new directions

Hello!

I started my day off last Wednesday with a paddle boarding adventure with my "friendtor" (friend and mentor) Leslie. It was absolutely beautiful! We go at 7 in the morning typically, and it's just starting to be light outside, but when you are out on the water, the sun comes up over Haleakala and it is absolutely breath taking. I could start every day that way. Even if the waves are huge and hard to get past to get into the water :)

The littlest things about Maui are what really get me. The incredible views, intriguing sounds- geckos make the weirdest noises!- and all the lovely smells. From lovely flowery scents to the icky sewage smell that's been creepin' on Hope Chapel lately. Rise went on a hike last Saturday and there were some pretty amazing sights! I will never get used to mountains. I love them. And waterfalls.

I've been floored by the Lord lately. I'm so thankful that He alone is my light and salvation. Psalm 27:1. That He gives His grace freely. I don't have to earn it. There is nothing I can or can't do to change the way God loves me.

I have a fresh outlook on things. I'm five months into my internship. I'm still living in a dream. But aware that it's reality. Last night was our Prayer and Praise night. I went to help early and ended up getting asked to help the MOI group lead worship. MOI stands for Men Of Integrity. I was the only girl they could get to sing. All of the men joked with me being the only howlie. Ha

According to UrbanDictionary.com, Howlie is a term used by locals in the state of Hawaii (usually not with a scrap of Hawaiian ancestry, usually Fillipino or darker-skinned) to refer to white people who moved to the state/island from the mainland.

I absolutely loved every second of the worship. We were out in the courtyard, the breeze was gently blowing, and the sun was setting over the ocean. There were about 10 men, plus me, and all of them were playing some form of strings or drums. I LOVE hawaiian influenced worship. And it felt so good to worship the Lord. We all serve the same King. Great is HIS name in all the Earth.

God is good.

Risa