up till now...

So the apartment is quite homey. I like it. At first I walked in and was hit with a kind of humidity I've never felt before. Sticky and muggy! But, I quickly told myself to get over it. My hair...thats a different story. Mr. Mooy took us out to California Pizza Kitchen, one of my favorite restaurants. And over the next couple days, we were given tours around the island so we could see the different beaches/mountains/inactive volcanoes. This place is beautiful. I've fallen in love with it immediately. The people here are very kind and loving. And yes, the Hawaii mentality of "take it easy" is true. The cashier at the supermarket proved that for me. On friday evening, a group from one of the local churches gets together to go to the marina to watch fireworks. Every friday night in the summer this occurs. Sabbath morning, I grabbed my violin and headed off to church where I joined a quartet that actually plans to play this coming sabbath and sunday for two funerals. Interesting, yes. Church was surely an experience in and of itself. We went to the Japanese American SDA church here on the island. Sabbath school was very insightful. It really made me think about why I do the things I do and believe differently than the next person. Praise and worship was almost the most uplifting thing I've experienced and I truly felt the presence of God while the ukelele was playing some of my favorite songs. After church we were asked if we wanted to join the choir. Of course, me being me, I said yes immediately without thinking about the other 5000 things I have going on. But, I dont regret it for a minute. So, I said yes, and the director said "ok, GREAT, alto's here, sopranoes there, tenors over there." I took a second or two to grasp what just happened. Yes, choir was starting at that moment! So, the selfish/hungry part of me was thinking, "what about potluck." Just as the thought crossed my mind, no sooner said than done the director said "oh and, no worries, they start potluck late." So I happily sat down. Sung my heart out. And enjoyed every moment of it. We then all separated our own ways to potluck or wherever. Potluck was lovely. Susi and I made a few friends here which was nice being able to get to know some of the locals. I was then called to the violin group. I hadn't really picked up my violin much to play since my senior year of high school so I was quite nervous when I picked up my bow and violin to play. God truly took away any worry I had, because once I started playing, I felt like I had never stopped before. At that moment, I realized it would be a sin to waste the talent He gave me 16 years ago. Strangely, that is something my parents have been telling me for YEARS. After violin, me, Susi, and a couple friends we met at church went to the beach across town. There really is nothing like a sabbath afternoon in the sun with the breeze, relaxing and reflecting on the blessing to have this day we call SABBATH. We eventually returned home, changed and met up with the other taskforce workers working at the high school for ice cream. It was a great ending to an even greater day. As for sunday, that was probably one of my busier days. The night before Susana and I pretty much swore we would not wake up till 10. Not so much, we were up at 7, ready for the day. So we walked to Jamba Juice, my first experience. I'll give it an A++. :) I'm sure they'll be seeing more of us. Then we went to Ross to buy beach towels, then off to the beach we went. Or I should say, off to the beach to get burned. That lasted all of 30 minutes before we realized we needed to get back and get ready for snorkeling later on in the day. We got back to the apartment with enough time to change again, and we drove the long way to the North Shore, sharks cove where we went to snorkel. This had to have been the highlight of my year most definitely. God truly is the master artist. From the parrot fish to the urchin to the random waves of the reef, the awe I was in could not ever be explained. It was amazing to say the very very least. But there always seems to be a down for every up. Susi and I came back with raw backs from sunburn. The Hawaiian rays truly get to the skin. We decided that very moment, we did not want to look like old raisins. Now sunscreen is the best friend ever. Monday came around and it was down to business. Till yesterday we filed, cleaned, made calls, ran errands, in all, we prepared for the upcoming year of school at HMA. In one short week the staff seems to be much like a family. Everyone only wants the best for the students. Anything less, is unacceptable. Through all of this we found time to train. It has been a tough week but God has truly been leading the whole way. I know this upcoming school year has plenty of ups and downs but I think I'm ready...but God KNOWS if that is true or not. Susi and I have really gotten to know each other and it has been great having someone here because Lord only knows how lonely it can be here. You can be in paradise physically, but if you are not there in the mind, "paradise" isn't very different from your problems themselves.Today is my first day at school! The past week Susi and I have been preparing for this day. It is only a half day but wow, what a joy it was to see the little ones walk onto campus. I have been helping Mr. Mooy most of the morning, with short spurts of helping teachers and forming my lessons for the next couple weeks. I have noticed, now more than ever, that the expression that we wear on our faces really can make a difference in how you are approached. At one point in time today I was walking across campus focused on getting back into the office when Auntie Penny said "Hello Arielle!" I was completely caught off guard because I did not see her. But when I turned around my face lit up. She proceeded to ask how I was doing and had a concerned look on her face when she asked if everything was ok. I asked why and she said I looked a bit stressed and down about something. I nonchalantly blew it off saying that I was fine I was just focused on getting back to the office. As I was walking away, I realized how much of an affect my facial expressions(or lack thereof), can really make a difference in how I am approached. Shortly thereafter, I was walking back across campus while all the other students were at recess when Maekyla said "Hi Miss Ari!" I had seen them playing 4 square and she immediately asked if I wanted to join. I had to politely and regretfully decline, but I thought back to the previous incident and thought, what really made the difference in this little girl's approach to me as opposed to Auntie Penny. One big thing, but simpler than most, A SMILE. It has been a rough week so far but God has definitely pulled me through, the day isn't nearly over, but I am glad to have made it this far. Tomorrow will be a great day :) I'm sure. So I've written a book. I'll post something shorter next time. I promise. :)

<3