I met Hepa Loleshi on a Saturday afternoon in the library and got talking about religion. She is a nice lady with family values and a family that she loves – was my first impression about her. She was wondering what kind of a person I’m and finally thought that I was okay I assume. Thus, she invited me to there church.

The church was beautiful and I met her family for the first time. Grandma Sesa of the Australian Bush hunter fame tried to hunt me with language skills and the kids – Abish being more matured, friendly and prim, Sesa pretty, spontaneous and warm, little book worm who was smart and thought I was cool. Mr. Frudo the good looking young dude and Mr. Cool from Hollywood the awkward rebel teenager. There were six. But I did not meet the oldest boy from Hamilton. He was very caring and family oriented. I met Ronnie Hepa’s kind Samoan husband at their church. It was a big family church that defied description. My first Mormon church that was a great feeling.

And after that I never felt alone. I was invited to family nights where we sang and Sesa told me how I was their brother from another mother. Ronnie had a slight complication and we went to the hospital. Singing, playing word games, watching basket ball matches, pizza parties after a basket ball game of under 10 boys, where Frudo’s team lost 78 to 1. I moved into Manurewa during my practicum at Papatoetoe High School. I was baptized in their beautiful church and the Loleshis were there. They were there when I heard about my mom health. They prayed with me, for me and my mom. I was touched by Hepa and Sesa and Abish at the Auckjland airport. They are the family I have in NZ. I’m not alone. Thank you.