Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Third's the charm



This is the third month I've been in Hawaii, and it's finally feeling like home. As much as I hated adjusting to the island, it's going to be an even harder adjustment to leave. I didn't realize how much I needed to learn about myself, about my culture and about the people that I surround myself by. I have met the best people I think I could possibly meet here, and it's made me better.


I had so many amazing experiences when I first got here, that I wish I hadn't taken for granted. The first week I was here, my mom took me to a luau that was an authentic Hawaiian luau. It was all about my culture. Looking back, my attitude was horrible. I really thought I was better when I first got here. I became one of those Polynesians from the mainland that I hate. I thought I was smarter. I thought I had seen more of the world, and I didn't think that anyone who had so much less than I had, could possibly teach me anything more. What I've found, is that I knew nothing. And, I have learned so much. I've learned to be more patient, more accepting and less superficial on what I want in life. And, as a result, I'm definitely happier.


My testimony in this gospel has grown. I have met so many different people from all walks of life: culturally and religously. I've seen different types of struggles, and I've seen that I have so much to be grateful for. I love these people. I love my life. I still crave my independence, but I'm dreading going back to Utah. I don't miss it. I do miss being on my own, and I'd like to start somewhere completely fresh, somewhere where there's Black people preferably. LOL. But, I'll go wherever the Lord sees fit. I thought I'd made a huge mistake coming here, but God knows better than me. And, I'll leave it all up to him for now...

Until then, wish me luck in paradise! :)


Aloha!


MusicPlaylist
Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Thanks!


My deepest sympathies go out to anyone who has suffered with any type of neurological disorder. This has felt like the longest two and a half months of my life, but it has definitely been worth it. I have felt stronger, more capable and more empathetic to anyone who may need help. I remember complaining about having to take care of my family. When I got to a point in my life where I may have had to deal with the possibility of having others take care of me, I realized what a privilege it is to be in a position where I can take care of other people. I pray every night and day that God will put me back in a position where I can be more self-sufficient and able to give back everything that has been given to me.

What I have been blessed with the most is a very good support system. My friends and family are awesome. Even the people that I haven't gotten along with, have taught me something about myself and the way I should treat other people.

My friends have taught me the most, though. My friends are all so selfless and undeniably AWESOME. I have friends who are going through some of the hardest of hardships but still manage to check on me to see how I'm doing or are more concerned with my life. Thank you so much for all that you do! I appreciate it:

Jan
Becky
Maka
Damian
Malcolm
Melynda
Dukes
Karen
Melvin
Bruce
Jennifer
Alison
Raimana
Dwight
Nathan
Monica
Madi


and my close cousins...
Kaui
Katherine
Krimsen :)


Love you guys ALL very much! :)
(and anyone else I forgot...)





MusicPlaylist
Music Playlist at MixPod.com