Our New Ward

We attended our new ward here in Honokaa on Sunday. They already had our records transferred, so they read our names in during Sacrament Meeting. It's funny though, because so many people already knew our names the minute we walked into the church. Come to find out, people have been waiting ALL WEEK to meet us. They are so excited to have us be a part of their ward. Everyone was soooo friendly. I love the aloha spirit. I'm going to bottle it up and make everyone on the mainland take a dose of it. :)

One of the recently graduated boys is headed off to BYU-I with his brother, and after sacrament meeting, we sang Aloha O'e to him. A handful of people walked up to the stand where he was and placed leis around his neck. It literally gave me chills and my eyes started to tear up. I didn't know this young man and I didn't know this ward, but the love they ALL have for each other is astounding. A lot of times I think we have the "GOOD RIDDANCE!" attitude when our young people leave us. This taught me so much. The entire ward is so invested in his future and wants him to succeed. How incredibly selfless. Gosh I love it here. Anyway, if you don't recognize the song, here is a clip from one of the cutest movies ever made.

I have always loved everything about being part of the LDS faith, but being in Hawaii has taught me so much that I, as well as so many people, have lost focus of. It made me realize how truly imperfect I am and how rude and judgmental I can be. The laid back lifestyle has taught me to be more accepting of other people, because we are all on the same journey. We are ALL trying to get back to Heavenly Father, but NONE of us will do it the same way. It's nice to be reminded of that and to accept the differences in my daily life. The Elder's Quorum President wore jeans to church Sunday. Maybe that's all he has. But you know what? He fulfills his calling to the best of his ability, and he is trying. He's a great example to me.

A couple in our ward was able to go to the temple for the first time on Saturday, and then they were sealed to their beautiful family. Can I just talk about how much they were GLOWING? They looked so happy! In a time that they could be totally self-absorbed and think "Hey look at me! I'm awesome! Look what I did! We went to the temple!" (I know we all know people like this), they were SO humble and SO grateful. She was so kind and came up to introduce herself. I'm glad I have the privilege of knowing her.

I posted this on my Facebook, but the contact we had the first week was unreal. We received phone calls from SIX different members of the ward and had visits from THREE. Seriously, how often do we see that? I feel so blessed.

There is a gentleman named Lance. He is a young guy, maybe around our age (hahahaha…because we ARE still young, right?), and he was baptized a few weeks ago. Right after sacrament he came and introduced himself to Nate and I and said, "Hey, if you want my number you can have it. I will help you guys with whatever you need. Just call me. I'll do what I can!" The best part? I KNOW HE WILL! He has been a member of the church far less than any of us, yet he fits in so well. He knows what life is all about. What a great example he is. That is incredibly bold to go and seek out the newcomers as a recent convert and lay it all out.

I also love our Sister Missionaries. They know I'm home everyday with the baby, so they like to stop by occasionally and check in, and they always leave me with a prayer. They are the sweetest girls, and I feel so fortunate to know them. I need to find someone who wants to learn about our church so we can have them over and have the missionary discussions in our home. The sisters bring such a sweet spirit. There is so much missionary work to do here, too. The time is hastening. We ARE in the last days. I hope we all try our best to spread the gospel to our brothers and sisters, because I know this world will get too incredibly wicked and our Savior will come. I'm grateful for the missionary efforts. The war with good and evil is REAL! I see it every day. I hope we all choose the right side.

I can't believe we have already been here a month. Time is passing so quickly. It is almost sad to think that we have been here that long and still have so much more we want to do and see. We really are enjoying our time here and have been welcomed SO lovingly in our new ward. We are trying so hard to make the best of every day and our time here, but I have a feeling that when we have to leave Hawaii, a big chunk of my heart will fall out and stay here.

Love you all,
Kayla


PS- Feel free to leave a comment or thought. I really enjoy the feedback & discussions.