Law of Reciprocity
Special from
Iraq
by Easter Bruce
The "law
of reciprocity" is a concept I became familiar with years
ago when I was an avid supporter of Pat Robertson and the 700
Club. There are many theories and applications of the term "reciprocity"
but for the purpose of this week's issue, I am referring to the
law of reciprocity as defined by the 700 Club.
They described
this concept as the act of giving unconditionally without expecting
any returns; the implication is the giver experiences returns
in the form of blessings, an answered prayer, or simply self-gratification.
Giving does not necessarily imply the act of tithing. In this
context, giving may also apply to random, spontaneous acts of
kindness.
A phenomenon
that continues to perplex many is defining the path of happiness.
According to a recent medical study titled, "The path to
happiness: it is better to give than receive" states in
simple terms why the concept of giving achieves a level of satisfaction
for the giver: The things that are important are things to do
with relationships, with other people, and things that help to
promote meaning, the purpose in life. When I read this statement,
I immediately thought of Samoans.
What a fascinating
discovery - Samoans naturally exercise the "law of reciprocity"
because of cultural values such as alofa, tautua, aiga and fa'aaloalo
that are instilled in our upbringing. These treasured cultural
principles serve as the foundation for our way of life, the Fa'a
Samoa, and is revealed time and time again throughout our daily
lives. In particular, it is awesome to witness Samoans from all
walks of life unite in love and prayers when it comes to supporting
our Toa o Samoa.
In lieu of highlighting
a Toa o Samoa this week, I have decided to share a few e-mails
received in support of our Samoan service members. The outpouring
of love and support for our Toa o Samoa is phenomenal.
The first message
comes from Sierra Vista, Arizona. Simi R. Malepeai (Fagaitua)
is employed by General Dynamics Information Technology as a Senior
Computer Security Analyst. Simi is married to Faifaimalie (Fagasa);
Malie is a Human Resources Generalist employed with AAI Corporation.
They have three beautiful daughters: Steffanie, 15; Fiti, 13;
and Veronica, 8.
Simi and Malie
have each happily served 20+ years in the Army. As prior Toa
o Samoa themselves, they are steadfast and ready to support you
as the need arises. Simi's closing thoughts to all Toa o Samoa
"you are heroes."
The second message
is from an Army veteran Oliver Maluia. Surprisingly, Maluia served
with my father in Korea and our discussion of his experience
in Korea brought bittersweet memories of yesteryear. Although
he is retired, he keeps his connection to the military as his
wife is stationed at Ingleside Navy Base, Texas as a Navy Corpman.
The last message
of support for our Toa o Samoa comes from Cheyenne Mountain Air
Force Station, Colorado. I received a beautiful e-mail from this
young lady when the column was first announced. I've asked Mrs.
Pauline Titialii to elaborate a little more about herself; she
shares a brief bio in her emails below.
Thank you for your willingness to update our beloved Island and
her readers about what's going on in Iraq. This will bring assurance
to family members when they read about their Toa-O-Samoa. It
is our daily prayers that God's hands are upon all of you who
are deployed in harms way for the protection of our freedom.
You will never know how much we do appreciate your service and
the sacrifice you are making. I know it is an arduous task that
you face each and every day.
Simi R. Malepeai
Sierra Vista, Ariz.
Talofa, manuia
le aso faafetai ia oe le tuafafine ma Toa uma o Samoa o lo'o
tautua ile malo, malo ta'u malo finafina'u, i'a pule alofa le
Atua i'a saomauli lo outou taumafai any way's fa'afetai for keeping
i touch, I'a tu pea Ieova I lo tatou Va .
God Bless
u & the Toa o Samoa, Tofa Soifua Army Veteran O.L. Maluia.
Oliver L.Maluia.
Ingleside Navy Base, Texas
My full name
is Pauline Hunkin Titialii. I am Army-prior service-9 years.
I was briefly in Iraq for 6 months and ETS'd December 2003. I
now work for Lockheed Martin as a contractor for the 721st Communication
Squadron-Cheyenne Mountain AFS. I am originally from Faga'alu
and Futiga. My Dad is Tuna Hunkin (son of Maiavatele Pouono Hunkin
and Tina Coffin -Futiga) and my Mom is Julie Shimasaki (daughter
of Filimaua Frank Shimasaki and Moira Koko-Faga'alu).
I visit samoanews.com
religiously and your new addition is refreshing. You might agree
with me- When you live abroad for many years, you long for anything
"SAMOAN" be it news, tv, radio, music etc. Service
to our Lord, service to our Country, service to our people in
any capacity is of great importance in our little family. Even
though we are no longer in the trenches along with our brother
and sisters, but as a couple we continually uplift and intercede
on their behalf in a different kind of war, a spiritual war through
prayers.
Again, THANK-YOU.
This is one aspect of our culture and of being Samoans in the
military- you do not have to know a fellow Samoan to feel the
warmth and love -even through emails.
Pauline Hunkin
Titialii
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Please join me
next week to read about a Toa o Samoa from Camp Taji. This young
man's philosophy on life, his family, the Samoan culture and
our island home, American Samoa, is extraordinary.
Please feel free
to send Toa o Samoa nominations or questions to Easter Bruce:
sinaoalii.easter@gmail.com.
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God and family are everything
E so'o le fau i le fau - we have strength in
unity
Samoans and the Military - Why We Connect
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