President Orgill's Farewell

 Jan. 18.  Pres. Orgill's Farewell

Pres. Orgill has served as President of the PCC almost 13 yrs.  We were so blessed to attend his farewell party Friday night.  

He and his wife arrived at 6:30 p.m. in this PCC  floral-covered cart.  

 They were greeted by the Motor Pool (Blue Shirts)  

They then boarded two canoes.  All of their children and special friends were with them and they rode around the Lagoon in the canoes while each village sung/danced and bid them farewell.

 At each village, the President & his wife were given beautiful leis and gifts. 

All 50 of us missionaries gathered @ the Mission Settlement House and sang "You are my Sunshine."  Tears flowed freely. This was a very spiritual and touching moment for everyone.  Pres. Orgill stood in the canoe and with tears streaming down his face, applauded all of us.

We were to wear our matching Aloha Wear.  

At the end of the boat ride, many of the Island People were dancing with fire.  We clapped and sang and danced to the song "Celebrate Good Times, Come On." There were torches burning, everyone dressed in their native costumes. So fun!!

We enjoyed our personal tour guides to help us find our way around the lagoon in the dark.  Eugene used to be a tour guide and also a canoe driver. One month ago he went to San Francisco and married Candace in the Oakland Temple. We work together at Give & Take. Thanks also to Eugene for snapping all my photos.  He treats me so good!!

 Following the canoe ride, we gathered at the Gateway and enjoyed dinner and a program.

When Pres. Orgill & Family arrived back at the Gateway, they were welcomed with the strains of "Called to Serve".  We were all singing.  Pres. Orgill personally hugged all who were near him as he passed.  He has reported directly to Pres. Hinckley and Pres. Monson for these past 13 yrs.  He is a friendly, emotional, spiritual and caring more for others than himself, man and will return to Orem, UT  where he and his wife will await their new Mission President Call.

 Over 1,000 missionaries and PCC workers were fed.  After dinner, all the people who work @  PCC  gave gifts and provided entertainment. This party lasted until Sat. 1 a.m.  The Polynesian people said they could keep entertaining for several more hours to show how much they love Pres. Orgill and his wife.

They received about 6 quilts, even one from Elder G's Department, "The Blue Shirts".  They (blue shirts) truly are the backbone, best workers at the PCC.

We R Blue Shirts..Chant..Elder R and his "Blue Shirt" Buddies recited their Hawaiian Chant.

For the closing number we all stood and joined in singing "We're Thanking You for all You've Done".  Once again, not too many dry eyes.

It was an incredible celebration & we were thrilled to be able to share in this grand occasion. Something we shall never forget!!!

Happy Birthday in Hawaii!!

 The day began with the Hawaiian's having their yearly devotional @ 8 a.m.  We sat in this awesome big hut and listened to speakers; watched singing and dancing. 

 We ate Hawaiian Food.  Each venue featured various food items salad, fruit, meat, (Hawaiian Style ) and cake desserts.  It was held outdoors in a beautiful garden setting.  This area on the PCC, that Hawaii represents has been recently renovated.  We were the first to get to see it.  Soon to come will be an awesome IMAX Theatre. We had a sneak preview and it is breathtaking to fly over all the Islands.  You even get sprinkled with water a few times.

Shopped in the afternoon @ Costco for our weekly hotdogs & berry sundae, washed the car then headed back around North Shore to eat supper with friends @ Kahuku Grill.  I really love the chocolate coconut banana bread alamode.  It is" to die for"....so I can only eat it every 6 months.

 

I modeled this cute table cloth that my friend Susan Robinson from St. George gave me.

Loved doing face time with my kids and grand-kids.  Gotta luv this IPHONE Elder R.gave me for my Bday.  Aloha 

 

Happy Birthday Sister Reynolds!!

Happy Birthday to my mom (a couple days ago)!  We missed not celebrating with her, but I know she didn't miss celebrating in below zero temperatures. Hope you had a great day!  We love you and miss you Mom, Grandma!!

Last Week's Happenings

 

Jan. 5- This is Pali Point . Last year in Feb. we were here with our BYUI Bishopric.  It was raining and blowing so hard, we could barely keep our ponchos on. We laughed so much as we reminisced about this rainy, windy, day and the exceptionally wonderful vacation with wonderful friends!

 

This is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.  You can barely see the tourists snorkeling in the very calm lagoon while the waves are crashing on the lava rocks behind.

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi's son arrived @ BYUH.  I was enjoying a fun little conversation with this cute young man who had just returned from his mission 2 weeks ago. He had served in New Zealand.  I discovered his family had moved to Utah while he was gone and after inquiring why they moved there, he quietly said his dad was in the quorum of the 70.  He was shopping at the "Give & Take" store for a pillow.  Since I only had a silly cushion, that's what he took.

It's so wonderful to meet these incoming students from all over the world.  The new semester begins Monday.

Windsurfers on beach near where Pres. Obama is staying.

Happy New Year 2013

New Years Eve - We went out to eat with a few fellow missionary couples in Kane'ohe - Mexican Food @ El Mariachis.  We then went to Les' Miserables. Loved the music, but not all the sadness. Actors were superb!!

New Year's Day we purchased a comfy couch from a couple who lived on the Kane'ohe Marine Corp Air Base. {Elder R. has been missing his reclining chair}.  We both fell asleep on it first night we had it!

Trying to have fun in the rain at "Give & Take."  Oh Hawaiian sun, come back soon!   Really missing the beautiful white snow of Idaho......

I-WORK Students

Dec. 30 - Sun.  "Ox in the Mire - I-WORK Students"We attended our 8 a.m. Sacrament Meeting. I was the chorister this week. Elder R. laughed at me because I was trying to make everyone smile and forgot some of the words.  There still were not many students in attendance even after we combined 2 wards.  {Just for the record, we absolutely FREEZE in the room where Sac. Mtg. is held.}

 

Our  Tennessee friends needed help passing out care packages for some of the  I-WORK Students who had just arrived.  So we changed clothes & went to work.  These students come to BYUH with literally "nothing".  I-Work Students are given various jobs at the PCC.  These jobs range from parking attendents, waitresses, cooks, dancers, photographers, seamstresses, resident assistants and even "Give & Take" helpers.  They are paid for up to 19 hrs. of work per week. The $$ earned helps them repay their 'forgivable loans' to the college. They are on a fast track program and are to return to their home country upon graduation with a bachelor's degree (3 yrs.).  If they choose to stay in the U.S. for any reason, even to attend grad. school, they must begin repayment of their forgivable loan after a 6 month grace period.  

We assembled backpacks and bedding packs to give to them upon arrival @ their "Hale" {single dormitory} or TVA - {Temple View Apartment} married student housing. 

What a great sacrifice for these people to leave their homes/villages and come to study and obtain a college degree.