A couple of weeks ago, we made a decision that would have impacted my niece. Even though I had agreed fully, I was troubled. My spirit was not right. First the dreams came. I was not sure what it all meant. Then the memories of the past came to mind. Memories of the Matuas' would pop up. I found myself checking out their facebook pages, or instagrams. Here I was wondering what it all meant.
Memories of various Matua members came out of the blue, as if it were just yesterday. Interactions with different personalities, conversations with Junior Leaders and troopies, it all didn't make sense. I was uneasy. I wasn't sure if it was a sign or signs if one of them was hurt.
I kept wondering what did my Matuas' have to do with my niece. I did not see the relationship between the two. My Matuas' numbered over a hundred at one season so many years ago. My niece only turned 12 recently, or is it 13.
Longer memories would come to mind of tasks a Ranger would do or, a Troopie. Reminders of trying to work with certain individuals and not getting through to them. Visiting their homes, meeting their families, trying to build a mentoring relationship. Frustrations on both sides. Each one tested my resolved. I didn't back down...I kept pushing them...each one to do better. Do their best...nothing more. To live by the Oath , Motto, Law, and Creed.
Some would get it right away. Others it took years. Lots of counseling took place. I kept wondering why I stayed. What's in it for me? I'm not their parent. Some of the Matuas', I was actually their uncle. Yeah...I'll admit...some of them tried to use that to their advantage. I did my best to be fair to all of them.
Looking at their facebook pages, those who chose to continue our relationship. Many of my Matuas' are successful. Years after the Troop or Crew...which they led, had folded its colors. Either they graduated and moved on to see the world, or the Group just stopped altogether, and they found other interests on the island.
Many of the Matuas' have families of their own, Others are still wild and adventurous. Then memories of some of them came back, telling me that they are glad that I didn't give up on them. One young lady sent me an email...thanking me for giving her and her brothers that chance, taking care of them, going on adventures on island. She's now a mom of many handsome boys. She signed off her email with, "Thank you, Dad. I love you". That floored me. I did not expect that from her or anyone of my Matuas'. I remember reading that email as if it were yesterday. Someone was slicing onions close by when I read that the first time. Even now the memory of that email...still gets me.
Another young lady, actually a niece, teaches CPR where she lives and is more spiritual than I am. This one, Lady Matua, gave me majority of my white hair. She was the only one who challenged me one evening. I remember it was summer camp and I had challenged the Matuas' that if they didn't win the Mas' Maolek Award (Best Troop Award). I was going to leave the Troop and Crew. I was already burned out and needed a break. That evening she approached me and asked to talk. She mentioned that everyone of the Matuas' were worried that if they didn't win tomorrow that I was going to resign. They didn't want me to leave. I'll admit they had a tough week in camp that year. Competition was fierce between all the troops. That morning, the last day of camp, just before flag raising, I hinted to her that I will stay...win or lose. I wasn't going anywhere...they were stuck with me. When the Camp Staff announced that the Matuas' won the Mas' Maolket award, The whole group hesitated for a second and then at one time they were all jumping up and down, yelling and screaming.
There were other memories that came to mind: the welder, the Marine, the Army Sergeant, the Coasties, the football coach, the Youth Pastor, the DOD contractor, the moms, the security guards, the EMT or is it Paramedic, the restaurant server or host, the Eagle Scout, the hotel worker, the Ranger, and so many more to mention.
But each memory had a thread that came back to me each time, a common theme or event. Most of those I remembered thanked me for being there, for not giving up on them. The message came and it was very crystal clear. I know understood the message between the Matuas' and my niece.
We're not giving up on my niece. I'm going to give her the same chance I gave each of my Matuas'. When she screws up...she's going to be pushing Diamonds. She will work herself back into the ministry. Jesus brought her into our life for a reason. Just like the Matuas', each one came into my life, for an adventure into Character building.
Esta.
Keep Smiling.
P.S.
Matuas' if you're reading this post. Thank you for the all the memories and the lessons. I pray that each one of you and your families are blessed abundantly with overflow from the windows of heaven. May Jesus guide you with the Holy Spirit and Protect you.
I do love you all.
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