Cultural Education

     Our contact with the Hawaii Honolulu Mission after we received our mission call was not the mission president, but a counselor in the mission presidency assigned to assist the senior couples, named Dan Kitashima. We got to meet him and his lovely wife, Mervlyn, a couple of days after we arrived. They helped us understand what was expected of us, and were a great blessing to us as new missionaries. So we felt a great loss and sorrow when we heard that she had suffered a massive stroke about 2 weeks later, and then  returned back to our Heavenly Father on Wednesday. Our interaction with her was very brief, but she made quite an impression because of her strength and kindness. What was amazing to us was how many people we talked to knew and loved her, as far back as high school. She will be greatly missed, especially by the office elders and sisters. We expect her memorial service will be attended by hundreds of friends and family.

    We had an opportunity to take a tour of an organization that assists the homeless and those having drug issues/problems.  The organization is called IHS the Institute for Human Services.  We were very impressed with the employees, especially the director because she is highly trained and educated, and is sacrificing a lucrative career to devote herself completely to the cause of helping the homeless, one soul at a time. We admire their willingness to work and dedicate theirselves to such a worthy cause. With that in mind, we are going to be doing groups in their Detox program and one group per week in their halfway house.  Cathy is very excited to be doing something that has direct application to her Recreation Therapy skills.  Once we get the clearance, we will be doing this on a weekly basis.

    We hope we can be instrumental in helping bring many primary-age children into the waters of baptism. Yesterday afternoon we attended the baptism of a sweet eight year-old girl in the Olomama ward. It was like nothing else we had ever experienced before. They had a very nice program with lots of pictures, a guest book and little cards to leave messages for her, bookmarks and goodie bags for those attending. The little girl sang two Primary songs as part of the program. After the baptism was over, everyone came up, embraced her, and gave her a lei; most had candy, but some had cash and even gift cards. Not knowing the Hawaiian culture, we gave her a card with $8.00 inside. (It was the only card BTW). We are slowly learning the beautiful island customs and culture. It is one of the best things about being here, we love Hawaii! 

    Another part of Hawaiian culture we're learning that's different than what we are used to on the mainland is it's not customary to knock on someone's door unannounced. We are trying to reach out and meet members who haven't been coming to church for a while, nut not having much success because when we come to their door, they will either hide in the back and pretend they are not there even though it's obvious someone is home, or they will send one of their children to the door to tell us they are sick or asleep. We will try to call or text them first, make an appointment, and see if we have more success getting in the door and talking with the members that way. We will keep trying, because we know that showing our love for them, and sharing a gospel message of peace and compassion will eventually break down cultural barriers and build long-lasting friendships.