A heartfelt gratitude report.

 I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mannings Hill United Church, Oberlin United Church and Salisbury United church for their warm and inclusive welcome during my short visit to their congregations. Your openness and hospitality left a profound impact on me, and I will cherish the sense of community and acceptance I experienced. Your warmth, generosity, and the valuable insights shared will remain with me for a lifetime and as I am about to end my journey as a Training in Mission participant, I thank the Lord that we've crossed path. 

To : MANNINGS HILL UNITED CHURCH.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa's General Secretary, our Elders, Ministers and all our different parishes, for allowing me to worship with you on the 5th of November 2023. Thank you for your example of a small congregation that has achieved remarkable feats in the service of the Lord. Your dedication, love and work have shown that the size of a congregation is no barrier to making a profound impact on God's work.

The opportunity for our young members to be involved in your church's events and programs has been a tremendously positive experience. It has not only allowed them to deepen their faith but also fostered a sense of community and belonging. The dedication and enthusiasm of your congregation in engaging with the youth and children are truly commendable.

I would also like to the thank you for the generous gifts that served as a sign of your warm hospitality. Special thanks for my Folk Songs of Jamaica music book, a precious treasure that I will forever hold dear and as a person who loves music, I have made it a personal endeavor to learn and appreciate the musical heritage it represents.

FAAFETAI! FAAFETAI! FAAFETAI TELE LAVA (Samoan for Thank you)

Thank you OBERLIN UNITED CHURCH.

   Thank You SALISBURY UNITED CHURCH

To my Dear Host Family, Mr. and Mrs. Martin,

I also wanted to take a moment, to express my special thanks to my host family, for the incredible hospitality you extended during my stay at your home. Your kindness made me feel truly at home and I cannot thank you enough.

From the moment I arrived, you welcomed me with open arms, making me feel like part of your family. The delicious home cooked meal you prepared, was not only a treat for my taste buds but also a testament to your thoughtfulness. Your gesture of packing a roadie-food bag for me was a delightful surprise and greatly appreciated. It ensured that I had a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Your dedication to ensuring my comfort and happiness throughout my stay was truly remarkable. I felt cared for and valued as a guest in your home, and I cannot express how grateful I am. You have both left an indelible mark on my heart, and I truly feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet and be hosted by such a wonderful couple. You made my one day visit, felt like it was a one month visit. 

My special appreciation to Mrs. Jennifer for your valuable insights and guidance. She reminded me the importance of reconnecting with nature, as exemplified by our visit to Castleton Botanical Gardens. It was indeed enlightening and unforgettable. Despite the road current stage, you were able to drive me there, so I can experience the beauty of it with my own eyes. I will definitely miss our car rides, it was like sitting in the car while Paul Walker from Fast and Furious was driving....lol... Thank you Aunty JEN!!!!

I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of sister Nysha, a remarkable young individual who exhibited kindness, friendliness, and a willingness to lend a helping to a stranger. Nysha, is a shining example of the youth's generosity and compassion. Praying that you will do well in all you do my Jamaican sister.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the Ministers, assistant Ministers, grand-parents, parents, youth and children for everything you shared and provided during my visit. I pray that the Lord blesses you a thousand fold for your kindness and generosity toward a stranger like me. Your congregations are indeed remarkable, and I am grateful for the profound impact you have made on my life, and to the youth and children, I offer my prayers for abundant blessings in all your endeavors. Your enthusiasm and involvement in the church's activities are truly inspiring. 

Faafetai tele lava ma ia faamanuia le Atua ia outou uma (Thank you and God bless)