Your Roots in MalaitaGrowing up in Malaita, Solomon Islands, our parents constantly reminded us of one powerful truth: you must always know your people and your tribes. They taught us that we do not belong to just one line, but to four tribes — the tribe of our father, our mother, and the tribes of both our maternal and paternal grandparents.
Two events were considered sacred and non-negotiable in our culture: marriage and death. When these moments happened, attendance wasn’t a choice; it was a duty rooted in love, respect, and identity.
When Modern Life Began to Change Us
Over time, modern life and Western influences slowly started to reshape these values. People became busier. Work, migration, and growing responsibilities made it harder for families to gather. Some began to see these traditions as less relevant in a fast-changing world.
Sadly, it became rare to see full tribal representation gathered under one roof, united in spirit.
A Day That Touched My Soul
This particular day became very special to me.
Relatives from my mother’s side — especially from my grandmother’s tribes — came together in one place. Representatives from each of my grandparents’ lines gathered to visit my aunt, my mother’s sister, who has been very ill with cancer.
She is preparing to travel to New Zealand for treatment, as she is a citizen there.
Knowing she was leaving, I felt led to arrange for an Anglican priest to visit her. I informed all my uncles, aunties, and cousins. To my surprise and joy, they all came — something that is quite rare these days.
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| My Guardian Parents |
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| Singing during prayer |
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| My Uncles |
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| My Anties |
A Moment of Prayer, Unity, and Love
We gathered as one family.
The priest led us in prayer.
We had Holy Communion together with my aunt.
We sang songs in our mother tongue.
We shared food, laughter, and gentle teasing.
In that moment, there were no differences — only family, faith, and love.
It was warm.
It was healing.
It was unforgettable.
My Reflection
Here in the Solomon Islands, gatherings like these are often seen during prayer, worship, funerals, or weddings. But living it firsthand after so many years made me understand something very deep.
Our parents were right.
Knowing your people is not just about bloodlines — it is about belonging, support, protection, and love.
I now clearly see the wisdom in what they tried to teach us while we were growing up.
A Lesson I Will Carry Forever
Being with my relatives that day felt like a blessing I cannot describe in words.
I am deeply grateful — and I now understand that your people will always show up for you when you least expect it.
If you like this. Also read Morning Grace, Sunrise, music and Island Life.
https://solvoice.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-grace-sunrise-music-and-island.html?m=1
💬Have you experienced moments like this in your life?. I would love to hear your experience in the comment section below.👇
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