Aloha! Well, my time in Hawaii is coming to an rapid end. It’s hard to put into words all of the experiences that I’ve had here. One thing’s for sure... it has been an exhilarating, fun, and exhausting roller coaster ride! I came here with the hopes that God would open my eyes and to also, twist and mold me into who He wants me to be. That was my prayer from the very beginning. I wanted to love people with His love and draw closer to Him. I knew that I would be leaving my comfort zone and be placed into a completely new environment with different situations. I was excited about this because, with all of these elements combined, I knew it would help me rely on God even more.

I came here to learn and serve, in every way I possibly could. The biggest thing that I have learned this summer is that our lives are pointless if we aren’t using them to serve others with the love of Christ. I’m completely baffled by the level of commitment, service, and love that comes from Waianae Coast Christian Women's Job Corp (WCCWJC) and Waianae Baptist Church. Both of them truly exist to reach the lost. They don’t just talk about reaching the lost. They do it! Not only that, but they reach out in every way that they can think of. I was astonished my this. I still am. However, more than my astonishment, I’m inspired. I want to take this heart that I’ve seen in these people and reflect it in Elizabeth City, NC and beyond. And I want to inspire others to do the same.

At the end of this journey, I still feel like God is calling me to Hawaii, not because it is amazingly beautiful, but because there is great need. You are ignorant if you think that Hawaii is only filled with beautiful people, hula dancers, aromatic leis, and crystal clear waters. If you come to Hawaii for a tropical get away, what you don’t see is that on the edges of the waters and behind the bushes are people who need a meal, a friend, and home, and most importantly, Jesus. I am proud to have been given the opportunity to serve WCCWJC and Waianae Baptist Church and hope to return at every opportunity that God allows.

Again, I am left with this thought: Our lives are pointless if we aren’t using them to serve others with the love of Christ.

Aloha Ke Akua