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