Week Two

I have learned over the years i may not know everything (i know hard to believe). In almost the year process in selling everything and moving here to this beautiful Island I thought i had a pretty good idea of what to expect here. I mean, i've seen movies and pictures, heard the stories, A quick google search will tell you "white sandy beaches, surfing, hula skirts, tiki torches, or Pearl Harbor." Boy was i so far from the mark. .......

.... People see beauty in may ways, I try to find beauty in all things (although at times this can be difficult). I didnt expect the amount of non-beauty mixed amongst the beauty, i mean its Hawaii "destination paradise" right. The Homeslessness can be heart breaking at times, the run down building of dreams once had, cars piled up in disrepair, Trash EVERYWHERE! What a reminder of how prespective plays such a role in our lives. We see what we want to see, and at times it allows us to disconnect from a reality we yet want to embrace. I mean dont get me wrong if i had to pick a place to be homeless, THIS WOULD BE IT, But in reality this shouldn't be. .... Ok sorry but i had to get that out. .... Wrapping up week 2 of lecture phase my mind feels fuzzy. Each week they will bring in a speaker to teach on differnt topics, college right? But see that's only a small portion of this process. With the teaching comes practial application of what we were taught. At UofN there is a large focus on Family. So we have Family teaching (time) that comes with it. Times where we get to dance and play and learn little skits that we will be applying on outreach. On top of that we have meal times, prayer, meditation, intercession, worship, outreach meetings, ministy nights, family gatherings and we cant forget work duties. See unlike most universities everyone on campus is a Volunteer, or a PAYING staff member, that's correct they pay to be on staff here. ....

... My work duty is made up of 11 students from 3 different school and 1 staff leader. Lana gets to play receptionist at the front desk (lucky). 4 of us make up a team that repairs/remodels/rebuilds small projects around campus. Although we take our time here serious we do have fun along the way. This University is made up of 30 somthing different nations and numerous states in both staff and student. The crew i am with is a mix of Finland, Sweden, Canada & Ohio (Which is pretty much the same) lol just kidding. But seriouly we spent the first 2 days teaching how to use a tape measure, it was hard to take that day serious and boy did we laugh. ___________________________________________________________ Outreach locations were revealed this week but i wont get into that at the moment. ___________________________________________________________________________________ We are finally starting to get a pattern going with our schdule and weekends are pretty free yet come saturday we cant help but feel exhausted. Luckly there is quite a bit to do nearby and not much travel is needed. We were able to sneak away for a bit to take a tour at a local coffee farm, not sure if you knew this but Kona Coffee is kind of a big deal here.

_________________________________________________________ I will end with this ! Being in a place like this with the teachings and people we have been encountering it is helping to find clarity. Being reminded to Slow Down, Press In.__________ To ask ourselves "What's holding us back."______ To shut up and Listen.______ That at times we must Unlearn and Relearn._____ That it is the testing of your Faith that Produces. __________________________________________________ PEACE & LOVE _________________________