caffeine machine

First, I apologize for neglecting this blog for so long. That being said, lots has happened!! :)

It seems silly to some, but I have always wanted to be a barista. I love coffee. Espresso. Hot and cold beverages with caffeine in general. The smell. The taste. Smooth and rich. The excitement of the first sip of a vanilla coconut latte. I love it. Love it all.

I recently found out that a friend of mine, who owns an amazing coffee shop business, needed a couple extra girls to work part time for her. I prayed about it, felt a peace, and ended up getting the job! A barista dream fulfilled.

My co-workers on the boat call me "BaRISA" now :)

Some things I thought I knew about coffee, but really did not know at all:
1. Differences between espresso and slow drip coffee. Fast energy versus slower energy.
2. Pulling a shot of espresso is a lot of work!
3. I am extremely intimidated by steaming milk.
4. A dirty chai latte has espresso in it.
5. How specific, and generally demanding, being a barista is. I love it :)

Don't fret. I still work on a boat. In fact, in preparation for our yearly Coast Guard check, here is a video of me trying to shimmy out of the wing decks of Lady Odyssey. Imagine a small, damp, and salty attic crawl space. We took head lamps, wire brushes, and towels, and scrubbed that place clean! I now know what it feels like to be a pretzel! Salty and twisted up! Please scroll down to the bottom to watch the awkward and awesome video of me trying to manipulate my long limbs out of the wing decks. You'll probably chuckle.

Nautical Nonsense stories:
1. When I was kayaking at Molokini, a lady swam up and asked me to throw her a spaghetti. A whaaa? Spaghetti! Oh, you mean a pool noodle? Ha, no problem :)

2. I was perched on the starboard hatch in the cabin during a whale watch. A baby whale was doing lazy breaches on the port side, but I had heard something and wanted to see if it was my imagination. I looked out and there was a puffer fish, expanded to his full capacity, on his back, flapping his fins! It may have quite possibly been the saddest thing I've ever seen in the pacific ocean. And the sound of his fins hitting the water rivaled that of a child crying through his snorkel. That's a pretty sad sound. I hope the little guy was able to calm down and deflate back to his normal life.

3. Odyssey did a private charter for 120 high schoolers from a Kamehameha school on Oahu. They were on Maui for their senior trip. Part of the trip involved a swim test. They split into groups and had to complete the task of swimming around the boat. It was highly entertaining. Flora and I lifeguarded in the kayaks just in case. I lingered at the bow, her at the stern. I was the halfway point. All of them made it, with a few random exceptions. One dude was complaining so loudly that he couldn't make it, I paddled over to make sure he was okay. He gripped my kayak, and mumbled something about not wanting to swim. I assessed the situation, and said "You just wanted to hang on to my kayak...." He looked at me, smiled, said,"Yep!" and swam away. The energy was totally different on the boat with them. I love high schoolers.

4. Tap on the shoulder. "Excuse me (looks at my nametag) um, Reeza? Is all of this on right?" I do a once over at the passenger standing before me. She is wearing a life jacket. Backwards. How did she buckle them in the back? Also, her mask is on upside down. But the mouth piece is twisted upside down to reach her mouth. She's holding the bottle of canola oil we use to grill chicken and she's about to spray it into her mask thinking it's our defog. I smile and lightheartedly switch everything around, inwardly wondering how in the world snorkeling can be so complicated!!

5. Last week, we witnessed a lady, wearing full floatation devices, flip onto her back and panic. She still had her snorkel in her mouth and was trying to breath through it even though her mouth was out of the water and the end of the snorkel was under water. In the end, Jeff jumped in to help her out and all ended well.

6. I rounded the corner of the galley a few days ago and was taken aback by not just one passenger throwing up over the edge, but three! All lined up in a row, getting sick over the edge while we were tied up at Molokini! Team effort.


Sigh. I will never be able to say my life is uninteresting :)

In Him,
Risa

Emerging from the wing decks (Click on the link to watch the video!)

firsts. fear-fights. funnies.

Firsts:

I paid rent this month.

With the help of my parents, I bought a car. 2001 Honda Accord. Her name is Bailey and she's perfect. I couldn't have dreamed up a better Maui Cruiser. I am so thankful to have a set of reliable wheels to get me where I need to go during this insanely busy season.
This was the first year I wasn't in Kansas for Christmas.

At first, it was fine. I had a healthy amount of longing to be home, but also felt very content to be with my Maui family for Christmas.

Then on Christmas Eve, I opened the gifts my parents had sent me. My Daddy had recorded his voice reading "The Night Before Christmas" and I just lost it. Such a tender, loving act. Tradition. I love my family and they mean so much to me.

Putting on my big girl shoes.

Leslie invited to me to wander up 7,000 feet to a cabin in Poli Poli on Christmas Day.

It was exactly what I needed and I was surrounded by wonderful people who love me.

Bundled up by the fire. Chai lattes by Kim. Exchanging gifts. Late night games. Good food.

My first New Year's Eve on Maui. Christy came to visit and we had a lovely time visiting with friends. Blowing up one illegal firework off South Kihei Rd. At midnight, we were already cuddled up in bed, giggling and ready to slip into a much needed sleep. Ideal.

Fear-Fights

I have been working out so much stuff in my heart over the past few months. Leaving the internship was like graduating high school. A few of my best friends moved off island. I transitioned into a new full-time job.

I have never really dealt with loneliness before. But I have struggled to rely on the Lord fully the past few months. Struggled to trust Him to meet all my needs. And it's weird to think that maybe I haven't been completely trusting Him before. He is my portion. He is all I need. I know the words and promises, but I have had to claim them as my own during this season.

I asked the Lord to give me a Word to really dig deep into. He gave me two: Honesty and Truth.

Fight lies. Believe truth.

I picked up some good truth from an article Alyssa sent me. Lately, I'll make a decision, know it wasn't the best and repent. Then the next day I'll do it again! Then I get into this cycle of blughness (that's what I'm calling it) and am constantly slapping my forehead, frustrated at my own disobedience. I have found that when I feel like God is distant, it's because I am the one who has made it that way! No, you are not abandoned by God. No, your sin is not too much for him. Yes, he loves you even though you've been sinned against and have sinned grievously. Yes, he forgives you and will redeem you as his child. Know God's promises to you in Scripture, he is the ultimate Keeper of your heart.

Funnies:

By falling into my job on a boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, I have been enlightened to the hilarity that is commonly referred to as snorkeling. I know in previous posts I've talked about a few stories. Recently, I've committed to collecting all my stories and putting them all together. Whether that turns into another blog or a book, I just know, with my whole heart, that these stories are too good to not be shared.

A few of my favorites from the past few weeks :)

If there is a truth universally acknowledged, it is this: snorkeling is awkward. I found this out one morning after helping a mom and daughter get into the water. I turned around to go back up the swim steps and my face smacked into a rather large brazilian man's rear end. He was wearing a speedo and thought he was being helpful by backing down the stairs with his fins on, when in reality he ended up scarring me for life.

A few days later, I was standing on our bench, lifeguarding and tossing pool noodles into desperate fingers. I happened to overhear this statement coming out of the mouth of an older gentleman as he was walking down the steps to get in the water, "Ladies," he says to a few younger women behind him, "two things excite men." I drop my noodle pile and anxiously lean over the railing to make sure I hear what he's about to say. "Two things excite men. Snorkeling and food. But mostly snorkeling." The women giggle politely and I shake my head laughing at how that is not at all what I thought he was going to say! He grins, plops on his mask, and happily jumps in to explore Molokini crater.

One time I was reaching in a puka (hole/closet) for some chips and a little boy came up behind me. He tapped on my shoulder and when I turned around to see what he needed he looked up with an inquisitive smile on his face. “Did you get this job because you have such long arms?” he asked. I laughed and said,”Yes, that's exactly how I got this job!”

The last one for now, happened last week when most of our passengers were in the water snorkeling. I came around the corner to put our pretzel snack out on the galley when I saw that two people were behind the galley doing something at the sink. Which, boat etiquette calls for only crew being allowed behind the galley. An older chinese lady and her daughter, I assumed. I asked if I could help them with anything. The daughter just laughed, brushed me off and said,”Oh no, we're fine, she's just cleaning her dentures!” The sweet old lady just looked over at me with a toothless smile and I had to walk away, overcome with a fit of the giggles. Captain J came down and when I told him what happened, he replied, “Bleach everything!” I see something new everyday!

nautical nonsense

All of my hair ties taste like the salty ocean.
My goal for the week is to get less than 7 bruises.
I dropped a hot dog in the water accidentally and a bazillion tropical fish came up. Unaware awesomeness.
I was trying to grill without the propane tanks connected the other day.
I dream about how to tie the perfect cleat knot at Molokini.
I had two, errr, two and a half, smoothies yesterday.
My hair is turning white.
Sometimes I fall asleep at 7:30 pm.
The last two make me sound like I'm eighty years old.
I'm embracing it.
I saw a pod of approximately 120 melon headed whales last week.
Nothing beats Spinner dolphins swimming next to your boat. Joyful. Speed. Brilliance.
My feet are permanently dirty. Not very feminine.
Coffee just doesn't sound appealing at 4:30am. What is happening to me?
I have an overwhelming amount of one dollar bills in my billabong wallet.
I spend more time in my swimsuit than in real clothes. Whatever real means.....

For some less nautical and more dry land news:
Monday night: Discipleship class with Pastor Craig. Challenging. Inspiring. Fellowship.
Tuesday night: Bible Study lead by Leslie "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace
Wednesday night: Calvary/ Modern Family. "Stellllaaaaa!!!"
Thursday night: Hang with J sauce when she isn't busy saving the world.
Friday night: Gathering. Or the occasional volleyball game.
Saturday: FREEDOM.
Sunday: YoungLife meetings. Which pump me so full of the Spirit it's hard to fall asleep after it's over. Except for tonight, I was pretty tired..... :)

In my off-time I enjoy soaking up Robin and Ross' wisdom. Reading a stack of books that is tall enough to double as my night stand. Brushing up on my waning guitar skills. Stashing my tip money away in a secret location in my room. Spending waay too much time feeling inspired on Pinterest without actually creating anything. Watching the endless Hulu Plus options of all the awesome new fall shows. Washing my uniform every three days. Whisking myself away to the luxurious couches at the Starbucks in Wailea to meet with the King of the Universe. Salted Caramel Mocha. Going for sunset walks to clear my head. Life is crazy. Crazy cool.

Aloha :)
Risa

sunscreen and seat belts

Every work morning, I roll out of bed around 4:45. One of the first things I do is get dressed. One of the perks of my job is that I get to be in a swimsuit all day. That also means I'm in the sun. So I've started this routine of lathering up in sunscreen. (My favorite is Ocean Potion because it smells like a dreamsicle--thanks Leslie!)

One morning, as I was rubbing in this glorious spf, I started to ponder some deeper meanings of sunscreen. I'm getting to the age where I'm realizing the effects of things. Food I eat, vitamins I take, not exercising, exercising too much, what causes back pains, flossing, etc. It means something to me now. I put on sunscreen every day for two reasons. 1. Let's be honest, sunburns don't look good on anyone. 2. Skin cancer prevention. I thought about the emotional decisions I make every day. They effect my future, right? I put sunscreen on as an effort to protect myself from future problems. Are the decisions I'm making now righteous decisions that will make my future easier and less painful?

I had the same realization as I put my seat belt on, while driving to work in the dark hours of dawn. Windows down. Palm trees sprinkling the horizon. Singing at the top of my lungs. Breathing in sugar cane ash. Coughing. Wheezing. Windows up. Sun peeking out from behind Haleakala. Moon slipping bashfully behind the West Maui Mountains. Hazy and subtle. I've trained myself to put my seat belt on. I even sometimes mindlessly grab for it when I sit down in normal chairs. Sigh. We know that it is something we are doing to better ourselves. It's a righteous decision.

"This is the history of the generations of Noah. Noah was a just and righteous man, blameless in his [evil] generation; Noah walked [in habitual fellowship] with God." --Genesis 6:9

-righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God]-

Obedience is tough. Putting sunscreen on in a sleepy stupor is frustrating. It would be so much easier to not do it. Or only on some days. Seat belts are annoying and constricting. Now that I view sunscreen like the Lord's protection over me, it's more fulfilling to put it on. And if I view my seat belt like God's armor, I'm willing. That hard decision you are making now WILL make your future easier. Trusting God now, before you see the benefits is worth it. Trust. Faith. Obey. Discipline. Righteousness results. IT IS WORTH IT.

This is our promise:

^"12The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].

¹³Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.

¹⁴[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment].

¹⁵[They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." --Psalm 92:12-15

In Him,

Risa

literary snapshots

Every day I have moments that I wish I had an iphone to whip out and snap a photo of what my life is like. Some literal, some figurative. A sunset. A smile. A snapshot of the happiness in my heart.

New things are happening.

I island hopped with Leslie and Tiffany to the north shore of Oahu for the weekend for a Young Life Leader's retreat. Camp Mokule'ia. We got off the plane and clambered on a school bus. Ukulele tunes. Sun beams through the windows.

A weekend filled with worship, Jesus, laughter, rest, prayer, adoration, and skits/games. Laughter breaks down walls. Let the truth of God sink deep into your bones. Life. Abundance.

I loved the consistent background noise of gentle waves. God reminding us: "I love you. I love you. I love you."

I love what Young Life stands for. I went to my first official Kihei Young Life leaders meeting on Sunday night. New faces. Fresh perspective. Lost kids. Sharing Jesus. Eternal mindset. Walking life together. Stokage. I don't know where God is calling me to specifically yet, but I am already seeing SO MUCH FRUIT from faithful prayer. It works. Big things are happening on the islands of Hawaii :)

I started a new job on Thursday. Pacific Whale Foundation. Each morning, we take out a boat of 100 plus passengers and snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town. There is nothing better than jumping in and wiggling my fin free toes in the Molokini blue waters. I'm learning a ton. Did you know that boy turtles have long tails and girl turtles have short tails? Or that a clove hitch knot is incredibly useful on a boat? Or that baby shampoo and water is excellent for defogging goggles? I like it a lot. And if you want to snorkel, you should definitely check this trip out :)

I am content. Satisfied. I want to be with God and let HIS grace and love wash over me. I want to write. Pen to paper. Fingers to keyboard. I want to sing. Strum guitar strings. Hum a thankful harmony to the melody God is singing over me. It's catchy.....and I like it :)

In Him,
Risa

the eighth month of the year

8 Songs that I've listened to on repeat in the past week:
1. Sunshine-Stephen Jerzak
2. You Are More-Hillsong (God Is Able Album)
3. Cosmic Love-Florence and the Machine
4. Calgary-Bon Iver
5. OK-Mutemath
6. Ehu Girl- Kolohe Kai
7. Your Love-Brandon Heath
8. I Will Exalt- Bethel Live (Ft. Amanda Falk)

8 Reasons why I love Hope Chapel:
1. I've never been welcomed into a community like my ohana at Hope Chapel
2. The internship. Now I truly know what biblical discipleship and walking together looks like. it's not always pretty, ha, but MAN I love my intern family. Big love.
3. Worship. I have grown SO much in this area and a lot of it can be attributed to the worship leaders at HC.
4. The Gathering. I love the vision that this ministry has. I hadn't ever attended church on a Friday night before, but now it seems so normal I wouldn't not want to go to church on a Friday night.
5. The courtyard. I have had so many anointed conversations in that courtyard.
6. It's transparency. Honesty and truth reign at Hope Chapel. It's not perfect, but it's a work in progress.
7. Kihei Christian Bookstore. It's one of my safe places. I feel like I can breathe easy when I'm in there.
8. Rise young adult ministry. I'm encouraged by the lives the young people around me are leading. It truly does take a certain type of person to live in Maui. Adventurous. Easy going. It's cool to walk life with these guys.

8 Reasons why I am STOKED about my next season:
1. I have no idea what it is going to be like. Number One reason. Hands down.
2. I get to work on a boat!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Craig's Discipleship Class. Jam packed with challenges and growth.
4. I will be making money :)
5. My home life is one of the biggest blessings I've ever experienced.
6. Working for an author part-time. I just love the way God works. There is so much TRUTH in God knowing the desires of our hearts. Majority of the time I don't even know my desires. But He does. Then I catch up to them. I'm excited to catch up to this dream!
7. From my lanai, I can see the sun rise over Haleakala AND the ocean/West Maui Mountains. It is idyllic.
8. There is no timeline. Everything is indefinite. I like it that way :)

8 Things I want in the next year:
1. Play my guitar mo betta.
2. Write more music.
3. Surf on a longboard....
4. .....then surf on a smaller board.
5. Do something handicraft like. Make jewelery. Crochet. Knit. Something.
6. Increase my prayer life. Praying for others is POWERFUL.
7. Refine my passions and giftings.
8. Buy a pair of Toms. Everyone else is doing it! :)

8 Words I am clinging to about God:
1. Truth
2. Faithful
3. Creative
4. Grace
5. Mysterious
6. Safe
7. Promise
8. Wonderful

staycation

Last week I had a staycation. I took some days off work and had the pleasure of living the resort life out at the Westin with my parents for a few days. Pool lounging, ono grinds, and an ample dosage of Vitamin D via the sun. I ate at my favorite restaurant (Duke's) with my favorite people. I saw a sunset that is etched permanently in my mind. Picture this: the sun hanging heavy in the sky. Tangerine orange clouds. Radiant beams penetrating through and reflecting off the ocean. A sailboat cruises by as the sun begins it's descent, disappearing beneath the horizon. Perfection. R2H (Road to Hana) on Saturday. Here are some photos!

Secret Falls Hike.



Hanging with the parental unit in the caves of Waianapanapa



Plumerias. Hamoa Beach. Blue vanilla/coconut shave ice from Ke'anae.

Change is happening in my life. But joy is in the little things. And the people around you. I cherish my ohana so much. And I have great parents! And I live on an adventurous island that I love. Life is good. And I must admit, instagram photos make everything cooler :) (thankyoumartineason!)

In Him,
Risa