Hawaii travels...

Just returning from a week in Waikiki & 2 weeks in Maui... what fun! The mixture of sun, sand, ocean waves, & palm trees make for a beautiful setting & special happenings along the way. We did some of the typical things like a luau, visit to Pearl Harbor, snorkeled with tropical fish & sea turtles along the coral reefs & watched beautiful sunsets. We played shuffle board, took bus rides & even shopped on "black Friday"... which does, I think, sound a bit morbid. We also did a dinner show: Society of Seven... such entertainers who shared music from various decades. We caught up on some r & r and dozed pool-side, ocean-side & every now & then. The trip gave us a new glimpse of God's creation from volcanos to ocean waves to tropical flowers... it's special because it's so very different from the prairies we call home. Returning to winter & travelling through 4 time zones is a part of our normal & we're in adjustment mode at the moment. But all is good & we are most thankful for the opportunity to go & experience life in another land.

We did realize that while we had a wonderful time... the Hawaii islands didn't win our hearts, & maybe that too is part of God's plan for us. We felt a bit like Hawaii went on as it did with us or without us... & we didn't make a difference in a significant way. Mexico still has our hearts! We like being gringos; even knowing that initially that word wasn't an endearing term. We've realized afresh that God has given us a love for the the Mexican people. We know too that when we visit Mexico... we connect with people in a different way & have opportunities to share in more meaningful ways. They have encouraged & challenged us; as I trust God has used us to influence their lives too. It's hard to explain. Maybe it's because the need is so much greater in Mexico. We're humbled when given their best, knowing they are doing without or with less. Hospitality & families are so very important... as is the need to develope a personal relationship with Jesus... maybe that's it: our influence seems greater in a culture that senses it's need, even when they're not certain where to look for the answer. So, thankful we are for time away... it is so good for us & we return refreshed physically, emotionally & spiritually with grateful hearts!