As soon as I stepped off the plane I knew I was in love. Hawaii has always been this tropical paradise for me, but I’ve never been anything more than a tourist. Someone who comes a week for vacation, and all they ever see is the beach. This summer I have the opportunity to not just be in Hawaii, but truly immerse myself in their culture. I am so thrilled to be doing ministry in Hawaii. I have the opportunity to be doing something I love in a breathtakingly beautiful place.
Since first arriving I have been nonstop on the go. I’ve met far too many people for my capability of remembering names, but my ego was boosted a little bit more each time someone said I looked local. I’ve started working with the church’s children’s ministry, and I can’t wait to know each child by name. The family I’m living with have treated me with such care and hospitality that it feels like I’ve known them since I was a kid. Pastor Joy is a gleeful inspiration with her passion for teaching children about God. Though I’m just starting to get to know them all, the group of interns I work with make work fun.This summer is bound to be great.
These past few days have made my heart overwhelmingly grateful. I don’t know how I got to this place of being so incredibly blessed, but my heart rejoices knowing God is taking me to beautiful places. Had anyone looked at my heart five years ago they would have seen emptiness and nothing of worth, but now here I am. Here I am with my heart overflowing with love for Christ.