Hapū is Maori for clan or sub-tribe. In our 21st century, northern hemisphere vernacular, the word is: peeps.
Last Friday, I returned home from taking Sarah to college. While on campus, I sensed that these were Sarah's people (Te Sarah) and she was about to become a member of a significant hapu. I felt honored to witness her inauguration into Ngāti Rexburg.
I was especially touched during the question and answer period provided for the wary parents of the incoming freshman. Many parents had questions concerning the track system in practice at BYU-I.
I had questions as well. But as Pres. Clark answered the questions, I had an overwhelming feeling that he was speaking truth. I felt the opportunities afforded at this institution were greater than any of us. President Clark explained the reason for the track system. He said, that because of the track system, in the last 10 years, 70,000 more students have had the opportunity to attend school at BYU-I than would have had the opportunity in a traditional semester system. My thoughts: God loves all of us equally and perfectly and desires to provide opportunity for all...whānau.
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| On tour in So Cal, circa 1984. Check out my perm asymmetrical do! |
After Sarah was situated, I spent the next week in SLC visiting my whānau; family and or extended family. Along with reuniting with whānau, I also connected with my peeps. On Monday, I met my friend of 31 years for lunch in Farmington, UT. We are part of the same hapu. Paula is my people. We attended Utah State University together and were part of the cheer-leading tribe during 1983-85. However, our most meaningful element of connection was our desire to belong---to belong to a tribe that was upright, compassionate, authentic. And I found that in Paula. Paula is legit.
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| Going out on the town in NYC, summer 1989 |
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| Pres. and Sister Grant, Draper, UT 2014 |
Wednesday, I went to visit my mission president, President and Sister Grant. ( I served a mission for my church in New Zealand from January1993 to June 1994). I really wanted to title this post: "Children of Divorce, Serve a Mission!" for many reasons, but I will name just a few: 1. You are exposed to an example of unity in a marriage. 2. You learn to forget yourself and serve others 3.You feel just so much stinkin' love from your mission president and his wife! and 4. You don't get nervous when both of them are in the room at the same time!!
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| Mon Cheri! |
That same evening, I drove down to Provo and attended the wedding reception of my friends', Dara and Glen Jakins oldest daughter, Tarryn. Everything about the reception was perfect. But let me tell you about perfect...these gals from Provo are my peeps! Six years with Scott in graduate school was challenging, especially towards the end. But these gals championed me in everything. For example, if I showed up at my children's school...(not to volunteer of course, but to pick up the kid I had forgotten)! My peeps would cheer me on. At any given time, if any one of these women would come sit or stand by me---I felt stronger.
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| Te Kāhui Reception (The assemblage of the reception) |
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| Te Susan (Susan's people) |
This is my hapū. We are whānau. Thank you for allowing me to belong.
