Hawaii!

It occurred to me as I was walking down Kailua Beach on our first day in Hawaii, that I have been in Norway, Ireland, California, and Hawaii (4 of the most beautiful places in the world) all in the same month. Wow! As I looked back on my life and all the awesome experiences I've had, and all the amazing people I've met, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness to God. And I realized that I am rich. I have never had tons of cash laying around, but God has provided for me to do some amazing things in my short lifetime. I feel like I got a glimpse into the meaning of true riches, and an understanding that I have them.

Hawaii was an amazing vacation! It was great to spend a week with my mom and my sister in the Aloha State, enjoying the beaches and the sites. This is the first family vacation we've taken in a while, and also the last one we will take for another long while. We stayed at a Bed & Breakfast in Kailua, about 20 minutes from Honolulu and Waikiki. It was nice to be away from all the tourists and big city, with the ability to visit when we wanted to. We spent a lot of time at the beach, enjoying the warm ocean, boogie-boarding, and snorkeling! We also spent a lot of time driving around the island in our oh-so-cool convertible. Of course we visited Honolulu and Waikiki, and we went to a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Luau food is the best!! Quite possibly my favorite part of visiting Hawaii :-). We took a couple hikes as well--the Diamondhead hike, which has a great view of Honolulu from the top, and also a hike to Manoa Falls, which is gorgeous and lush and green the entire way. Oh, and how could I forget the Dole Pinneapple Plantation?! Even though it was about 45 minutes from where we were staying, we had to go back a second time for the famous Dole Whip (like pineapple ice-cream, but non-dairy. yum!). We finished off our trip by spending the Fourth of July at the beach watching fireworks over the ocean. It was a great ending to a great trip. Have to give special thanks to Mom, who financed the entire thing. Thanks, Mom! You're awesome!

I must admit I'm glad to be home now... in one place... for a while at least. Although this heat is killer!! But I'm starting to research Kyrgyzstan, and put into practice the things God has taught me over the past 3-4 months. And of course, preparing to leave again! All in all, it's a good time of life. I'm enjoying being a part of what God is doing here and now.

Mom & I in our rental CONVERTIBLE! :-) 

Kailua Beach, a 15 minute walk from where we stayed, about 30 minutes from Honlulu and Waikiki. 

Suzanne and I sipping an ice-cold coconut. They really aren't that tasty, but it makes a good island picture! 

Suzanne at the Dole Pinneaple Plantation. 

Suzanne and I boogie boarding at Waimanalo Beach, about 20 minutes from where we stayed. 

Me, Mom & Suzanne at our luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Luau food is the best!! 

A view from the top of Diamond Head, one of Oahu's most famous landmarks. It's actually the top of a crater right on the coast of the island. 

Me & Suzanne sipping shave ice (very popular in Hawaii) after hiking Diamond Head. 

A different side of Hawaii--just part of the landscape on a hike we took to Manoa Waterfall. 

Suzanne in her silly-looking snorkeling mask. Snorkeling is so much fun! 

A veiw of Hanauma Bay, where we went snorkeling (with lots of other people, as you can see!). 

The fireworks show at Kailua beach.