Aloha 'Oe

One of the most beautiful and painful traditions of the Hawaiian people is to sing Aloha 'Oe to those that leave the island. It's now been my privilege to hear that sung to me twice and it didn't get easier the second time. After sacrament meeting, our family was invited to stand in front of the congregation and our ward sang this song to us. As the music began, my tears began to fall. It was hard to turn and face my sweet friends and listen to the song of farewell. It has been winter for the Calls. Since coming to Hawaii we have had many struggles and at times it has seemed bare of the blessings we sought. As I reflect on our 6 months of being here I feel my heart swell with gratitude for the beautiful experiences we've had and the relationships that have been strengthened and started. As I gazed at the faces of loved ones who have lightened my load, helped carry my burdens, worked with me in the church, and loved me for just being me, I felt honored to have been here. What a wonderful tradition this culture has to face the farewell of a loved one full on, feel the sadness of the departure and yet glory in the love and friendship shared. Thank you, thank you.

Some of my favorite memories I'll take with me are:

Going to The Three Phantom's concert. My whole body hummed with pure joy as I listened to the music from that night. That's a must see concert for any of you that love the fine arts!

Walking the botanical gardens with Grandma. She sees such wonder in God's creation and it's a joy to experience that with her.

Going to the Liae Temple on a regular basis. This temple will have a significant place in both Les' heart and my own. We have gone there so many times to plead with our Father in Heaven in behalf of our family and for those we love. Much love was felt there and my testimony was strengthened. How grateful I am for that piece of heaven here on earth.

Homeschooling the boys. I have truly enjoyed having my boys at home with me. I never thought I could be the type of person to enjoy homeschooling. I didn't think I'd have the patience or the discipline, but we have done great! I love these two boys with all that I am and feel it a deep privilege to be their mother.

Thanksgiving with our friends. Having my home filled to the brim with my friends was a definite highlight for me. We had so much delicious food and the relaxed atmosphere of enjoying each other's company was wonderful.

Look at all that food!!!


Moana and Frank Akhay's family. We love them!!

Moana's parents, Frank and Les talking story.

Teenagers loading up! There was plenty and then some!! Matt, Mitchell, Emma, Hannah and me (making sure everyone got fed).

Seeing the ballet Giselle with Alison for my birthday. I love the fine arts. I have learned that this is an important way for me to feel rejuvenated and happy. This was a beautiful story and I loved it!

Grayson's baptism. What a special day that was! How touched our whole family was by the outpouring of support from our friends that showed up. Grayson felt 10 feet tall that day and just glowed. I'm so proud of him and the choices he makes. My little Nephi.

Taking pictures at the break of dawn. Alison talked me into getting up really early and we drove down past Honolulu and took pictures of the sun emerging from behind a light house. It was a cloudy morning so it wasn't as spectacular as it could have been, but the metaphor for me was huge. There on the edge of the craggy cliff was a lone beacon of light, a safety for those sailing the troubled waters. And then, the light began to seep through the clouds and the colors were swirls of pinks, oranges, and reds. That was the look of hope for me. I had kept my eye on my beacon of safety, my Savior, through this tough passage of time for us. And there, in the sky was the promise of hope. Light pierced through the clouds and there was beauty and reward for my obedience and patience.

Making bread with the primary kids. I love primary. I really do. I have loved being the primary president and just loving these kids. I had a great time teaching them about different parables from the Savior's life and one of those was feeding the 5000. We had them make fish bread (shaped their bread dough into a fish). I had children asking me weeks and weeks after if they could come make bread with me again. So simple, but I loved that experience.

Planting my lemon tree. After my grandfather Meyers passed away this summer, I planted a Meyers lemon tree in my front yard in memory of him. His passing was so painful. I admire him so much and felt so close to my mother when I was around him. He was a significant male role model for me and I always felt safe when I was with him. He was grounded and strong and how I loved being his grand daughter. With reverence I planted that tree and it is baring so many lemons.

Watching my boys at the beach. I love to see their excitement and unadulterated joy at just being in the water. They are infectious! Mitchell, Landon and Grayson have each become fishes of the sea and I know they will miss that part of Hawaii.

Mitchell having fun.

Landon coming in from the sea.

Grayson trying to get his snorkel fixed.

Spending time with my dear friend Moana. My heart aches thinking of not seeing her for a long time. She has been an angel of mercy for me. You don't see Moana not smiling very often and her laugh spreads from person to person. She and her husband Frank are absolutely the best of Hawaii and we consider them family.

There's that winning smile. Gets you every time.

Decorating the tree at the Temple Visitor's Center. What an incredible expereince. I don't think I would have had a chance to do that anywhere else.

The Christmas concert we went to not long ago. That was the perfect culmination of our experience here in Hawaii. It had all the beauty of Hawaii and it's people.

Grandma here for Christmas. We have had a joyous Christmas with Grandma. I'm so grateful to her for coming and bringing Christmas with her, as she told me. It's lonely for her without Grandpa and she has had fun with the children and the business of family. We've had fun baking, and walking, visiting, laughing, crying, watching our old movies and sharing our hearts. I know my mother is so grateful for her mother and the love she expresses to our family. I feel her so close this Christmas season and am so grateful for the love of the Savior that brought Him here on earth to atone for our sins, give us hope, show us the way to really love, and make it possible to be with our families forever.

I am blessed. I'm blessed by the people in my life. My husband. How I dearly love him. My children. A mother couldn't ask for better sons. My family. How fortunate I am to be a part of you. My friends. You carry my heart.

To my dear friends here, Aloha 'oe, until we meet again. I love you.