Standing in front of the class, I struggle to still my shaking hands. I remind myself that I know this language. It is the language of home. I've pronounced these words all my life, maybe not as confidently as I would like, but this is who I am. Breathe, I tell myself. Let the words flow through you, like calm ocean water.
"O o'u matua o..."
I think back to my days growing up in American Samoa. We still carry our Nu'uuli pride everywhere we go, my siblings and I. My own daughters have that pride instilled in them, even growing up in Utah. We connect with people based on land. Oh, you're from North Carolina, what part? My mom is from Fuquay Varina. That's how you know a REAL North Carolinian. If they know Fuquay, they are for real. What do you know about Nu'uuli? We are full of pride, strength, and love. Let the words flow through you, like a cooling breeze coming off the mountain.
"Ou te sau mai..."
I've lived in Utah for almost 26 years, and yet my answer is always Nu'uuli, Amerika Samoa. It reaches into the depths of my being and can never be replaced. I am the red 'ie with the three white stripes. I am the fautasi Satani, okay, fine, Manulele Tausala. I am Vaitele born and raised. The land calls to me. Like the Disney movie Moana. Sometimes I dream I'm home. I see pictures and feel a pull to return. One day. Let the words flow through me, like a thundering waterfall after a hard rain.
"Malo lava le soifua. Ia manuia."
The words continue to flow until my simple lauga is complete. I can see Dad smiling, proud of my enunciation. Always speak clearly, even if you aren't sure of the words. Keep practicing. Don't ever stop learning. When I hear others speaking Samoan, my eyes close and I breathe in deeply, as if to inhale the essence of the language. It's beauty. It's smoothness. It's comfort. I yearn for home.
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