The descendants of Siala To'omaga are congregating at Faletagaloa Safune this week for a reunion that was initially scheduled to take place at the end of 2019.

However, the COVID-19 global pandemic threw the spanner in the works of the family's plan to reunite and bond over the memories of their late mother and matriarch, Siala To'omaga. 

The week-long activity commenced on Sunday evening with a thanksgiving service held at the family's house in Faletagaloa Safune, Savai'i. 

According to Siala's son, Taefu Mamea Iosefa, more than half of their family who reside in Hawaii, the United States and American Samoa could not make it for the family reunion this year. 

"There's a total of 86 people who descended from our late mother Siala," Taefu said. "Out of that number, five have passed on and this family reunion and service is to honor the memories of our late mother and also our loved ones who have left this world to be with our maker."

The family reunion is also an opportunity for them to come together as a family to thank God for his unwavering love.

"It's also an opportunity for our children to meet and create a stronger bond among our children as they are the future of our families and they will one day lead our families when we are no longer here."

The family reunion is guided by Psalm 133 verses 1-3 said Taefu. 

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion."

He also spoke about the significance of "unity" and worshiping together, something his late mother had instilled in them.

"We want our children and this family to continue that tradition and continue to be united and be there for one another. No matter where you go in life and what you do, your family will always be there for you and support you.

"Initially the family reunion was something that was initiated by our children. Initially, we planned to have this at the end of 2019 towards the beginning of 2020. 

"But like anything in this life, there were some teething problems that we had to overcome and also with Covid, we couldn't have it back then. 

"We then tried to find the perfect time for it to happen. 

"Now that we are here, although more than half of our family could not make it for our reunion due to other commitments, we are still very grateful to our Heavenly father for his love and protection upon us all. 

"It's so nice to bring our children to Samoa, some of them are here for the first time and they get to meet our relatives here and from other countries as well. 

"We are also happy to have meet up with our relatives in Samoa who are looking after our family here in Samoa.

"This is a great opportunity and we continue to praise God for making this happen for our family."