I had the pleasure of chaperoning our European mothers to church every Sunday morning. When dad (Tama) first told me “son, I have a special job for you, I want you to pick up our old mothers for church every Sunday morning” at first being young and selfish I thought of the half hours sleep that I would lose every Sunday morning, but as time went on I came to realise my duty was not only God given but a pleasure and priviledge.
My Sunday pick ups consisted of picking up Mrs.Doris Church, Mrs Eunice Anderson and finally Mrs.Nancy Cook. Each morning was interesting as we would share about each others weeks, chasing Mrs.Anderson’s cats out of the house, running up to Mrs.Church’s flat to see if she had forgotten I was picking her up or slept in, and on the odd special occasion the ladies would share treasures of history about our church right from its foundations to where it is today, we had truly been blessed to have had these special women at our church and I believe they will remain foundation stones of our church forever. Though old in age they were sharp in mind and spirit and I would refer to them as the “Flygirls”. So every Sunday there was my routine “mum if anyone asks I’m off to pick up the Flygirls”.
As time went by with the cold weather deterring my passengers and the ultimate passing our dear mothers Eunice and Doris my “pasese” was reduced to just Nancy. Right up to my last voyages with Nancy until I believe Aniva Laulu took my place when I departed, Nancy remained sharp and always cheerful. Sunday pickups would become the weeks round up of sport where we would discuss the form of the current NZ and Auckland sides especially in the cricket and rugby. Nancy was an avid sports fan and would often surprise me with her in depth knowledge of the game and opinions on current players.
The time I spent with the “flygirls” and later just Nancy were reward and satisfying enough though I was blown away everyear during Christmas time they would never miss giving me a small gift and card for the rides to church. Just the thought of them giving was a blessing. Like everyone who had been in contact with Nancy I had been blessed by her presence and devotion to our Lord and her undying support for the work here at Tamaki PIPC. I would ask myself sometimes at her age what drives her health permitting to make every Sunday morning. I am persuaded that it was her FAITH and LOVE for her Lord, hunger for the word and fellowship with Gods people, our people. What an example for us all!
Farewell Nancy and may God keep you his faithful servant.
Ia Manuia le Malaga.
With Love and Sincere Condolences
Pouena,Tehani,Teanui and Kayla
Pouena & Tehanis children - Kayla & Teanui
Thank you Pouena for posting what you have. It gives us such a clear picture of the important part these mothers had in our parish - look at how they have influenced you. I have no doubt that your church family share the same thoughts - in regard to their undying love for our Lord and His work at Tamaki, aging bodies never a barrier. I hope many of our parish will read what you have posted and like me - appreciate even more the blessings we've received through having such women in our midst. Thanks for sharing - so valuable. God bless and keep you and your family in his steadfast love.
ReplyDeleteLots of love - Andrea