Greetings to you all families & friends! It was indeed a pleasure to celebrate with Fr.Hiko his half century here in Suva. This was coincidental of course as he attended a meeting of the Council of the Province. He had to leave on Friday night the eve of his birthday but I called from Levuka and asked him to stay on and then fly out on Saturday night. This allowed me to go by boat across to Suva and we celebrated together this milestone in his life.

It was indeed just a family gathering with a few of the Tongan priests who are working in Suva. Fr.Suni was there as well as Sr.Alisi. It was also an occasion to welcome Fr.Felisiano who just arrived from the US. Unfortunately, Fr.Unaloto was't there as he is enjoying his time with the family and friends in Texas! Hola a koe na'ata mei vaeua e bill! Sai pe he teu tali atu heni!

I left Suva in the morning as my rugby team was playing in Nausori while Hiko was relaxing there before catches his flight in the evening. The fatique in travelling was paid off when my team won their game and we sang songs all the way on the boat back to the Old Capital.

Hence, it was a worthwhile trip killing a few birds with one stone! Funny, at one stage Hiko asked me can you afford to pay for all the bills? I joked to him this is the first time I bring our chequebook in my capacity as superior & principal! There goes my pocket money for the rest of this year!!!

Happy & Blessed 50th Birthday Hiko! The whole family unites with you in thanking God for your life. May the good Lord guide and protect you for the next 50 years!

'Ofa atu & hufaki,

Fr 'Ekuasi