Aloha

I've had some pictures and post ideas, just no time to write them up! This is a quick update to say we're heading on vacation tonight. We're going to Utah to do some backpacking, and we'll spend some our last night on the ninth island- Las Vegas.

We're looking forward to the break. We'll be home soon so stay tuned for trip photos.

Saturday Afternoon Ride

I am always amazed at the variety of landscapes this island offers. Saturday Chris and I took our dirt bikes to the 6,000 foot level of Mauna Kea to ride Mana Road. We zoomed down a path lined with stately Koa trees and cinder cones, and saw plenty pheasants, quail and pueo (native Hawaiian owl) Not far past Hakalau Wildlife Preserve we pulled off the road to take a hike. But the soft, tall grass beckoned us to take a nap instead. When we awoke, clouds had engulfed the mountian, so we decided to cut our trip short. Most of the way back we fought to see through the fog. Then it instantly lifted. We stood amazed at the edge of the clouds watching the wind blow and swirl them. It was as if God said, "right here and no further!"

He is Risen Indeed

Kona's community Easter sunrise service never dissapoints. Each year Hawaiian chanting calls the crowd to worship, a band joyfully belts out peppy praise songs, a hula halau celebrates with dance and, of course, a preacher preaches. The thrill for me is seeing such a large group of believers from more than 20 area churches come together to celebrate a risen Savior. This annual event serves as a refreshing reminder that the church is alive and thriving. This diverse mix of people and cultures bringing their worship to the throne of Christ is just a glimmer of what's to come.

Sunset from our campsite Friday.

Secret Revealed

The first 15 minutes of each work week is piddled away by workers who spend the time asking each other, "What happened to the weekend?" "How do I make the weekend last longer?"

I don't have a complete solution, but we have discovered the weekend feels longer when we get a jump start on the fun. Chris picked my up from work Friday and we had a picnic dinner on the beach, then we hiked about a mile to our favorite secluded campsite. The excursion was less than 24 hours long but it feels like we've really gone somewhere and done something and now it's only Saturday.

Sunrise over Mauna Kea this morning. And there's still half a weekend left!