Cultural conclave

Note: Sometimes the Blogosphere has technical difficulties. That's what I encountered this morning, so the posting is late today.

The Samoans have arrived in Plummer. I believe four of them flew here earlier this week from the South Pacific (one from New Zealand) to share in the festivities at Plummer Community Hall tomorrow. I've been told some Samoan relatives living in Alaska will be on hand also.

The adorable triplets, Jacob, Justine, and Grace, will turn three, and we all shall celebrate.

Adding to that group will be representatives from our family and the Thompson clan from which the triplets' American grandparents come. Two great-grandmothers from Sandpoint will attend also. So, there in the heart of the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, we shall get acquainted with the South Pacific contingent and enjoy the special day that binds us all.

This connection all began about six years ago when Sefo Laumatia and Laura Brown (my niece) were married in Western Samoa. After graduating from Cornell University, Laura chose to join the Peace Corps.

Allergies prevented her from going to her original destination in Africa, so it was off to Western Samoa to use her agricultural degree. She and Sefo eventually met through the local Catholic church. After their marriage, Laura began working for the United States Department of Agriculture in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

Then, came word that "the" baby would actually be three. My sister-in-law, Mary, took on a lot of grandmotherly duties that spring, first going to Tacoma from her home in Houston to be with my other niece Maureen for the birth of her son Rory. Then, off to Samoa to add three more grandchildren to the mix.

We were able to see the triplets, Sefo, and their nanny Amato (Sefo's brother-in-law) for the first time in 2003 when they came for a visit. At the time, Laura told us to keep a watch out for possible agricultural extension jobs because their overall goal was to live in the United States.

Late last summer, the prime prospect appeared in the Spokesman-Review classifieds----extension agent for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe through the University of Idaho. All worked out. Sefo, Laura and the triplets said good bye to their huge, loving, tearful Samoan family and set off on their new life's journey to Plummer, Idaho, where they enjoy several opportunities associated with the Coeur d'Alene tribal facilities.

All still seems to be working well. Laura loves her job. Sefo is a wonderful stay-at-home dad for their three children. And, more than likely, over these next few days he's enjoying the thrill of introducing his Samoan relatives to his new surroundings and his extended family living here in the United States.

I'm looking forward to meeting all of them tomorrow and observing just how the cultural traditions unfold and blend with each other in this festive birthday party.