walk Strong
Mi@ Kami

16 May 2009 - Happy 17th Wedding Anniversary

We celebrate  17 years of marriage today and we thank God for all the blessings and for His love and guidance throughout those years. The past 4 years has been a challenge but are thankful for the each other and for 3 lovely girls.  We thank you for your love and support and being part of our journey.

Tomorrow in Tonga, its Father's Sunday. Even though some of us believe it's father's day everyday, we'll let Taholo have his day.. Happy Father's Sunday!

'ofa atu
Walk on Walk Strong!
sina

10 May 2009 Happy Mothers Day

Hi all,

Happy Mothers Day to all the moms who have done the hard miles raising kids (and the kid's Dads) - we honour you today!  Special thoughts to Sina on her first mothers day without Tae but ever grateful that we still have Mia and Joy to remind us everyday why we are still here and that the journey continues and we are blessed.

'ofa lahi atu and blessings to all the moms.

Children Sunday (May 3, 2009) - Tongans in Suva, Fiji

Last Sunday was the first Children Sunday for Joy and Mia, not to have their sister Tae standing next to them to read their bible verses. They took part on the morning service by reading the 2nd Hymn and they both did very well in memorizing their verses.
They also wanted to sing the song "Because He lives I can face tomorrow". Mia told the congregation that this is their first children day without their sister and they would like to sing one of her favorite song, which they used to sing together. They started off well.. but couldn't hold back the tears so I joined them, and asked the audience to join in... It was a very emotional moments for us but No doubt Tae was watching from Heaven and smiled at her two sisters.

Yesterday, I went to see the doctor because I had this head aches that has been bothering me for last couple days. I didn't expect to be kept in hospital for the whole day, had an IV running, blood test, head scan etc but free to go home in the evening. I still have to see other specialist but I am feeling much better today after spending the day in bed and no cooking!

Taholo is enjoying his work with the IUCN and the girls are also enjoying their school. Mia won the Art competition for their May 16th Fun Day at school. She got a free movie ticket to the cinema plus a t-shirts and a cap. Joy just enjoy talking all the time and asking all sorts of questions which reminds us alot of Tae when she was that age.

'ofa lahi atu to you all 

God bless!
WOWS!

24 April 2009 - Tonga Child Cancer Day

Child Cancer Foundation of Tonga celebrated Tonga Child Cancer Day last weekend. Tshirt, yellow bands, key rings and pendants were sold for fundraising in workplaces all over Nuku'alofa. The Tonga Development Bank employees dressed in the yellow Tshirts emblazoned with the CCFT logo designed by Tae. A tent was setup in front of the Fund Management building on Saturday morning where the enthusiastic CCFT committee members sold various items, painted faces and raised awareness of the challenge of Child Cancer. It was great to catch Moala Sisifa (Semisi's mom) and Mele plus our two cancer survivors posing with the profile picture of Tae.

Good Friday 2009 - Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from us all here in Fiji! We just got back from the Good Friday service with the Tongan community here in Suva. On the way back, the memories of last years Easter brought tears and heart ache as we remember our special time with Tae last year. Somehow we knew that was her last Easter with us and today she is with Jesus!

I went back and read her journal from last year's easter- 2008- and this is what she wrote

Dear Journal,

Happy Easter! (2008)

Things have gotten a lot more difficult lately…especially now that I have my face to worry about. I feel like I’m juggling so many different things, all at the same time. I have lung cancer, asthma, back pain, head aches and other pains that come and go…and now, this had to happen as well.

I remember how hurt and angry I was, a few days ago. Waking up that morning and finding out that the skin underneath the implant had opened up just a little bit…was enough to make me cry.

It seemed like I had so much to deal with already, and just the thought of having to go through more operations and more pain - scared me. The last thing I wanted to do was to fly back to New Zealand and stay in hospital for the next couple of months.

All I want is to spend the last days of my life, being happy and comfortable…I don’t want to waste those days in hospital…forever searching for a cure. I know now, that the wound under the implant may not heal… no matter how many times the doctors may operate.

And I’m okay with that. 

I dunno why, but I continue to count my blessings. Even until now, there seems to be more good things in my life than all the pain I’ve had altogether. I guess Life will always be tough (at times), just like cancer will always have pain. But there’s always something good in every situation. God  heals us in different ways and  I  believe God has healed me  in a way that no one understand s  but He will reveal it to us in His own time.

And God will never give us something that we can’t handle.

 I had a great Easter with the family…just being at home with everyone. I also had a great time with Mota…(one of my  best friends who managed to come see me fromTonga and stayed with us for the past 2 weeks.) It helped a lot to have a friend to talk to...especially during the past few days…she was always there to keep me from worrying too much!  She went back to Tonga this morning…which was kind of sad, but I know we’ll see each other again real soon.

I’m hoping to go back to  Tonga  sometime… not sure when exactly, but I’d like to spend the last of my days in Kolomotu’a…at home with the family.         

I’m glad that I don’t have any more operations to worry about though – I’m also hoping to speak with our doctor next time, about how I can have my medicals done at home instead of having to stay in hospital.

I’ve always kinda looked forward to the experience…when I don’t have to stay in hospital anymore…when I can finally just stay in one place…it just seems more peaceful that way…less stressing.

But for now though, I’m just going to sleep in, have fun and just live for today.

Hopefully tomorrow, I’ll be strong enough to go outside…after spending the past couple of days inside the house …I’d really like to get out for once.

I may feel weak sometimes but my faith is not. I have God in my life and that's enough for me.

'Ofa atu and God bless

Tae

I’m glad that I don’t have any more operations to worry about though – I’m also hoping to speak with our doctor next time, about how I can have my medicals done at home instead of having to stay in hospital.

I’ve always kinda looked forward to the experience…when I don’t have to stay in hospital anymore…when I can finally just stay in one place…it just seems more peaceful that way…less stressing.

But for now though, I’m just going to sleep in, have fun and just live for today.

Hopefully tomorrow, I’ll be strong enough to go outside…after spending the past couple of days inside the house …I’d really like to get out for once.

I may feel weak sometimes but my faith is not. I have God in my life and that's enough for me.

'Ofa atu and God bless

Tae

30 March, 2009 - Update from Sina

Malo e lelei and Bula from Fiji! It has been awhile since we put up the last update.

The two sisters, Mia and Joy are doing just fine. They are on two weeks break starting today and they are happy to have their cousin, Edwina Taufatofua here for 3 wks visit from Tonga.

Last Saturday, I was at the AGM of the Fiji Cancer Society. It was my first time to attend. Sitting at the meeting, listening to all the reports and hearing the words 'Cancer and children " it got me thinking of all the things that Tae wanted us to do to help the children with cancer in the pacific. I have no doubt that with God's help and His own time, things will happen!

Tonight as we sat down to say our family prayer, I picked up Tae's bible as she left it for her two sisters and read what Tae wrote on the inside cover of the bible :

For Mia and Joy:
May you read these words .. remember to shine in Jesus light..
Y'know, it's not cool to give in to the wrong thingz in life - it's a weakness.
True strength is how YOu handle your problemz.
True character is how you express it in the best way possible.
True Beauty ain't in the face, it's who you are.
So take a stand, girl and do what's rite.
love always and forever..
& much blessings
xoxo ..See you in Heaven :)
Tae


'ofa lahi from Suva, Fiji
Walk on Walk Strong!

13th March, 2009

It's gonna be 30 weeks tomorrow since Tae left us and we really miss her so much.

Her two sisters are at school but before they left this morning, we sat down for our morning prayer and Mia picked up a copy of her funeral service program and she quoted

"If God gave me the Hope and Strength to make it,

Then I'm sure he'll do the very same for you as well.

Count your blessings,

Be thoughtful, Have fun, Have faith,

Make no regrets and live for today.

Life's too short to worry about tomorrow " Tae Kami.

Mia said that she went through the programme last night and saw what Tae wrote and she wanted to share it again during our family prayer. She said It encourages her and reminds her of her sister and how strong she was. When asked Joy if she knows what Mia was reading, she replied "Tae wanted me to be happy and believe in Jesus and to see her in heaven" I'm sure Tae must be smiling from heaven when she hears cyclone Joy.

But I believe that our little moments together in the morning with the girls before they go to school is very important and even before I call them to come for lotu (prayer), one of them will call out "lotu time".

We are still waiting to hear from the lawyers who are doing all the paper work on registering the Brand : Walk On Walk Strong (WOWS) and also the Tae Kami Foundation. We are praying for everything to come out at the right time and with the right people on board.

Last week we lost two aunties in Tonga, 'Akosita Fineanganofo and Lingi, so as my mum's older brother Lisala Moala. We know that they are all in a better place now, singing with Tae and the angels.

Taholo is on his way back from PNG, after being away for a week. We will be in Nadi tomorrow to pick him up and the girls are looking forward for the 3 hrs drive from Suva.

'Ofa lahi atu

Walk on Walk strong