Hawaii life update/ one year blogversary.

The first Hawaiian missionaries arrived to the islands in 1820s.   They sailed from New England in the ship, Thaddeuss, around the tip of South America onto the vast Pacific
and after 164 days, they finally reached reached their destination.  Wow! And I complain about the 5 hour plane ride back and forth from LA.  Just imagine it, you're young, in your early 20s,  just starting your life, inspired by the religious revivals of your community at the time, about to go on a mission miles away. You say goodbye to friends and relatives you know you'll never see again only to travel miles of treacherous oceanfront to a mysterious unknown land all in the name of God. If you didn't fear being killed by wild natives or falling  to diseases, you still had to face an isolated life on an island who's culture you knew nothing about.  When I think of these early missionaries I can't help but marvel at what faith they had.   They were willing to give up everything for this noble cause, knowing there was no glorious worldly praise at the end.  They were willing to give up everything because they believed God was calling them on this mission to help non Christians know Jesus and save them from an eternity in hell.  Of course, the story doesn't end there.  Soon after, comes the controversial imposition of Western beliefs,  the rape of the indigenous Hawaiian culture, and  so the story goes as in any colonization of new lands.  Not to minimize the importance of Hawaiian history (my boys can now recite from memory thanks to their new home state education), but I like to think that this rich history is what makes this state great today--still holding true to those basic Christian beliefs that the early missionaries instilled, that we are all truly God's children, one may still find emulated today in certain aspects of this beautiful Hawaiian culture. 

It's been one year since I've been writing this blog,  and almost two years since I've made my own pilgrimage from the mainland.  My mission story was not so nearly dramatic. I've traveled less miles but I've still come quite a distance, emotionally and spiritually.   I didn't succumb to any diseases or wild natives, but there were still fears about the path that lay before me.   And yet the place I traveled from was dark and scary itself, coming from a crumbling marriage and blind addiction to alcohol.   
There were a lot of factors that went into this decision to leave the place I grew up, uproot our kids, leave behind friends and family.   Somehow I knew that God was calling me, calling us here for a purpose,  even though the outcome was uncertain.   I had to obey.  However, even then, I was still fighting the decision that was already made. I was like Jonah in the bible trying to flee from God.  I was still uncertain, scared to death of leaving the comfortable life and only home I've known.   I was afraid of losing myself in the process.  I was afraid of giving up lots of things.  The transition was tough for all of us as a family and as a move across an ocean can be. The boys missed their friends terribly. Daniel and I missed our friends and family too.   
Pleased to say, these days,  I  feel as if we   have finally slipped comfortably into our new shoes, except here we wear slippers (sandals).   Also, something about being secluded on an island that puts you in touch with your spirituality.   I've never felt closer to God and more intimate walk with my Lord.   My marriage is healing.  On July 12, 2015, I walked up Koko head trail and came back down a different person putting down the bottle once and for all, truly my personal transfiguration. 
So is the Hawaii life what I thought it was?
Well, I still don't know how to surf but I can paddle board  and snorkel.  As we've slipped into our daily routine of work and normal life,  I don't go to the beach as much as I would like.    I'm working on my pidgin, but still learning thanks to my patients. The first time I went to the grocery store, I cried at the bill, but now we're just smarter about the way we spend our money -- one word, COSTCO!  

And yet, I still feel new enough to enjoy this place like a tourist especially whenever we discover something new on the island.  Beautiful hikes that are not far away are my favorite.   We have been blessed to find a home church. I love getting to know my weekly small group and beautiful ladies, shout out to my life group sistas!    The boys have formed their circle of friends.  We have found a new routine.  And I, being  over a year sober, am finding a new normal.  Not to say life is all post card sunsets and mai tais. 
We still miss our family and friends.  I've recently been faced with the challenge of an ill mom who is in the middle of  chemo treatments as her lymphoma has recurred.  There are days I wish I can just get in my car to go rush and be by her side. 
Still, I put my faith in God who has brought me through before.  He has brought me here for a reason to this place. 
So even though it may not be all post card sunsets and mai tais, we still have rainbows and shaved ice, reminding me of God's promises and refreshing little blessings. 


So I leave you with these questions, are you facing a decision that you are uncertain about? Are you about to start something new in your life and scared? Do you feel God calling you in a new direction? Out of your comfort zone? 
 Do not fear, be strong and courageous God will be with you, He always was and always will be, wherever you go.  

Sober for 407 days. HOPEful for another day more.