Like so many tree branches, families can grow in different directions but their roots never stray too far. 

So it was this week for the descendants of Lino and Kelemanita Fidow who gathered together for the first time at Safotu in Savaii with the aim of getting acquainted with their relatives.

Close to one hundred family members came from as far as the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.

The gathering started on Tuesday with a mass and ended on Thursday evening with a ball at the Sacred Heart compound at Safotu.

The family bonded over a games day; visiting the graves of their ancestors; and entertainments.

Seneuefa Nafoi Fidow said the highlight was the chance to get to know everyone, especially meeting other members of her family for the first time: "The reunion was the perfect opportunity for our children to come together and get to know their roots and know one another.

"We have so many children whose roots remains deep in our family here in Safotu, and the reunion was the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together. Family is very important and I am grateful to God for blessing me with so many years and that i get to see all the children within our family."

Annie Sofa'imalo Laki hailed the gathering as a success.

"It wasn't easy getting everyone here by ]the] 1st of October, especially our relatives outside the country; we didn't expect so many to turn up since its a first try out but it was amazing seeing everyone again and meeting new family members." she said.

"The next reunion will be in 2022 and Christchurch will be hosing us. Everyone's excited and looking forward for the next one."