Generosity brings tears

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 16 June 2017, 12:00AM

The children of a man whose story about poverty and his struggles led to the help from many good Samaritans are going to school.

Simati’s kids, Lolani and Tuaniu, have new uniforms and with their school fees taken care of, they are beginning a new journey.

Speaking to the Village Voice team, the Good Samaritan, Maiava Susan Smith, said it’s an honour for her and her family to help Simati and his children. 

“My family and I are very happy to be able to help Simati and his beautiful family, God works in many ways,” Susan said. 

“This all started when I read the story about Simati and his family several weeks ago and I couldn’t believe in 2017 that people can be still so poor and that he was only earning around 35 tala a week with a family of 5?

“This story broke my heart especially the fact the kids don’t go to school that really made me sad but I was determined that I am going to help this family! 

“God works in mysterious ways and my mum To’omata is over there so even better.

 “As you would have spoken to my mum I told her to please go see this family see the living conditions and see what we can do. This is not right here we are in NZ very blessed and 35 tala is like $20NZD which we can easily spend on McDonald’s in one day.

“This is a luxury for us where this poor man and his family it’s their livelihood for a week. Something needed to be done. 

She went on to say it’s not just education they need help with. There’s a lot to be done to ensure they are well care. 

“So as you are aware that’s how my wonderful caring mum got involved and together as a family we started our journey to see them get the basics in life and my main goal is to get the kids to school.

“Education is the key to a better future! 

“I know Simati and his family will need more funds to keep things going so I want to start fundraising for them here in NZ so every money made will go towards helping them on a daily basis but even more important to get them a water tank set up.

“Important to give them the tools they need to get started to vmake a better life for them all.” 

Maiava said people are blessed to be a blessing.

 “God and my parents have blessed me with an education and good start to life so now my husband and I and our two blessed children, Brooke Smith six years old, and Carson Smith 16 months old are able to live the life we want,” she said.

“My mum To’omata told me they’re (Simati) such a beautiful family and despite their living conditions are so lovely and smiley. 

“Simati and his wife are very lovely people and their kids are so wonderful, cheeky and funny. All they need is help to get started and that’s what we are doing. 

“Thanks to my mum To’omata who has taken so much time to go take them to the doctors, dentist, shopping etc and given her own stuff to help them out as well. God is great!” 

Yesterday, Simati was in tears.

“Nothing ever makes me happier than seeing my children in uniforms for the first time in their life,” he said.

“I never expected this to happen. 

“We want to thank all of you from the bottom of our heart. This new chapter of our lives will be the first place in a long journey that my children especially my family will forever remember.

“Thank you and May the Lord bless you Susan and your kind hearted family.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 16 June 2017, 12:00AM

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