Work in Progress Location: Oahu, Hawaii: Hiking, Backyard Bible Club, and Discipleship

As I write, my legs are jello. My energy has seeped through every pore of my body leaving me spent . I am exhausted from a busy day out in the sun! This morning, Rob (one of the summer missionaries) and I hiked Kaena Point which is the most Western tip of Oahu. After passing Kaena point, we continued on the North Shore. It was pretty cool to hike on the West Coast and on the North Coast all in one trip! The views were breathtaking. To reach the Western tip of the Island, we had to go through a sea bird sanctuary. Did I hesitate? No, I scurried right on through. The birds must have been informed that I was coming hiking that day because they were all previously engaged and did not feel the need to welcome me with hospitality. I was relieved that the birds were away, but I have noticed that my fear of birds is dissipating. The Peacocks have not bothered me this entire trip. The other day at the beach birds crept close to my lounge chair, and I did not feel the overwhelming need to dart in the opposite direction. Anyone who has gone to the beach with me knows this is quite a different than my usual behavior. Perhaps the most strange sensation, was my desire to hold one of the parrots at the luau the other night. Now I didn’t hold the parrot… but maybe if I go back to the luau I will cradle a parrot in my arms. Rest assured if that happens… a picture will appear on the blog!

Backyard Bible Club went well today. Unfortunately, my camera died as soon as I took my first picture there. We have had a good mix of young and older kids and teenagers come everyday. They make necklaces and bracelets, play volleyball or flag football, climb trees, and race. The leaders just go around and love on the kids and play with the ones that are looking for something to do.

After Backyard Bible Club, we came back to Darla’s house for our discipleship time. We finished up a lesson from last week. We discussed how our actions will either be life giving or life taker (hinder). Afterwards we made encouragement bags for the mission team that is going to the Big Island this weekend. They stuffed the bags and wrote each member of the team a card and a Bible verse. Afterwards, they ate dinner Hotdogs, Mac and Cheese, and Chess Bars. Now we are watching Mirror Mirror , and I am typing. After taking them home, I’ll probably collapse on my futon that I call my bed and sleep until tomorrow!

Correction… I thought that I would be coming home and going to bed. Instead, I was loved on by Randall, Rodney, Justin, and Kiwo. Apparently, I am really funny! Then, while dropping off Lesleen, some middle school boys wanted money to get a drink. Instead of giving them money, I took them to McDonalds to get a drink. Finally, making it home, I am welcomed by a group waiting to go to the midnight premier of Spiderman. If my original plans happened, I would have missed out on hugs, laughter, and fellowship.

Did I tell you that Randall, Rodney, and Kiwo’s grandmother made me a Chuukese dress and skirt? I haven’t seen the skirt yet, but here’s a picture of me in the dress.