12/31/09

It's the Eve!   Jay went golfing while I went to the beach this morning at 7:00AM to swim, with Jace, Jarrod, Noah and Kea.  I missed the sun rising out of the ocean, I arrived 10 minutes later than the rest of the family.  Did I mention how beautiful the sunrises and sunsets are with the Vog?  There is a south east front that is coming this way.  That means the volcano smoke is blown in from that direction from the big Island.  Many people are being treated for smoke inhalation and others cautioned.  Tonight, the family here will just sit inside their yard, and light up sparklers, etc., in other words, "legal" fireworks.  There are a lot of people here who disregard the laws about fireworks.  Pyrotechnics, is actually an Asian influence on our culture.  And of course, there are many Asians here in Hawaii.  But it's the newcomers who think all of this is great, and choose to ignore the laws, well, not just newcomers.  So much for laws.  They are made to be broken, is that the issue here? 

12/28/09

This calendar year is almost over, and we are charging full speed ahead. We taught a merit badge class in Citizenship in the Nation this morning. We had 10 boys. They are sharp and they can be impatient. But with the two of us there, we can handle it. This Troop is supported and overseen by some very dedicated people. They get Eagle Scouts, every year. Their hearts are in it all the way. We are impressed with the fine young men that come out of this ward. We have one non-member who is just as sharp as can be. He could answer all the questions we threw at the class. It is so rewarding to know too, that our Prophet is an avid Scouter. This is an inspired program.

Still enjoying my Christmas gift.....

It's great! I'm still learning all that it can do. Jace is so patient. Today the PCC is super busy, as was Christmas Eve. There are three luaus, and two night shows. That is way terrific for the center. Two Island Tour Ships sailed this week, and they are at the PCC today. It's sunny and warm, 80 degrees and the ocean is calm. This is Paradise, afterall. Aloha to you all

La O Kalikimaka

It's 10:30AM in Hawaii, Breakfast eaten, presents opened. I got lots of goodies, especially this HP laptop from my companion. Mahalo Needham 'ohana for the great box of goodies. Love, love, love it all. It's cloudy outside right now. Maybe later, if and when the sun pokes out from the clouds, we will go to the beach. Yesterday, Christmas Eve Day, at 1:00PM, we went swimming. It was gorgeous out, and the water was calm. A bit nippy(no kidding), especially after the 79 degrees outside of the water. But after the initial dip, it was perfect.
Here's another funny, I went to get my nails done on Tuesday, the 22nd, and when I was leaving the shop, my operator called out, "don't drink and drive." Everyone laughed, because I was wearing my missionary nametag.

1 more funny!

Yesterday while driving in this horrendous traffic, we saw a license plate: 1uponu.....we drove for awhile trying to figure out what that was. I couldn't come up with what the meaning of uponu meant. Then it clicked like a light bulb: one up on you.....too funny! Because we're in Hawaii nei, we think everything is like the name likelike.

The day before the day before....

....we are missing the "white stuff" but not the cold. It's still crazy trying to shop with the traffic and long lines. But we are trying to do the Birthday thing for next week for Jace while finishing up the food shopping. Yeayyy! BYU beat Oregon 44-20. We love it. We still have our assignments to cover while enjoying the Christmas spirit with family and new friends. We love you all, and wish for you our dear families the very best of the holidays. Families, that's what it's all about, and we are here with some 'ohana, to celebrate the good feelings that the seson brings. We wish you a Merry Christmas.....Mele Kalikimaka a me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! Yeah, that too. The New Year! God Bless Us All.

Mele Kalikimaka

The Calendar tells us it's Christmas week. We wish you all the very best christmas. We know we are having the very best. This is our second and last Christmas here before we go home to Utah in May. I have mixed emotions about it all. Jay(Elder McQuivey) is anxious to be home. He is missing his home and his life in Utah. Last year we only just arrived the first part of December, and we were still focusing on what we were to do here in Hawaii as missionaries. This year, we have embraced the people, the Islands and all it's awesome wonders. But it is short lived. January will be here soon, and the last 5 months will rush by, and we will be gone. We wish for our teachers and students a firm grasp of their Savior and all that He has done for them. Our Institute students are holding tight to the Iron Rod, while being buffeted all around by Satan. Several of them went to the Kona temple last week, and then came to class that night. It is a one day event, fly out early morning, attend the temple and fly back home to Oahu. They were glowing. When we attended their Sacrament meeting yesterday, we were warmed by their leadership and their friendship. This is the Lord's work, we know it, we hold fast to it, and pray for the world to come to embrace it in their lives. We have family on both sides who need to also step up to the plate and hold fast, stay faithful, and strive with all their mights, minds and strength. May you all feel the peace of the season and our Savior's love. Elder/Sister McQuivey

I've been derelict....

I forgot about this site, while doing Christmas Cards, and other Chrismassy things. O, Repent! I first want to take some pictures and add them all to this site. I think I'll use the suggestion made to Megan on her blog to use Photobucket. First I have to find out what that is. Oh well, techy stuff and all.
We saw the most beautiful sunrises the last two mornings when walking on the beach(drool all you snowcold people). The Vog has created some masterpieces with the early morning skies.

And we went to my alma mater to watch their Elementary School Christmas Program last Friday. Yes, "Christmas". It was so refreshing to see school children singing of Christ, speaking of Christ, and celebrating His birth, not just a holiday. They performed fun songs too, but the focus was on CHRIST. All day long, we reminisced about how wonderful it was to see a CHRISTMAS program. Kamaile was darling in her class performance. There were orchestras and special choirs and bands...and a prayer to God, to start the program. And this was just the elementary school. Intermediate school and High School? At Kamehameha, was where I sang my first solo, "O Holy Night" in front of the entire school my senior year. My new boyfriend then was seated just immediately to my right, and if that wasn't frightening enough, I sang to a huge crowd in the Kekuhaupi'o building.

Waves

Elder M is out at the North Shore along with about 2 million people wave watching. It's the Eddie Aikau, over 30-50 foot waves. The world's best surfers are here competing. I dropped him off, and came home. I hope he got some good shots to share with you.

Fa'afetai

We just returned from the Samoan (Hau'ula 5th ) Ward fast and Testimony Meeting. We love to feel the Holy Spirit there. We may not understand everything that is said, but we understand the Spirit. We love to sing out of their Vi'iga with them. We love our seminary Youth, and we are getting to know their families better. This truly is Paradise. We are blessed beyond measure.

Kamehameha beat Kahuku 34-21

I guess I was leaning more toward Kahuku. I wore kamehameha blue shirt with red jacket. It looked like a BYU/Utah game with the colors. Kahuku did not have an offfense. Kamehameha played well.

We had our final Institute class in Honolulu today for the semester. The students are in finals now. It was nice. We also had a nice luncheon with all the CES directors.

Aloha nui loa to everyone out there. God is Good, God is Great! We are sooooo blessed!

Da Kine

Just some random thoughts to share today. We just visited the Laie 2nd ward, where one of our Seminary teachers was taken into the Bishopric. So we had to go show support. We love visiting all these wards and check out the families of our students.
It's much cooler this time of year, but nothing like Utah, or even Massachusetts. We're glad we don't have to worry about boots or coats this time of year. We just continue to wear sandals and I might even wear a panty hose here and there, but it's too warm for that. Jay wears his light suits still. It's not "cold".
Several of our Seminary boys are on the winning Kahuku football team who will be playing off next Friday for the State Championship against Kamehameha, where we have students who come to our Home Study. One boy plays on the team at Kamehameha, and several girls in the class attend there, and it's my alma mater. My loyalties will be divided.
Last weeks speakers from Utah who came to speak to us for our Regional Conference were so pale, I wondered if we were just used to looking at brown that those haoles looked especially pale.
We didn't have Institute to teach this past week, but we continue to study and to grow and increase our testimonies. It's wonderful when you feel the Holy Spirit daily, isn't it. I love it!

Day after....Thanksgiving

The leftovers taste even better. That turkey and ham done in the imu is the best. So moist and tasty. Add to that, lots of mashed potatoes, pies and fresh fruit. We like Crystal Light, and I add ice cubes of fresh lemons. My cousin has a lemon tree in Kaneohe. When I visit there, I always go home with a huge grocery bag full of lemons. Real lemons.
The ocean waves are high and the advisory is out. That means no beach time for now.
It's Football for the local state high schools, and we have lots of Seminary boys playing on the winning teams.

Hau'oli La Ho'omaika'i

We are enjoying Thanksgiving here in Hawaii with Jace and family. They also like to invite others to join in, We prepared for 16. Jay and I did the mashed potatoes, an apple pie, and I had to make a custard pie for me and for Sherrill. I finally get to have someone enjoy my favorite pie with me. It's also set up the Christmas tree time here, and decorate before Jace and Taran leave for Utah tomorrow night. It's fun and excitement all around, and all that good stuff. The food was ono. It was going to be "simple" but of course, we overdid it. Even overate too, ut the leftovers will he oh so good!

Jay and I arrived the day after Thanksgiving last year, so yes, it's been a year.

This is It!

A movie, a movie. We went to this movie yesterday while waiting for our tires to be rotated, and one fixed of a slow leak. It was going to take three hours for them to do it, so we took in a movie. It was most delightful. We want to see it again. MJ is/was a talented genius. The world has truly lost a gem. But thanks for the updated technology, we have sound, cinema and all that good recording for years and years here upon the earth.

A week went by

I haven't posted for so long. I wonder why? Would it be because I didn't get to the computer, or I wanted to post a new ocean scene at the top, and my camera needed a new battery? Or because I didn't have much to say, or I was feeling "under the weather"(who came up with that expression?)
All of the above. But we are here doing "the Lord's thing" or is it "our thing, for the Lord" Oh well, we are happy, somewhat healthy, and loving our Savior more each day we serve.

Waves

After class last Friday, we drove home to Laie, via the North Shore. The waves were 12-15 feet. There was a competition the next day. Jay can watch these waves for hours. I gave up after a few minutes. But yeah, we get to see some beautiful scenery.

Halloween 2009 in Hawaii

Tender mercies

We received an email from a young woman who served with our Jarrod in the LA mission. She touched our hearts with her memories of him. She was a student in Utah, so she was able to attend the funeral. Here it is 18 years later, and we are still being comforted. God is Good. God is Love.

Done

Elder Jay McQuivey conferred the Aaronic Priesthood onto Jarrod Evan Ka'anohiokala McQuivey on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Hau'ula 3rd Ward Bishop's office in Hawaii.  All present at this ordination was Jace(his dad), Taran(his mom), Kea, and Kamaile(sisters) and brother Noah.  Also in attendance was the Bishop Tuia, and his tutu Mililani McQuivey.  A wonderful promise was given to him in the ordination.  Elder McQuivey received his Melchizedik Priesthood from Neal Savage, who received his from, Stanley Roberts, from Harold B. Lee, from George Q. Cannon, from Brigham Young, from Joseph Smith, Jr. from Peter, James and John, who received their Priesthood from Jesus Christ.  

Jarrod 2

Jarrod's Hawaiian name is Ka'anohiokala......I cut it off at the blog before.  It means "The brilliance of the sun"  And he is indeed brilliant.  He is sensitive to other people's needs around him.  Kamaile says, "he is funny".  Jay(G'dad) said, "he is always smiling, always happy".  Jace said, "he is thoughtful, when he had a treat, he would always make sure his sister got one too." Sherrill(g'ma), "he is caring".  Kea said, "he isn't afraid to wear purple", Taran said similar, "he is not afraid to do things that is not the norm".  Jarrod is having a friend outing today, after school.

Jarrod's Birthday

Jarrod Ka'anohi Thad McQuivey is 12 years old.  He will have conferred on him the Aaronic Priesthood on Sunday, October 25

Seminary 2

Another pleasantry. A closing prayer in one of the classes was offered by a student in Hawaiian.

Seminary

I evaluated a class yesterday, Tuesday.  A haole girl said the prayer in Chinese.  How diverse is that.  I had to record that here.  I love this mission assignment.

Anxiously Engaged

It is busy, busy, busy for us as we wake up every morning to be at the first chapel in Hau'ula for 6 of our Seminary classes at 5:40am.  And then we dash over to another building, at the Laie Stake Center for another 6 classes.  I sat in and evaluated three teachers this week.  They are super wonderful teachers.  We are blessed with the very best teachers in this program here.  We also met with our Employment Resource Salt Lake Rep this week in Honolulu.  And then we teach our Institute classes to the best young people in the whole church.  We are blessed indeed.  On top of all that, our volunteering job at the PCC exposes us to fun visitors from all over the world, and we get to bear our testimonies every day, we serve.  The Haunted Lagoon has been so successful that we are being asked to volunteer more hours to help out there.  Fun stuff!  

Read Post

Anyone who comes to this site, you need to read my niece's post: Gardner, "Too much information"

Da Kine stuff

Yep, it's all kinds of stuff here this time. We are tending the house and the menagerie. You'd laugh if you knew what we are not used to doing. Jace's ohana has two cats, two turtles, 4 egg-laying hens, and that's all for now. Taran's mom has two cats. I don't like going into other people's homes when they are not there. I once tended a neighbors plants, and I let a plant die. I tried to replace it, but the lady of the house knew instantly. So I vowed never to tend for anyone again. Well, Jay does most of the tending. My pidgin English is falling right into place. I can do the speak just like ol' times. And guess what? I have my own phone now. The number is 354-2325. Yep, I'm liberated. You betcha! I can still do the Utah speak too.

Oooops

It looks like I need to edit my entries before publishing.

179th Gen.Conf.

We listened and watched online. It was just as inspiring. I loved all the references to the Book of Mormon. I loved your reference to food, Angie. I shared with Megan, about serving foods pertinent to that particular Apostle, such as Bordeaux Chocolates for Neil L. Andersen. I wonder what else you came up with Megan. I forgot where that article came from.

We are tending the animals while Jace and family, and Sherrill are on Maui for the next week.

We need to pull up the talks, over an over again. We assigned our Institute classes to: List their favorite talk, Share with the class why they chose that talk, the message, ow it applied personally. And we asked them to list what they personally thought the theme of the Conference was, if any. And any other details, as temples announced, newly called, membership? So we need to be sure we have all the talks down pat, in our preparations. May the Lord's choice blessings be unto all of you. Aloha

Haunted...

...Lagoon.  The PCC is hosting this event this entire month.  We are volunteering to serve while it is on.  I looks like so much fun.  The people go along on the Lagoon in canoes and all along the way there are scare tactics.  They are expecting a huge crowd this year.  It is the 2nd year for this event.  It's fun to be a part of it.  Tsunami fundraising has been going on hyper lots here in the Islands with so many relatives of those who have drowned or missing in Samoa.  

William Kaena Akiona

#1 Wilma and Darrell Akiona

#2Annette(niece), Barbara Akiona(surviving wife)  #3 My 2 sisters as bookends, Sis Bobbi, Annette, Another William Akiona(uncle to our "Biggie" Akiona)wife, Alana, daughters Pomai, Pumehana and sister Angie.  Burial at the Hawaiian Cemetery in Kaneohe.  A beautiful sight, with those Koolau mountains 

I love all of your blogs.....

...it keeps me posted as to what you are all doing. And to see the growth of your little ones.
Sundays are my favorite days. We went to the Laie 4th ward at 8:00AM yesterday, for Napua's sendoff....we even had a photo taken for our college page.
We charged over to the Hau'ula 3rd ward at 10:00AM for Fast & Testimony meeting, Sunday School, and then made final preparations for our talks at the Laie 10th, Singles ward at 2:00PM. We broke our Fast with Jace's ohana and then we were so worn out. We just vegged out until it was time to go to bed, and still l woke up this morning, "tired". It's Monday, and we had to be at Seminary to help our teachers set up their classrooms, by 5:40AM. I love our teachers, and students.

Matt.25:35-40

That is our topic Elder M and I are going to speak on tomorrow to the Laie 10th Singles ward.  We love these young people.  We enjoy our Institute sessions with them each week.  Now they want to hear more about how we met and what we liked about each other.  They are well aware of the Racial difference.  We have an interesting opportunity to define our relationship with each other, which now is filled with a third party, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was always there, but we didn't figure Him into the triangle as heavily in our marriage.  Our temple sealing helped along the way to strengthen the marriage, and raising three of the Lord's sons was the pinnacle of this union.  This mission is truly a delightful way to thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness.  

New Memory

I just got me a new memory card for my camera, so I hope to take some pictures to share here. I love all your blogs, so please continue to keep yours up too.

Isaiah??!!

I love Isaiah. I am still learning so much about his writings. It will take me all the rest of my life to continue to learn about what he has written for us.

Labor Day

We need to take a new picture of the beach across the street.  The shoreline has been eaten away so that there is very little  sand bar left to sit on the beach, and the blue bubbles are aplenty.  Ouch!

This morning, I woke up at 4:15AM, and I thought I would just wake up and exercise.  It took about 20 seconds before I realized it was a holiday, and we could sleep in.  And we did, until 6:30AM.  We enjoyed visiting with the ohana in Needham, Massachusetts on Skype.  I love this technology.  

I have been watching the Dog Whisperer almost all day.  It was a marathon of DW on NatGeo!  But I did take time off to have a BBQ with the family in the backyard, and then we all went to the beach afterward.  A new young couple moved in next door, who has moved from MA, to teach for one year at BYUH.  They came to have some grinds with us all.  Justin and Chyna, and baby Logan also came from Honolulu to spend the day with the family.  

It has been a nice day.  

Bento for the Soul

That is the title of our Institute class at the UofH Institute class we teach on Fridays. The students will be served a Bento plate, while we teach them from the Gen.Conf. Talks. We know that many of the talks are used for PH/RS lessons, and so we have quite a challenge to pull out things that pertain to this age group in this time of their lives. We are blessed to be here at this time in OUR lives and in OUR AGE group. The youth of today are so wonderful, sharp and so good. But they do have so many challenges. The sweet part of it all is tha the Lord has entrusted us to be the parents and grandparents to teach them. It's sweet, and awesome too. What a kuleana! Aloha nui loa

Midweek

We're at the Emp.Resource Center right now, a woman made an appointment, and she hasn't shown up yet. We both get on the computers in the Seminary office and in here. It's church computers, so if I pull up any other kind of sites, like youtube, or even facebook, it is blocked. I can see why. So if I don't get on the computer at home, which is so slow, I don't get to see some of the other stuff that is sent to us.
We are happily doing the Lord's work, on His authorized equipment, so this is what we need to do only. We do have time to finalize our Institute preparations while we sit here, and we do go over our Seminary reports for our teachers. We are on top of all that, so we feel good about coming to the offices here 6 hours a day, for two days. The other times, we come over anyway, to run reports.
Life is good. I continue to follow along with the online Seminary Home Study Course, but it still has some bugs in it. I had to open another account with gmail, so I could get my homework. But I would have to give up my Yahoo. So I didn't do it, and now I find out that the system from Utah has been working on Yahoo again. This is pilot program for us this year, and we are still working with it. It's nice. It's inspiring.

Noah

We had a scare last Saturday night, when he had a fever that wouldn't go down. It was hovering around the 104. mark, and even when he was submerged in a tub of tepid water, it would come down a degree, and then 30 minutes later shoot back up to 104 or better, even 105. So his parents took him to the hospital at 10pm that night, while we all prayed at home for him to be diagnosed well, and come home. The doctor determined it was a virus, not Swine Flu, and that he would get better with some motrin. By Sunday night, it was down to 99, and the family breathed easier. This morning he said, "guess what Tutu, my temperature is down." I told him he had good parents who knew what had to be done. And we thank our Heavenly Father once again for his deliverance.

We are here for the new School year start. Here is Kea, then Jarrod getting on the Kam bus at 6M

Then we have Kamaile and Chloe on her bed, and Noah next.

We are so busy, we don't get to see the g'kids much. But just being here is a treat.

Seminary

We have fabulous teachers. They work well together. Sometimes combining classes to bring about the effects they need. Isn't the Book of Mormon wonderful!
The husband of one teacher is making a Liahona. Several of us told him to ask Bro. Pulotu to carve one for him. He told us it has to work. So he is building one and putting a compass in it. In the MTC we met a couple going to Boston, who had one made but it didn't work. Get it!? We teased this brother that he needed to have faith and be righteous. It's fun to see the creativity here.

Confirmation

I wanted to put Justin's pic here along with his wife Chynna and son Logan. But my computer at home won't cooperate. So I will tell you about the confirmation that was held Sunday at the Aliamanu Ward. This is the ward my sister Angie, and her daughter attends. Gracie, Gabby and Angie were there, and I got to see some very old friends from the ward back when my mom was alive. That was 31 years ago. Justin was given the Holy Ghost at the beginning of Sacrament Meeting, and he was sustained as a new member of the church. Then when priesthood meeting began, Jace gave him the PH. Jace had to explain to Justin that he was now going to have the PH conferred on him. Justin thought all that happened at the Confirmation. So Jace verbally explained his own line of authority, which he has memorized, coming from his dad on back to Jesus Christ. Jay was impressed that Jace had that memorized, he hadn't done that himself. Jace also explained to Justin some of the responsibilities that he will have from now on. After the 3 hour block, I saw the men outside of the building talking, and Jace told me later that he was concerned that Justin needed to have more help in his new membershop role. The missionaries hadn't really explained much to Justin, and the one missionary is returning to Utah Tuesday. Justin's wife Chynna, doesn't know that much about the PH. She came from a home where her dad was not as active. So Jace is wanting to stay close to that couple, even closer than they have been before. Jace is also very aware of the fact that Jarrod will have the PH conferred on him in October. And Jace is preparing Jarrod even more earnestly.

Baptism

New member, almost is: Justin Hirosaki    He was baptized today, and will be confirmed tomorrow.  He is married to Chynna, who is a lovely young woman who is a very close friend to Jace and Taran.  She and her friend Brooke, used to tend our grandchildren, especially when Noah and Kamaile were babies.  They are still close to the family, and we have all blended into one large family, with those gals calling us Tutu and G'dad.  Justin and Chynna have a beautiful baby boy, who was blessed in March.  They live in my sister Angie's ward at Aliamanu.  There was a huge support for Justin by the members of the ward today.  Members of the  church who work with Justin also supported him by attending today.  Bishop Tanaka asked Justin if he wanted to bear his testimony, Justin's response was, "do I have 1 or 2 hours."  Justin has come a long way to this point.  We go back into Honolulu tomorrow for his confirmation.  Remember when we used to hold the confirmations over to the next day, now it seems so unusual for that to happen. But we will drive into town again and support his confirmation, and Elder McQuivey will join in the circle, when Justin is confirmed.  

Statehood 50th anniversary

Statehood Day in Hawaii is a holiday today August 21.  Many offices were closed, public schools out, and no seminary this morning.  Kamehameha Schools did not observe the holiday, obviously, if you are familiar with the history of our Hawaiian ohana.  I was 20 years old when Hawaii was made the 50th State.  I was an aide at the Republican Convention in Hawaii that year.  I knew I could  vote for my governor, when I turned 21 and vote for the President of the United States.  I could have two Senators, and have representatives.  But I remember that the Native Hawaiians were not happy about this happening.  And we are seeing many of the Hawaiian rights being swallowed up in the Constitution of the U.S.  Ue Ka 'aina.  Cry for the land.  That was the fear by the Natives  50 years ago, and it still is today, as the media covered the march on the Iolani Palace, by a group of Natives.  Ue ka aina, indeed.  We are seeing it all over the Island chain.  The military continues to use the Makapu'u area for artillery training, just as they bombed  the Island of Kahoolawe for years.  I am hapa haole, the other hapa Hawaiian, but my life began at Queens Hospital in Honolulu, on April 17, 1939.....raised on the Big Island and on Oahu, before I went to Utah.  Utah has become my "home", but I must admit, I continue to call Hawaii, Home.

And it came to pass........

....that we are still excited about being here. We are covering the LDS Employment Resource Center, teaching Institute, coordinating the 13 seminary classes. We had 15, and we combined classes this year. Eveything is running so well, but we still wake up at 4:30am, to be out of the apartment by 5:35, to attend our two wards where the classes meet. The Hau'ula Makai Chapel holds 6 huge classes from 4 wards. While the Laie Stake Center holds 6 classes from 5 wards. Elder McQuivey drops me off at Hau'ula while he goes to Laie, and then he picks me up after seminary. I am supposed to sit in on classes and do some evaluations. But I am supposed to make an appointment to do that the day before. All of the teachers have told me not to call, or they would worry all night, just show up. So I haven't done that yet, but I need to do it soon. Already tomorrow is a holiday for the 50th year celebration of Hawaii being made a State of the United States of America. I was 20 years old when that happened, and I was a sophomore at the Church College of Hawaii. I could now vote for my governor, and have two senators, and representatives from my "state"..... But I didn't know what other kinds of impact the statehood would make on this land of Hawaii. The Kamehameha schools will not have the day off tomorrow, just the public schools.

Hump Day

Yes, yesterday the 17th of August, was our hump day.  I don't know how I feel about that.  I am not looking forward to May 17th.  For those of you who know us, we are not the celebration kind of couple.  So it came and went without fanfare.  We just went along the day doing our thing, or the Lord's thing.  

Kapua and Al

Cancer survivors.  We were the third "eldest class"  1953 had 5 members, 1955 had one, and we had 16 at best to start, anyway.  What fun.

Relay For Life

My Class of '56 participated in this Alumni RFL for Cancer.  We met on Kapalama campus of Kamehameha School at 6pm to start the walk, and then Kapua and I left, while the rest of our team continued the walk through the night until 6am this morning.  It was  impressive, about 1,000 people met for this event.  Our own class raised almost $4,000 before we left at 8:00pm,  I was privileged to be a part of this event.  Kapua is a survivor, and so is Al Pauole, I will post a picture of those two.  I should have done that here.  

the BOM

Our seminary teachers are da best, and the students are awesome. We love this work.
Felicia, the storm has dumped rains, but it is manageable. Some flooding in some areas. The hurricane season is not over.

Hurricane Felicia

I show my cover photo as a calm sea. But raging east of the Islands is a hurricane that was a stage 2 just 2 days ago, but is dissipating to a Tropical Depression at this point.  Nevertheless, we will have some kind of effect as it swings by in 20-30 hours from now.  We noticed this morning that the park across the street here, Kakela or Kokololio as it is now named, is empty.  I suppose the people decided to stay home, just in case the hurricane hit sooner.  Smart move.  The stores were selling out as people were preparing for the worst.  Jace, our son filled all the car tanks with gas, and the extra gas tanks too.  Even if the cars don't go anywhere, he would have gas for the generator.  We felt the effects of no power for 15 hours last January.  Jace saved the day with his generator.  Our fridges and all other appliances functioned like normal.  We cooked for neighbors too.  The generator noise is annoying, but we had to count our blessings.  

Voting of Redundant Strays

I learned about this at the workshop two weeks ago.  When talking about the Liahona, and the two spindles,  I found out about how it worked when used with righteous effort.   I still have lots more to learn. 

 It's been great with the new Seminary year, to see these teachers doing such a great job, with their creativity, and their love for the gospel and for the students.  Their enthusiasm is fabulous.  The students are bright eyed, and bushy tailed so early in the morning after a fun Summer break.  I love this work.

Home......

....it's all relative. I think this is home, but Jay is homesick for Utah. I talked with a missionary couple due to return home to Provo in December. She tells me they have mixed emotions about leaving. They love the people here, and yet, they are looking forward to going home to Utah. They have family there. We have family in both places. Here and in Utah. So that makes us longing for two places in our hearts. No, make that three. Massachusetts holds another place in our hearts, at least 8 places.

Seminary began again today

"Oh what joys of the heart....."  Happiness is the Plan of Salvation.  It was indeed a delight this morning to greet our teachers.  I was at the Hau'ula Makai Chapel, while Elder McQuivey went to the Laie Chapel.  I was supported by our Stake president's counselor over the Seminary.  We saw prepared, beautiful, handsome teachers.  They were ready and they were excited.  Elder McQuivey went to the Laie Stake Center where 6 other teachers were prepared and excited to teach.  We hope this enthusiasm continues through the next 9 months, before we have to leave our mission.  

I saw many different presentations of the Plan of Salvation, Plan of Redemption, Plan of God, and yet, they were the same.  Each of us have our own visual image of it all, when trying to explain it to others, but it is the same.  

Oh I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I love my Savior, my redeemer, my God.

Ua tele na ou maua, 'ou fo ai ai

I love attending the Samoan Ward.  I sing my heart out and I listen carefully for the words I do understand, especially the Sacrament prayers.  We both enjoy the spirit that is there in rich abundance.  It is truly the Lord's church, and we are part of His army of missionaries, and we love every part of it.  

The Tongan ward is also spiritually rich, and the people we've come to know, we love dearly.  We visit the singles wards in the two community stakes in Laie.  Such special, sharp young people. We get to have them share their lives with us in Institute each week.  

We are so richly blessed.  We have much to share with the world.  

We have a loving supporting family back home in Utah too.  They take care of mom, and they live good righteous lives, affirming the goodness of the gospel.

Me Kealoha Pumehana, O Mililani, a me Ke McQuivey

Envision Laie

Elder McQuivey went to the town meeting on Thursday while I taught our Institute class.  This was a very important meeting.  The church has invested a huge amount of money to present this to the community for their support so it can go to the City and County in Honolulu to get the land rezoned for building 1200 homes, a strip mall, an elementary school, a light industrial park, parks and virtually set up a planned community that is much needed on this side of the Island.  I don't now how to turn this picture around on this site.  Sorry!  This was passed by the board, but not after 4 hours of namecalling by the usual dissidents.  We are involved. 

LDS Employment Resource Center

Hard at work?  Hardly.  This is our office for the Seminary which is right next to the ERC and the light is coming in through the window there, so we have a glare behind Elder McQuivey's head.

We have now spent 12 hours at the office and no one has come in to see us yet.  I think that is a good thing, until we are adequately supplied.  

We are really being used now.  And we love it all.  The PCC, the Seminary starts on Aug. 4, and thus ERC.  We are so multifaceted.  So talented, with the Lord's help, we can do all things, who strengthens us.

Did you know?

That Ishmael took about 300 with him?  Household, servants, etc.  He too was wealthy, and he had the daughters for Lehi and Sariah's sons, and sons for their daughters.  Wow, fun but not 100% fact.  But a lot of people went with them, so the ship that Nephi was commanded to build was huge, but not as large as Noah's Ark.

And the bow that broke was steel, so it had to have taken about over 100,00 times to pull it taut and all the rust, etc., for it to break?  And why didn't Nephi use the steel arrows with the new bow he made?  Fun things to ponder, but not important enough for your testimony.  Yeah! it was a fun workshop, and a fun Open House too.  Taran says she wants to take Seminary next year.  Kea's teacher got Taran excited about the Book of Mormon year in Seminary.

We started our LDS Employment Assignment today, we will be the resource for the Laie Employment Office, besides the other assignments we love to do.  

Taran is from the tribe of Dan.  Anyone else out there from Dan?  We had a wonderful talk in the singles ward from the Stake Patriarch.  He told us that Pres. Hinckley got his PB when he was 11.  Back then in 1921, the Blessings were given to families when the Patriarch came to town.  Pres. Hinckley's blessing told him he would preach to the world, which he thought he had done when he served a mission to England, and on the way home, he preached in France, New York, and all along the way to Utah.  He thought that was it.  Little did he know that he would be the Prophet, and literally preach to all the world.  I love that!

"The most correct book......."

It is going to be such a fabulous Seminary year with the Book of Mormon as our study.  Our Summer workshop went so well today, with Elder McQuivey conducting and the CES/S&I team presenting.  Everyone was well fed, spiritually and ono-liciously!  I like that word.  The food caterer had Kalua pig, Long Rice, lomi salmon, and rice, and the dessert was so ono, it was a kind of Trifle, with haupia for the pudding part.  Wow, broke da mouth!

But we can't relax, the Open House for our teachers in the Laie Stake is tomorrow, one at 6 and the other 6:30PM.  We are excited to begin the new year, in the Seminaries and with our Institute.  The young adults too are adding to the excitement.  And we start Seminary on the 4th of August.  

A funny.....

....this happened a few days ago, but I still find it amusing, so I want to share it here.  One day we went across the street to watch the waves and just relax for a few minutes.  While sitting on a log there, I saw some empty beer cans.  I was dismayed at the litter on this beautiful beach.  So when we got up to leave, I picked up the cans to toss in the trash can, when a guy in a car opened his door to hand us two more coke cans.  I am so naive.  I thought he was handing us his cans on my way to the trash can, and I was doing a good deed.  Jay said, "he thinks we are collecting cans, that we are homeless."  I was mortified.  But I took the two cans, and brought them home along with the beer cans to add to the recycling bin.  

more 2

More Manoa

Hiking Manoa Falls

This was a short but very hard hike because of this beautiful jungle forest, and the muddy trail.  I am going to be so sore tomorrow.   This was a well spent day with the family, after the hike we went to the Ala Moana Beach before returning to Laie, and the opening of the new theatre showing Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.  What a day, wish we could post all of the photos of this fabulous day. Malama pono to you all

Trees in Hawaii

The trees here are so beautiful.  This is a locust variety that comes in many colors. Blooms in June and July.  The varieties of palm trees too causes us to marvel, and wonder in awe.

Wet N Wild

Spent the day there yesterday.  I am really showing my Hawaiian blood.  Dark as Kamaile right now.  Fun with the whole family.  The other missionaries are missing their g'children, while we get to see some of our mo'opuna daily.  We miss our Boston mo'os.  I keep thinking of how they would enjoy being here.  I sure do love my companion.  He is da best!

Institute in Laie

We had a great time last night with our class.  Most of the young people were from the 10th Ward.  The lesson Elder M taught was from Pres. Uchtdorf's talk from GenConf. last April.  I made up a game much like the Sorry game, only using all of the words and phrases from the talk.  We had a great time.  Pizza was served, with bottles of water too.  About 20 students.  I need to take pictures of our students.  They are so sharp, and we have to keep up with them.  

Susan Easton Black

We went to the BYUH 1st and 3rd Stake Fireside Sunday night and she spoke on Patriarchal Blessings.  Hers is the class I took in 1979 about that subject, and she pretty well said the same things, with a little more embellishment.  She can really talk, she calls herself motormouth.  Last night at the Missionaries FHE, she talked about Ezra Taft Benson, and it was just as pleasing.  She spoke at the BYUH devotional today, but we were studying, so we didn't go to that.  I am a big fan of hers.

Testimonies

Lots of testimonies today thanking god for our freedoms, and acknowledging our military personnel, and some families who are engaged in this good cause.  

Annother beach image

It was crowded but we stayed nine hours, Jay and Jace stayed 13 hours, sunrise to sunset.  The North Shore is flat to 1 ft. of wave this time of year.  Waikiki has the big waves, duh 8-10ft. 

This is a Mission??

We celebrated on the 3rd so we could cover for the other missionaries today. Hau'oli Iuli eha!

Mangoes, Papayas, Bananas,ulu, etc

Wow, it's yummy.  I need to watch out I don't eat too much of this yummy fruit.  It's a feast right now, when it comes to fresh fruit for free.  I'm in fruit heaven.  And to add to all that, I get fresh poi.  It can't get any better than that.

We earned our blessings...........

........tonight!   There were 660 people eating at the Gateway Restaurant.  Wow, it was buuuuusy!

Melchizedik PH

Jace had to speak on this subject at PH meeting last evening(6/28/09).  Jay reported to me what he talked about, and since it was a PH meeting, I didn't attend.  I wish I had been there.  Taran did go and sneak in, to hear her husband talk about what a good M PH holder needs to do to be a good husband and father.  

Jace recalled a  story, from his trip to East Germany in 1988, when this country was still under communist rule.  How a father handled his role as PH leader of his home.  Jace also shared a story of the time we as a family went on vacation in about 1980, when his brother Jarrod and friend John Hansen were left behind.  We drove two hours before we realized neither the Hansens or we McQuiveys, had the boys in our vehicles.  So Jay drove back to find the boys.  Showing how a father would do whatever it takes to get his entire family to the Celestial Kingdom.  

Good stuff, parents love this.  Malama pono

Praise to the Man

Today, June 27, 1844 is the anniversary of the matyrdom of Joseph and Hiram Smith.  I had to give the thought at Devotional today, and all I could think about, was this.  I also chose the hymn Praise to the Man, and do you know that the hymn number in the book is #27.  It was  all I could think about since I pulled up my email this morning from the Joseph Smith Papers. It is inspirational as I ponder on what we have today because of Joseph and Hiram's contribution.  The Book of Mormon, the Church....because our loving Father in Heaven provided all of this through his son Jesus Christ.  We are so blessed.

P-day

Here's a day at the beach with Taylor, Kea, Taran, me and Jarrod.  Kamaile and Noah are in the ocean snorkeling at Three Tables beach.  Jay is taking the picture.  It's really a good thing for us we had the umbrella, even the sand was hard to walk on. Tonight we have some ouchies, from sunburns.  

Kirkhams

We met these missionaries tonight.  The Mel Kirkhams from Lehi.  They are most delightful.  They know many of the same people we know.  So nice.  They are serving at the Visitors Center at the temple.  They volunteer like us at the PCC.  

Some other LDS?

After some inquiries by a visitor at the PCC chapel, I googled the LDS church, namely reorganized in Hawaii.  I found that the RLDS was now called Community of Christ, since 2001, and they claim our temple in Laie as their temple.  And I also found that there is another faction called the Hedrickites which affiliate with our church(not in Hawaii).  No wonder people are confused.  I'm glad we know who we are, and we can move on with the work of the Lord.  That we have THE Prophet, Thomas S. Monsen at the head of this the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints.  I love it when people ask questions that prompt me to look further for information.  Google is wonderful!  I know the history of the church in Hawaii, and about my own genealogy for a few generations.  I even know about the church on Lanai.  My ancestors were there.  

I did look up the percentages of religions in Hawaii.  51% are Buddhists, 39% Catholic, and the rest are way below the 2%, according to google.  One visitor wanted to know, "Religion % of indigenous Hawaiians"  He thought it was highest as LDS.  Without looking, I knew it was not LDS, but Congregationalist, as was the monarchy from 1820 on.  

Aloha PCC night show

What a beautiful show, fun, energetic kids, who just enjoy their performances.  This show is going to end by the end of July of this year, and another show is being rehearsed right now.

PCC

We subbed for a couple yesterday while we usually avoid another assignment before our Institute in the evening.   Jay enjoys meeting people from all over the world, while I would rather laze about until Insti.   Well, it rained on us, so much so, that we had to go home and change clothes.  I made up a Book of Mormon Jeopardy game that was fun.  The girls won.  The guys were winning until the final jeopardy question....True or False, "Did Moroni see Jesus face to face?"  I thought it was going to be so easy, I was apologizing for not making it harder.  The girls wagered all their points, and won! (read page 511)

Had to record this one

A guy asked this question yesterday while we were "manning the chapel" at the PCC.  "If this is a chapel, why do you not have a cross?"  

Other questions we usually get, "can you marry us?"

We still enjoy our service at the PCC, we meet lots of people from all over the world.  We go there on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  But that will all end when we start up with Seminary again.  We hope to maybe do one day a week. Aloha from the Missionaries

Rel 121 and 122

Remember that course all you BYU fans?  We will be teaching this course at Institute this year.  In the meantime, we are getting our Laie Stake Staff teachers ready for their new year with lots of material on the Book of Mormon.  With all the years we have studied the Book of Mormon, it will be great to once again teach from this manual, this material.  I love the Book of Mormon.  I found out last Fall that my Hawaiian heritage comes down to me from Alma the Younger, through Corianton.  My friend said, "Isn't that the naughty son?"  Well these are my people, my ancestors.   I know who I am, and where I came from.  I am a daughter of Heavenly Parents.  Mililani ke akua.

Graduation Laie Elementary

It's a nice achievement for Jarrod, who got a Presidential Award, and he got Scholars awards too.  Maika'i loa Jarrod.  It's a celebration for all.  

We are still enjoying the PCC, yesterday Elder M got an inquiry from a young woman from Puerto Rico, "what is the difference between the Mormon church and other churches?"  What a golden question.  I listened to his answer while listening to another man from California, who was LDS.  We get many LDS who really ask lots of questions and they want the whole spiel.  Good Stuff.

Memories

The nice thing for us has been serving here near our g'children of Jace and Taran.  Other missionaries tell us how homesick they are for their grandchildren back in Utah or California.  We have never had any g'children live near us, before.  So this is a double blessing for us to be near four of them.  Kea just completed her last day of St. Andrews Priory, 8th grade.  She started here in the 5th grade.  She has maintained a 4.0 average.  She now wants to attend the local high school, Kahuku.  She will be able to attend early morning Seminary, where we supervise, and that makes us extremely happy that she has chosen to do this.  We will begin her Seminary experience with the Book of Mormon.   Other g'children news, is being able to attend  Jarrod's 6th grade graduation this Friday.  While we miss our Boston g'children, we delight in the strength of their family efforts to read their scriptures, to keep the commandments, and to Love God. 

FHE w/other missionaries

We meet every Monday night at the campus chapel area.  Wonderful way to see some of the missionaries.  Many wonderful events are planned.  Last night we had the Hawaiian Village director Keith Awai tell us all about the gospel and the Hawaiian way.  I could relate to all of what he told us.  Took me way back to my days with my grandparents.  

Baptism

Noah Jace Kaiao McQuivey was baptized May 30, 2009 at the Laie Stake Center.  He was one of 5 boys baptized this day.  He was baptized by his father, who later confirmed him.  

Queen Emma chapel at St. Andrews Priory

We are in training

We need to learn how to greet people, and to tell them all about the PCC and the assignment we have is to "man" the chapel.  It's fun to meet people from all over the world.  It's been raining a lot this week, so the people come into the chapel to get out of the rain.  But they are greeted by this handsome couple.  We are meeting many of the other missionary couples, lots of fun.  Aloha, Bula Vinaka, Malo e lelei, Talofa, IaOrana, Kia Ora and all that good greetings.  

Serving at the PCC

How about those missionaries.  We are taking a break from Seminary and so we volunteered to serve at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  It was fun.  We talked to a lot of people, from all over the world.  

Memorial Day in Hawaii

This is the first time I've been here for this occasion.  I am at the gravesites of mother, Dad Grace, and Dad Luahiwa is here, also my brother Emerson, and nephew Eldred Chong.  A walk just a few graves away is my aunty's Rose and Mary right next to each other.  See the Ko'olau range just behind me there, it's shaded but this mountain range is most spectacular, it run all along most of the middle of the Island of Oahu.

This is the first time we will not be near our son Jarrod's gravesite, but we know he is remembered every year by family and friends.  So a solemn Memorial Day weekend this year.  We will be working at the PCC on this holiday.

Bad news, Good news

The bad news is that Seminary is over for now, until August 3, 2009.  Good News is that we still have Institute, and those who have graduated will always be able to find an Institute where ever they go.

We slept in this morning, Elder M woke up at 5:45am while I slept in until 6:07.  We're setting up to cover the Employment Resource Center, and even volunteer at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  They can always use some help, even tho' the tourists have slowed coming over to Hawaii.  

We love being here, love being missionaries, and we love each other very much.  We have grown so much, through all the adversity, and challenging moments.  By studying the scriptures diligently together, we have been able to keep the adversary away from our door.  

This is the Lord's work.  

Malama pono

Pau 2009 Seminary NT

This was our last day for the New Testament 2009 year.  I loved it.  We were only here for half of the year, but we have bonded with the teachers, and students too.  The best feeling in the world.  I love serving with the youth of the church.  These are our leaders, our Royal Army.  

Oahu Burial Council

This is the end of Jace's chair kuleana on the Oahu Burial Council.  on May 13, 2009 was Jace's last meeting.  He served two years.  The members are singing a "Mahalo kealoha" oli to Jace, and placed a maile lei and another with the "ha"....forehead to forehead, then breath each other's breath for confirmation of good feelings toward each other.  Hawaiian is spoken most of the time.  Pono!

Scripture Mastery

We had fun this morning with our scriptures from the New Testament.  But I threw in a few from other "sticks".... OT, D&C, and BofM.  They totally GOT IT!

Zone Conference

"We are grateful to be in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission - The Aloha Mission.  The Atonement of Jesus Christ is our message, love of God and others is our motivation, and obedience to the commandments and mission rules is our strength.  By sharing the gospel with others, we can give them the "ha" - the breath of life, even eternal life.  Aloha  "  This is our mission folks, we are truly blessed to have such great leaders.  Our mission president Steven N. Peterson, and his wife Cathy, spoke to us tonight about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, on our Zone Conference which we spent for Family Home Evening together.  We were welcomed royally by the other missionary couples there.  There are 175 young missionaries, and 85 Senior couples.  Thus far, for 2009, there have been 237 baptisms.  The kingdom is growing, and we are blessed to be a part of it.

Mothers

Our Heavenly Mother gave us our first honor, then our earthly mothers gave us mortality.  We are truly blessed, to have the power of procreating, bringing all of our brothers and sisters to this second estate.  May you all come to know the richness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness, and to live it to your very best!  The Lord's Plan of Salvation is truly a Plan of Happiness.  I am happy to be here in Hawaii, serving in the CES program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with my very handsome companion.  

Pond

Happy Mother's Day Taran!

VOG

It's been a few days of this.  See how it affects the entire Island Chain, all the way from the Big Island.  It was supposed to subside today, but it seems worst.  

Golf

Yesterday was an especially eventful day for Elder McQuivey.  He shot a Par on the Kahuku wonderful Municipal Golf Course.  He was pretty tickled with that effort.  Yes, we do have time to do the fun things that keep us fit and fabulous.  

All is going well with the Seminary preparations for graduation. We have worked hard with the teachers, Bishops, and Stake personnel to get 51 qualified to graduate.  I will be conducting a Scripture Chase next week with the rest of the students, while Elder McQuivey will be rehearsing with the Seniors.  Romans 1:16

Missionary 15

The missionary hazard of serving in Hawaii.  Yesterday, Elder McQuivey split his pants, Puka Pants!  Yes, that is the first time in his life, ever!  Jace tells us that is the hazard of serving in Hawaii.  I've gained that and then some, I sorry to say.  I can't seem to stop it.  The food is oh so good and plenty of it.  I wish I had a picture here to show you, but I don't think we have one to show you all.  

We're loving this mission.  Graduation is coming up soon, and that is the culmination of what started out 4 years ago for some of these young people, and for us, the last 6 months.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

This is all of Laie to witness the children presenting a fabulous production at the PCC venue.  What an amazing show.  

Envision Laie

We attended the town meetings for the growth of the whole Ko'olauloa area, which runs from the North shore, south to Kualoa Ranch area.  It was a whole evening of events around planning.  When I tried to express my opinion, I was "attacked" by one of the men at our table, "you don't have an interest here, you will finish your mission and go home."  I counter-attacked, and I should have kept quiet.  Actually, I answered that I was indeed interested.  But I kept quiet for the rest of the evening.  He also suggested a light rail system to run behind along the mountains, of the temple, university, etc.,  A dumb suggestion.  My "worldly" interests.  

This is the hub of the Church, so it is a place of interest.  Jay reminded me that it won't happen.  And another woman, as we were leaving the Cannon Center said, "I come to these every 20 years, and it doesn't go anywhere".  I smile as I think of such growth and development.  

Traditions

This reminds me of Paul's mission, where he had to deal with the Jews, who followed him everywhere to demand that the Greeks converting to the church, needed to be circumcised.  But here, we have lifelong traditions from the times past.  I have always been conscientious about following the Prophets.  This area has had to deal with baptizing in the fonts at the meeting houses.  And the letter was read to all one day recently that all baptisms will be in the buildings, from April 1st on.  Yesterday was a Stake baptism day, and only 2 out of the 9 were baptized for various reasons.  We heard that one family had gone over to Kaneohe to a Bishop there to have their child baptized by him, in the ocean.  When our Stake President was contacted, the word NO was given to that bishop, and he complied.  Interesting.  

We have a g'child who will be baptized in May, and he is fine with it, no option.  But Noah had really wanted to be baptized in the Stake Center Font anyway, like his friend.  We have attended many baptisms where it has rained, and the waves huge, and stormy, and cold, and you could barely hear the talks on the Holy Ghost and on Baptism.  So this is nice.  I was baptized in the ocean, in Nanakuli,  this is fine to follow the prophets. 

Flowers

This is the 10 foot Ficus at the top of our stairs, to the left of it is our entrance way.  We have a cluster of orchids here, a cluster of white orchids in the house.  It's fun to have fresh flowers and I don't have to buy them.  They're right here in the yard.  My cousin Sonny belongs to the Orchid Society of Hawaii, and when he was in the hospital, we took some of his orchids to save them.  We have been rewarded.  This view is a rare sunny day in Laie, Hawaii.  We have been deluged with rain for months now.  Me Kealoha Pumehana

cards

Some cute cards we received.  Notice the dogs.  

Yeayy, I'm 70

And I love it.  I am so blessed.  I spent the usual morning Seminaring, then study, then drive into Honolulu to teach our Institute class.....  We did a review once again of General Conference.  When we asked our class "What are the 6 D's of Distruction?'  "Dinner" was a response.  Can you think of anything so funny as that?  Eat, Eat, Eat, that is the culture here.  I spent the afternoon with my two sisters and my cousin Sonny who had a heart attach 5 months ago.  We all grew up together, and we consider him our "brother"......  that is the Hawaiian way.  I was warmly greeted here at home with dessert by Jace/Taran and family.  I am so spoiled.  Rotten!!!  But I love it.  I love life, I love my husband Jay, and I love my Savior more.

Elder 68

Yes, he did the Seminary thing, then we went over to golf.  Then he studied while I went into town to celebrate with Sherrill, pedicures, Chinatown, lunch, errands.... Jace took his dad to golf another 18 at Turtle Bay, then the whole family went to the Laie Chop Suey House.  Then we went to teach at our Institute class, and he got a group of 12 women and girls to sing Happy Birthday to him.  I've never seen him turn beet red before.  He's not used to all this adulation.  But he deserves every bit of it.  He is da bomb.  

Started celebrating the big 70

I drove into Honolulu to join my High School Classmates for lunch today.  I am the baby of the   class.  They are all looking at their 71st and even 72nd for some.  I had a Chinese Chicken Salad.  It was so big, I halved it with another classmate.  Their are more LDS now than when we were in school.  A few converts, and dear friends, who have become dearer as we share another bond now.  Tomorrow, it's Elder McQuivey's birthday.  He will be 68.  After we go do our Seminary thing, I plan to take him to breakfast at the Hukilau.  It is fabulous.  Real ono, and oh so busy there.  Then the rest of the day will be spent with Sherrill, my daughter-in-law's mother.  It's her birthday too, she will be 69.  Then we have to return home, so I can go off to teach our Institute class in the evening.  And Friday is my big wahoo.  Oh to still be healthy, happy and sexy.  Can I say that?  I just did.  I am all those things and more....spiritually, I am da bestest of all, and still growing dat way.  I love having the Holy Ghost as my constant companion.  I have learned so much from Him.  Even learned to repent big time...for real!!  Enuf already!!  

Plants in Hawaii

Today was a fun P Day.  We drove to Kailua to a plant nursery with Taran and Sherrill to find some plants for the yard.  Acres and Acres of plants.  The kind of plants I only have in little pots in Utah.  Acres of them.  I remember these plants from my childhood.  In Hilo, Waimea, Nanakuli and all over the Islands.  I wish we had taken some pictures.  Forgot the camera.   Go online and look up plants in Hawaii, and birds in Hawaii too.  This is what I see everyday, everywhere.  It is like being in a candy store.  For me, it's like being in a Seed Store.  Li Hing Mui, Rock Salt Plum, and Mochi Crunch to eat with my popcorn.  

Scripture Mastery

I got drafted on a team this morning to play SM.  I thought, "easy"  Boy was I the drag on our team.  I knew where everything was found in the New Testament,  but I just wasn't as quick as the kids.  I was still getting all the rules of the game, when half way through class, the athletes were "full"...the reward was on the food table.  Doughnuts, fruit and peeps.  I knew all the answers, but I just wasn't quick enough.  The only game we won, was when we super challenged, and we as a team had to quote the scripture exactly.  Wow, that was my only chance, no hurry, just accurate.

Luke 13:34

I watched a hen this morning find a dryer spot of ground under a huge tree, when she sat down and her little ones crawled under while she protected them from the heavy rains.  I instantly thought, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem......... ;  how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!"  She eventually tucked her head under one wing, to hover from the strong wind and rain.  I took two pictures that I watched from our apartment window at about 8am until the rain subsided at 8:40.  I wish I could post the pictures here but you wouldn't get to see much except for the dark spot at the base of the tree, across the street.  I felt such warmth for my daughters-in-law, who gather their children "under their wings" and protect them, with the help of their husbands, our sons,  the Lord's sons and daughters.  We are only privileged to have raised these fine sons.  The little chicks finally came out from under her and followed her off the little hill where the tree stands.

Gen.Conference

Are you all enjoying the wonderful sessions?  Our new Apostle is Megan's former mission President from 1989, in Bordeaux, France.  

Elder Pearson, who spoke too from the 70's is one of our Institute gal's former mission president.  She is from New Zealand, and she served in So. CA.  

Isn't it just fabulous to hear from these our leaders, and to know that we are in good hands with the Lord's church led by such great people.  

We woke early here in Hawaii, just before 6am and fixed hot chocolate, and curled up to watch the first session in our apartment, knowing that our loved ones were watching from everywhere in the world.  Jace's family slept in their TV room last night, so they could watch first thing this morning, then we were invited downstairs to have breakfast with them.  Fried Rice, and waffles, and all the trimmings.

Oh how we love the privilege we have to serve, to be a part of this great work.  We truly love the Lord, and we are blessed bey0nd measure..  

Me kealoha pumehana,  the Hawaiian missionaries.

more waves

Spring Break

Jay has been recruited by the g'kids and their friends and dog, to go hiking up the hill behind the house here.  I did it in December, I am NOT doing it again.  It is steep and muddy, and overgrown with foliage.  The beaches are choppy and lots of box jellyfish.  So to the mountain he will go.  

Philippians 4:13

When we had to choose a favorite scripture, hundreds of passages came to mind.  But we chose together to have our plaque use our photo and show this scripture.  

We changed the I and me to We and us.  And the which has always been a burr in our sides.  Thus, the "who".....because which is inanimate.  And we all know that Christ is not inanimate but a real person, and so is our Father in Heaven.  Yes, two distinct beings, bodies of flesh and bones.  Not it, or which but He, and who.  So the scripture reads, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  More accurately, We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. 

Hau'ula 5th Ward

The Samoan ward......was the Stake Choir.  WOW.  60 women and 48 men.  All the men wore black coats with their white shirts and ties and lavalavas, and all the women wore white pulutasis(? spelling)

Anyway, remember the voices I talked about last night, well, these voices were oh so heavenly.  I thrilled to their testimonies in song.  What a blessing it was to be in attendance and to have this choir invite the spirit to be there in rich abundance at our Stake Conference.

Beautiful harmonious voices here

I stopped singing in the congregation tonight at our Stake Conference and said to Jay, "listen to those voices"  .....absolutely heavenly singing voices. The Stake President said tonight, "the temple renovation is for the inside as well as outside, traditions and diversions take over, so temples all over the world are renovated from time to time to cleanse internally as well as outwardly.  Let us do the same, cleanse our lives inside and out."    

This truly is Life Eternal, and I have come to know my father in heaven more intimately.  

Hawaii/Utah

I have lived in Utah too long.  Some 47 years almost.  I had forgotten some things about living here in Hawaii.  Bread doesn't go so hard after just a few minutes out in the exposed air.  And things that I liked, Li Hing Mui seeds and all that good stuff, doesn't go rock hard here.  Cookies stay chewy and not crisp hard.  

But on the other hand, we have to put the opened cereal box in the fridge, and other such items, as cookies, crackers.  Even things like sugar, salt, etc., stick together, so we have to put some rice grains in the salt shaker.  We have to make sure not to leave unwashed dishes in the sink.  It attracts the little critters that I didn't have to worry about in Utah.  Things get moldy here from the humidity.  

And showering....... everyday, no missing that.  Summer months will mean increased showers, and one cannot wear an item of clothing more than once....BO

Focusing on the positives, it is wonderful to be studying the gospel for 3-4 hours a day.  Other than that, we only have to attend early morning Seminary every day, and teach Institute here in Laie, and in Honolulu.  This is the best.  We feel the Holy Ghost in our lives every waking hour.  We are blessed.