June is Bustin' Out all Over!

Aloha,

Before the entire year slips away. Looks like there is a little catching up to do. It's going to take some serious thinking to see (remember) where we have been and what we have been doing. So in order to jog the brain we'll start with this month and work backwards.

June has been relatively quiet. We lost our beloved TJ who snuck out while Kent was bringing boxes into the house later in the evening. After searching for him all the next day, I found neighbors who were witness to his being hit by a van and his poor little self was picked up at midnight and taken away. His spirit was long gone, but I mourn his passing still as I daily pass the place just around the corner by the bus stop. He was our "regal" doggie. He alway gave us "the paw" gently to remind us that petting him was his #1 priority. He is missed and his brother Simon is learning to find other friends to play with. Namely, Mike and Hiroko's two Poms, Kuma and Pelo. They spent four weeks+ with us while Mike was in training in Ohio and Hiroko worked. The distraction of two crazy young pups certainly kept his mind off of being at a loss. They had a great time bonding and having doggy fun.

Kent had a trip to Las Vegas and I stayed home. That killed me but the shows I wanted to see were out of sight,pricewise. Fortunately, one, Terry Fader with his puppets was on a PBS special. So good! Best ventriloquist I have ever seen. Kent was gone only a few days and Vegas does not "call" to him. One of his buddies won $2000.00. He went on a boring 3 hours river raft ride and said that had I gone, I would have jumped out of the boat before halfway through.
Their big treat was sandwiches on a rocky beach and a bucket with a lid to go into the "woods" for a bathroom break. Not my idea of a week in Vegas!

If I missed something in May, I'll add it later. I think it was recovering from our trip to SAMOA in April.
Kent has been to Samoa twice before and this time it was for the April 17th flag day ceremony and requested trainig and inspiration for their programs.
We arrived in the dark and went straight to our hotel. Junior Tuisuasopo and his secretary Emma and Malu met us with beautiful lei and the official Marine safety patrol cars that we would be able to use during our stay. It was "warm". Our hotel, conveniently located to all the activities was cockroach infested. We chased down 11 of them before calling the front office and having our room changed. Good thing we are already acclimated to Polynesian bugs, but that was a bit much. The next room was clean. Breakfast overlooking the harbor was delicious and we were slated to participate in the official village boat races. So off we went to the marine harbor, boarded the rigid hull inflatable and headed out to the mouth of Pago Harbor to accompany the media boat, other rescue boats etc. to be on hand for any emergency when the seven participating village canoes began their race to the shoreline. I was wary, knowing that as long as the vessel was moving forward and I, like a dog hanging out the window had air blowing in my face all would be fine. We got to our destination and turned around waiting for the canoes to line up. I held on as long as I could and then it hit. I turned to Kent and said MOVE!, I'm going overboard. He said, No, you're not! I fed the fish as quickly as possible, freshened up with some water and sat quietly until the race started and all was fine!
The race was amazing and the High School kids came in Second! What a coup for them when another village usually wins. That memory of the race will always be a highlight among many others. Emma and Malu were my guradian angels. I am so thankful for them. They treated me like their elderly Tutu which at that point I felt like. The sprained ankle from the week before was killing me and it was hard to walk normally and not feel pain. Still 11 weeks later it is still very sensitive and I cannot stand for very long in one spot. Must have really ripped something good in there!
The girls and I toured the island while the men did official things and then we joined them for a late lunch. This trip would never have been so wonderful had it not been for the overwhelming generosity of the marine services and Junior allowing his wonderful support team to entertain us/me. We were blessed beyond anything I could dream. We also met Isa Ieremia who is with the commissioners office and she too joined in the fun. I truly felt like I had sisters to play with!!!!!
I could go on and on, but some I will keeped tucked in my memories. Not to forget the additional jaunt to Western Samoa and the spiritual and touching visit to Sauniatu. Wow, It was like going to the Celestial Kingdom. The Spirit of God is so present there. The Samoan Temple is gorgeous and I got a beautiful photo of it.
Kent and I were gifted with a beautiful outfit from the ladies and we need to get a photo of us in it to send to our very special friends In fact, Junior is coming on business next month and I was hoping he would bring some of our lady friends. But it looks like a different kind of training this time. We can't wait to treat him to the blessings of Laie! and send him back with more goodies from Hawaii. I will never forget the love and genuine caring shared by our dear friends in Samoa, Danny and Denise in Saleiapaga and the overall varied and rich experiences. We were in sensory overload and still are even when we reminisce. God has blessed the peoples of Samoa with a spirit that is unique above all others.

Benjamin turned 33 on April 6. He just let it slip by. Nothing much he desires or lusts after, so we fed him and wished him well.

At some point, Mike and Hiroko let us know that they are expecting their baby in December and we have seen photos of the little one who is "looking" like a boy. We are cautiously excited and hope that she is well throughout the pregnancy. God must have a plan for them because it looks like Michael will be here teaching at his Alma Mater, McKinley for the Fall season. And certainly she will have to stop work by November. It is difficult to have a major career change when you have never gotten the career off the ground in the first place. Being the pilot of his dreams may not be what was intended in the long term. March was their 3rd anniversay and we took them to Kai Market at the Sheraton. After dinner we went to the Federal Bldg. because I was not feeling well. I got very sick, threw up and went home to recover. No more Kai Market for me! And it used to be my favorite place.

January and February is a blurr because we were involved in the big NaKamalei fundraiser. It was a success for publicity reasons not because of the funds raised. It set a precedent for future events and keeping our name in the community. As the President of the board, it was a feat of impossible proportions to reproduce. Next year someone else will spearhead this event.

I'll add more as inspired. In the meantime, cheerio and all good things for the last few days of June. July is going to be a festive month starting off with a comemorative train ride to Ko'olina with the family on the 4th of July.