Oh, This is the Start of Something Good,

Don't you agree?

Yesterday, Wednesday, I spent the day with Tom again :) We went to the market to get more avocados and tomatoes. I had to make more guac because what I made Tuesday would go bad by Friday for the protocol. Look at this baby. It's HUGE!!!!

Ok, so no more posting of avocados, I promise.

Registration was today :) I am in room 233 with 7 other girls. The building I am in is still being built. Kinda. We will be sharing 1 shower, 2 toilets, and 2 sinks. (8 girls. this is going to be fun). I met most of my staff, 2 of which are from Texas, so yay! I got my ID card, so I'm official! I have unpacked everything and made my corner very neat and tidy. I will post a picture, don't worry. I had lunch with a friend here, Dan, and that was good to see him. He's leaving tomorrow (Friday) for 2 and a half months to speak at different DTSs around the world. He's going to speak at my school in December so it'll be good to gain some knowledge from him.

I have met 3 of the girls in my room. I'm very excited about living with new people. (Mom, yes, I just said that). Living with someone definitely tests both of you and you get to know them very well fast, so I think it'll be fun. I'm trying to stay positive about all the tests I'm about to encounter these next 6 months. I know I have a lot to work on, so I'm ready for it!! Today, I have already been reminded that I have to fully rely on God for everything. EVERYTHING. I am worried about donations, loneliness, and "fitting in." I have to rely on God and smile with every new challenge I face :) so smiles all round!! (smile right now, it'll make you feel better).

Currently, I'm at Tom and Becky's eating dinner with the family. I just couldn't get away ;) Tomorrow we have Protocol at 7:45 and then orientations all day. It'll be a good day of getting acclimated to my new home.

Love you ALL and miss you like CRAZY!


And here's tonight's sunset. Why hasn't anyone moved here yet? These alone make me want to stay. Thank you, God, for the beautiful pictures you paint for us every night (and morning, but I'm not awake to see those cause I'm normal).

Everything's bigger in.....

(My first sunset in Hawaii. This is the view from Tom and Becky's house.)

Aloha! I'm already converting to Hawaiian language, so start studying because soon my posts will be written in the Hawaiian language :)

My flights went smoothly. I slept the majority of them because of my lack of the sleep the previous 2 nights. My huge bags made it on the plane (my checked bag was only 7 pounds over the limit!) I got asked several times if they (the passenger asking) could borrow my pillow for the flight. Um, thanks for asking, but no. You can't use MY pillow. Weird. Becky picked me up from the airport and we started the afternoon by taking the boys to soccer practice. Then came home to do homework and dinner. I fell asleep next to Kaelele on the couch at 7:30. Talk about lame. I was in bed by 8 pm.

Tuesday was a great first day :) spent the whole day with Tom basically. We went to Target first, he sat in the Starbucks there and did homework while I shopped. Then we went to the farmers market where I got ingredients to make guacamole. It is customary to bring gifts from your culture to Hawaii for those hosting you. I am making guacamole for the protocol that we have on Friday to start school. I made a batch with these avocados. Have you ever seen one this big?

(Tom added the eyes to the avocado and the apple)

Well, now you have. After guacamole, Tom and I went to lunch at Jackie Rey's where his brother is the head chef. We got a special appetizer that was AMAZING. Then I had a very delicious salad and tom had pizza (specially made, not on the menu). I was full, but Tom ordered dessert, so I had to eat it. Who turns down fudge brownie with ice cream? You're right, only a weird person does. And I'd like to think I'm not that weird. Becky picked me up from the house and I went with Mikala, Kupa'a, and Becky to the Island Breeze office for a bit. Mikala and I then went to the luau that Island Breeze does at different hotels around Kona. Tom dances and does a fire knife dance as well to end the show. I haven't seen a luau in 6 years, but I remembered a good portion of it and even remembered doing one of the dances 6 years ago while I was here doing Mission Adventured for the summer. We got home around 8:45, just in time to watch Parenthood. I stayed up until 10:30!!!! Aahhhh such a long day. But a great first day back in Hawaii :)

Have you ever been in a place and it just feels right? That's how I feel when I'm here. Don't worry, I'll come back to visit you all ;)

Almost there

I'm sitting in the Seattle airport waiting to board my plane to Kona!!!

My emotions are building, I'm getting nervous, I'm getting excited, I'm all over the spectrum of emotions. This is a new adventure and I'm ready for it!

Sorry this was short, we're boarding now! aaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Testing Testing... 1 2 3

Good afternoon!

This is my first post and I'm very excited about all my future postings :)

Currently, I'm in Clemson preparing for my stay in Hawaii. I have everything packed back in Texas, so when I go home for 24 hours I'll be able to do some last minute tasks and hang out with my family.

The next post will be more about the school I'll be attending in Hawaii, just so you guys don't think I'll be laying on the beach all day ;) (for those of you who know me, you know I can't possibly do that because I don't like sand).

I'll be in Kona, which is on the west side of the island. Below is a road map, incase you want to come visit, and another picture of Kona, again to encourage a visit.

                                           (funny to think I haven't been to Kona in 6 years, but I
                                                   recognize this sidewalk and view of Kona)

I'm very ready to be there!!