This was the first time I attended an event like this! What a beautiful experience taking my two youngest daughters with me. The most funniest thing happened when I got up that morning is that my Keapoi who is named after me woke me up. I auau and prepared for my journey. I was quiet as a mouse and thought Kawailani would be asleep when I was near the door! Well, she was awake and her two eyes peeped up while her nose in the pillow. So cute and funny. "I'm going to the Pali," I stated to her. "Would you like to go, its still dark?" Kawailani leaped off the couch and sprinted to the second floor. She combed her hair and brushed her teeth. As Kawailani was ready to exit the door, I called Livi's name. "Livi its mom, do you want to go?" A smile on her face could be seen and she extended her arms toward me. I picked her up and asked Kawailani to prepare her bag for the journey. We exited as a family and picked up a friend and drove to the Pali.At the Pali, we could hear the voice of a young man sharing his message in 'Olelo Hawaii. It was cold, however the exchanging of words and wisdom comforted my soul as I observed them. By far, it was educational and inspirational.I saw uncle Mel Kalahiki Sr. and his 'ohana. My cousin Bobby and Alexander stood near the tent as we spoke about genealogy. I was blessed with a kahea and so much to say that words can't be expressed. The aloha I feel for those who walk the path of our ancestors yesterday are here TODAY! What was it that brought me here to this event? Perhaps curiosity, yet the yearning to be spiritually and culturally connected to our culture!Overall, it was comfort of 'ohana and making new friends. It was establishing ties with old ones and renewing new goals. It was about sharing our Hawaiian culture with my children. Growing up I observed many Hawaiians distracted from their culture and often wanted to be proud to share it but often ridiculed. I have shed many tears and hold none back. I have walked and made foot prints that day with my daughters in great delight!As I renew old insecurities and establish new meanings, I leave you this thought.....MALAMA YOUR SELF! DON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO DISCOURAGE YOU FROM REACHING YOUR DREAMS! IT WILL TAKE TIME, BUT NEVER GIVE UP...YOU MUST PERSIST IN ALL YOU DO FOR YOUR CHILDREN WILL ALWAYS LOOK TOWARD YOU FOR GUIDANCE.WE MAY NEVER AGREE ON WHAT PATH OUR CHILDREN TAKE, HOWEVER WE DO LOVE AND CHERISH THEM FOR WHO THEY ARE...Life is to short to dwindle on small things that matter least. There is more to care of such as our language, education and above all our culture. Aloha Ke Akua and our ancestors then and now!
Yes, it was. I give you credit for waking up early too since you only had a few hours sleep! It appears you had fun too! I'm sure cousin Bobby and Alexander was happy to see all of us! Are you ready for camping next month?
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