A New Island -- Hawaii, the Big Island!
Leigh's parents flew with us to spend a week on the Big Island of Hawaii, where Leigh's mom spent her summers as a child visiting her grandmother near Hawi, Hawaii. The Big Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian islands, and it often has active lava flows (remember last year?). Right now there is no lava flowing on the island that can be seen, but it's a fascinating place to experience the lava landscape and learn about volcanoes. We spent a couple days at Volcanoes National Park and then went to Waikaloa Village on the northeast side to visit Leigh's mom's relatives' home areas and to spend time at some incredible beaches. A visit to a church for worship on Sunday provided unexpected blessings!
Kilauea volcano, and hiking through a rain forest down to the crater floor!
Walking on lava flows -- some from just a few decades ago!
Hanging out more with Gung Gung (Grandpa) and Po Po (Grandma). Here, Joy is practicing her hula moves.
Beautiful waterfalls!
Exquisite beaches with white sand, crystal clear water, great swimming and snorkeling and boogie boarding, and gorgeous views of God's creation!
The front yard of our rental home -- a quiet, peaceful place to rest and enjoy flowers, birds, palms, and geckos!
Worship at St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Kapa'au in north Kohala. I did a little research and chose a multiethnic church near where Leigh's mom spent her summers, but her mom didn't remember it by name until we got there. We took our kids to Sunday School (which happens during worship), and the Sunday School teacher told Leigh that Leigh's deceased Auntie Mildred used to attend that church and Auntie Mildred had been her Sunday School teacher. Wow! What a surprise! We didn't know beforehand that this church had family connections for Leigh and her mom! During the fellowship time after worship, several old-timers talked with Leigh's mom about relatives they knew from Leigh's family -- we got out the family tree to help the conversation. We even discovered some of Leigh's relatives buried in the church cemetery! St. Augustine has a thrift store, and the deacon opened it for us to purchase a couple Hawaiian shirts for our kids. We met the thrift shop coordinator, Ms. Matsui. I like to think of her as the Vihollie of Kohala, Hawaii.
Three pics above, Leigh's mom's grandparents' store Wo On, in Halawa, near the church. It's now an art gallery. This is where Leigh's mom spent her childhood summers. Just above, the old Luke Hotel in Hawi, started by her Uncle Jimmy's mother back in the day. We videotaped Leigh's mom sharing stories at each of these spots, for posterity.
A hike down to and then back up from Pololu Beach, at the end of the road past the old store. Luke did a great job! What a beautiful destination! Joy stayed by the car with Gung Gung and Po Po.
Joy loved a hula show at a nearby shopping center. She practiced her hula moves and wanted a picture with one of the dancers. Ms. Irene from Peace will be happy to know that! Irene, I think you have a possible hula student coming your way soon!
Dinner with Rod, a family friend from the Bay area in California, who now lives on the Big Island. It's been an incredible gift in our time in Hawaii to be able to hang out with relatives and friends!
Our last night with Po Po and Gung Gung before they left us to go home to Oakland, California.
Luke is excited to get on the airplane to head to our next island, Kauai!
Walking on lava flows -- some from just a few decades ago!
Hanging out more with Gung Gung (Grandpa) and Po Po (Grandma). Here, Joy is practicing her hula moves.
Beautiful waterfalls!
Exquisite beaches with white sand, crystal clear water, great swimming and snorkeling and boogie boarding, and gorgeous views of God's creation!
The front yard of our rental home -- a quiet, peaceful place to rest and enjoy flowers, birds, palms, and geckos!
Worship at St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Kapa'au in north Kohala. I did a little research and chose a multiethnic church near where Leigh's mom spent her summers, but her mom didn't remember it by name until we got there. We took our kids to Sunday School (which happens during worship), and the Sunday School teacher told Leigh that Leigh's deceased Auntie Mildred used to attend that church and Auntie Mildred had been her Sunday School teacher. Wow! What a surprise! We didn't know beforehand that this church had family connections for Leigh and her mom! During the fellowship time after worship, several old-timers talked with Leigh's mom about relatives they knew from Leigh's family -- we got out the family tree to help the conversation. We even discovered some of Leigh's relatives buried in the church cemetery! St. Augustine has a thrift store, and the deacon opened it for us to purchase a couple Hawaiian shirts for our kids. We met the thrift shop coordinator, Ms. Matsui. I like to think of her as the Vihollie of Kohala, Hawaii.
Three pics above, Leigh's mom's grandparents' store Wo On, in Halawa, near the church. It's now an art gallery. This is where Leigh's mom spent her childhood summers. Just above, the old Luke Hotel in Hawi, started by her Uncle Jimmy's mother back in the day. We videotaped Leigh's mom sharing stories at each of these spots, for posterity.
A hike down to and then back up from Pololu Beach, at the end of the road past the old store. Luke did a great job! What a beautiful destination! Joy stayed by the car with Gung Gung and Po Po.
Joy loved a hula show at a nearby shopping center. She practiced her hula moves and wanted a picture with one of the dancers. Ms. Irene from Peace will be happy to know that! Irene, I think you have a possible hula student coming your way soon!
Dinner with Rod, a family friend from the Bay area in California, who now lives on the Big Island. It's been an incredible gift in our time in Hawaii to be able to hang out with relatives and friends!
Our last night with Po Po and Gung Gung before they left us to go home to Oakland, California.
Luke is excited to get on the airplane to head to our next island, Kauai!
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