COVID-19 global pandemic restrictions did not stop Faafouina Esekia and Isaia Pasene from cementing their union in holy matrimony at the Pesega L.D.S. temple last Saturday. 

The bride is the daughter of Tautinea Toala and Pupi Lafaele from Vaimoso while the groom is the son of Tovia Matiu and Sesilia Pasene from the village of Aleipata, Saleaumua.

The journey that led to the temple last Saturday was not easy for the lovebirds, who had to endure various challenges over the three years they had known each other, including the church’s missionary obligations.

According to Mrs. Pasene, she first met her husband before leaving for her 18-month missionary work in the Philippines in 2015.

“But it was only when I returned from the mission that we officially talked about having a relationship, thanks to the help of one of my cousins,” she said.

The 26-year-old added that their three-year relationship was not easy but they both understood that no one is perfect.

“There was even one time we separated for one month, I went to American Samoa but he left for Australia.

“In the end, we found our way back to each other. I am blessed to have him in my life because he loves me and my family; he has a kind and caring heart but always makes me laugh.”

As a congregation member of the Church of Latter-day Saints church member, Mrs. Pasene believes a successful marriage between a man and a woman is a strong foundation for family and society. 

“And being married in the temple is very significant to us, it’s been my life goal because our family must be ordained by God and marriage between man and woman is essential to his eternal plan.

“I even told my husband that if we didn’t get married in the temple, I wouldn’t marry him because I want a family that is forever.

“And now that we’re married, we will move to his family and that makes me nervous as well.”

Mr Pasene said that he had to wait for 18-months for his wife.

“I love her in every way, she’s humble and caring, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. We’re both nervous for the future but excited to start our new family.

“We both know that this global pandemic is tragic but I feel that it’s now or never, because we do not know what the future holds but at least we have each other every step of the way with God as our center.”