A Moana blessing for us all

This little girl is River

And this is her daddy

Back in September I received a Facebook message from her mom. It became quite the conversation. I’d like to share it with you:

MOM

My young daughter wants to be Moana for Halloween and wants her daddy to be Maui. She has epilepsy and has suffered through so much. Now we are having trouble making her dream of daddy being Maui come true because of controversy. Please advise.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Mahalo for reaching out. We hope your beautiful daughter's wish can come true! What controversy are you facing? We do not market any Disney costumes, so cannot help you there, but if you have any questions regarding Polynesia and the legend of Maui, we would be most happy to assist you.

MOM

People are pulling the Maui costumes saying its cultural appropriation and offensive.

Her dad can't find a costume because of this. Is this truly offensive to Polynesians? We love Maui.

Polynesian Cultural Center

I was afraid you were going to say this. It is not to most Polynesians here on the island. They also love Maui. But the Polynesian community is very proud, and very reverent towards their Gods, and Maui has always been one of their favorites. You can understand that the cartoonization of Maui puts some Polynesians on edge. They work hard to be taken seriously. 

In our little town of Laie, where The Polynesian Cultural Center stands, most of our little children and their parents have been absolutely thrilled with the movie and the characters, but we have also faced some concern by some of our citizens. I hope that explains the situation.

I then pointed her to a long sleeved shirt on Amazon that actually had some Polynesian patterns on it

MOM

Thank you for sharing with me. We love the movie and are going make a point of learning more about Polynesia and all of your wonderful culture and beautiful people. I will look at this shirt right away. Thank you ♡♡♡

And then she promised to send pictures afterwards….

In the meantime, I learned a little more about River.

River, her mom and her brother live in Colorado. Her daddy lives in California, but he flies out every month to be with the children. Life has been very difficult for River and her family. As mentioned earlier, River has epilepsy. She has been plagued with seizures for the past two years and only recently has been getting better. She had lost the ability to walk and was in a wheelchair. Luckily now she can walk and even run.

Childhood disabilities can be extremely difficult on a marriage. In fact the divorce rate of parents of disabled children more than double, which means at least 75%.

But this family is working hard to make sure that their children receive the attention and care they need. You can tell that they are really trying hard to be the best parents possible.

Mom moved the children to Denver so that River could receive treatment, and it literally saved her life.

Everyone is so happy and excited that River is getting better. They really wanted to make Halloween special – and to River, it’s all about Moana!

Today Mom wrote back and sent some pictures.

MOM
This was the happiest day she’s had in a long time. Her daddy made her dream come true, THANK YOU ♡♡♡

MOM

Her service dog was Pua and I was Hay Hay ♡

(Oh my gosh, I didn't even NOTICE! How cute is THAT? Also, special shout out to Ninja brother who is also portraying one of his favorite characters)

Polynesian Cultural Center

Stop! You're making me a blubbery mess here! Lol

MOM
Aw ....her dad and I cried too 

I then asked if I could share her story with our staff at PCC and beyond. She responded:

MOM

Share, share, share.....epilepsy desperately needs awareness and also (we all) need to understand a respectful way to dress up for Halloween when there are controversial issues. We have nothing but respect for Polynesia ♡ We are so thankful to you!

Our Mission statement says:

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a unique treasure created to share with the world the cultures, diversity, and spirit of the nations of Polynesia.

How blessed are we that in sharing and being open to the simplest of questions, we also get to be a part some amazing experiences by people we may never get to meet, but still look to us for help, information and a little bit of pixie dust!

President Thomas S. Monson has counseled:

“The needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone.

“… Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives”

Turning 60??!!!???

Well, my 60th birthday has been low key, to say the least. No rest for the weary when the house is being turned over, a family has gone and a new group of owners are on their way. The place looks FABULOUS! That always brings a smile to my face.

And me? I'm now at the Honolulu Airport about to take off for San Francisco and a conference that I'm REALLY EXCITED about. I think this one is a game changer for me - all about writing copy for a website. Not that I haven't been holding my own most of the time at the PCC, but one can always use a little help.

But let's talk about turning 60. I can't believe it! I think most of the time, maybe.....I feel about 40. But 60? I’m serious. I find myself lying in bed at 2 in the morning trying to refigure the math over and over.

I remember when my grandma turned 60. I cried and cried and cried because I knew she was going to die, like ANY MINUTE NOW. (She didn't. She lived 31 more years, actually) I've got some awesome genes in my family.

That said, I am definitely slowing down. And my tummy area is definitely getting ROUND-er. THAT's disconcerting. But I still have great health and a blessed life.

I'm just going to have to work on the attitude. I actually removed my birthday from my Facebook profile to stop all of the messages I knew I would get, not because I'm embarrassed or disappointed about my age. Just - I'm at the age where I want to stop making such a big deal out of my birthday in my own mind. My family plays low key on the birthday front, and I've spent waaaay to many years pouting and hurting because I wasn't the center of attention. What's the use of THAT? Is my worth really dependent on gifts and attention and CHOCOLATE CAKE? NO! (Well, maybe the chocolate cake......)

But Facebook did an end run, and my birthday was up for everyone to see anyway. How grateful I am for all my friends who wrote. I truly appreciate you all in my life.

So, 60 years down.....and statistically, a few more decades left to live the dream. How grateful I am for all of you. And for second (and third and fourth) chances to become humble and more open to others, less to me. Some will argue that I shouldn't strive for that, but I know that the times I waste wanting something very - uhmmmmm - 'worldly' (yeah, that's it) and temporary also - gives me no real pleasure. My joy comes from eternal goals.

I may not be Mother Teresa - but I am a woman of faith and I am going for more than 'enduring' this next stage of life. I'm going to knock it on it's rear!

#GoTeamGo #noideawhythisturnedintoafootballcheer

Home is a heaven on earth

My husband and I are asked on a daily basis, “how much longer are you going to stay in Hawaii”?

When we first arrived for our mission, we had a definite answer. As most of you know, we made the decision to sell our home and all of our possessions in order to go on a mission. We were really happy with this decision, realizing that those possessions were literally weighing us down.

So we took the council in John literally to:  “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor … and come and follow me.” (Matt. 19:21.)

So, when people asked, as they always do “what will your plans be after your mission is over, we happily answered that we were heading to Uruguay for a year.

And then we were going to explore other communities around the world, just to see if there would be that ‘perfect little place for us’.

But something happened along the way. An opportunity opened up that made it impossible to move away from lovely La’ie after our mission ended.

We enjoyed our mission here so much, and my husband definitely found himself to be right where he wanted to be doing exactly what he wanted to do.

But I am a planner. And this was not the plan. I found myself feeling displaced. Lost. Homeless. And Alone.

Alone because my family is so far away. Alone because poor Ron couldn’t’ figure out why his wife was weepy every Sunday. Alone because the plan that I had researched and written out was not happening.

It takes a while to let go of some dreams. It is especially hard for someone as driven as I am.

Ron and I are currently reading the New Testament. This last week we came across the following verses in Matthew:

Matthew 8: 19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

It struck me that this is what I felt like. I had a bed, to be sure – but it wasn’t MY bed and it certainly wasn’t MY house. It wasn’t MY decision to be here.

And that’s why I’ve been crying every Sunday. I wanted to make the decision. I forgot that at the start of this adventure that I had made a far more important decision to be a disciple of Christ. And being a disciple of Christ is not meant to be comfortable or easy. But it always ALWAYS comes with blessings.

I mean, look at me, stuck in a sweet little apartment on one of the best beaches in the world only a 5 minute walk to a magnificent temple of the Lord and spending my days at The Polynesian Cultural Center.

Poor, poor Nina.

And you know when I had my light bulb moment? Yesterday, attending Sacrament meeting. We have been assigned to a student ward, but a couple of months ago the bishop of my home ward, Laie North 4^th called me in and asked me to serve as their Sunbeam teacher.

Now earlier that month Bishop had stood up in Sacrament meeting and clearly and firmly said to the congregation “stop saying no to callings. Stop it!” So when the call was extended, I said….’yes sir’.

And yesterday, after a particularly weepy sacrament I realized that these tears were tears of joy. I love my ward. I love the members, I love the bishop, I love my adorable little squirmy class of Sunbeams. People here know my name….my real name… Not that being Sister Jones isn’t an honor, but somehow being called Nina makes me know that I am finally HOME.

Christ’s invitation to become his disciple is universal. He extends it to everyone. His call and promise is “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

La’ie is my place of rest….. How long, I have no idea. But home is definitely where the heart is, and my heart is here.

Changes ahead - but probably not what you think!

Everyday we hear the question "when will you be leaving Hawaii? What next?"

Our answer is always the same. We shrug our shoulders and say "Lord knows". And we mean that literally, because every time we even start making plans, the Lord steps in and reminds us who is in charge.

Is that changing soon? Nope. 

Ron is back among the employed. After building the work tracking and energy management systems here at the PCC, Ron has accepted a job offer which actually puts the tools back into his hands and perform the preventative maintenance in one of the most beautiful, magical places on earth. Happy day for Ron!

This is the second time my retired hubby 'un-retired'. I think I'm beginning to see a trend.

What this means:

• We are staying at the Hukilau House and performing as Caretakers on the side - which means still living on the beach, still living in beautiful La'ie. Still enjoying the blessings of the amazing Polynesian Cultural Center.

• We still get to travel - so expect to see more posts from exotic (and not so exotic) lands.

• I am NOT employed, and will be remaining a Service Missionary, which allows me lots of freedom.....so I will be visiting the states (specifically this December I will be at Audras helping her and her family welcome baby #3!) Ron will be here, holding down the fort. Anyone looking for a great Christmas vacation spot? We have an extra bedroom. Rent will be spending 24 hours helping Ron clean a great big house......

What this does NOT mean:

• That we have any plans - nay - even any clue whats next.

Ron loves it this way. 

I am learning not to hyperventilate. 

Aloha Means Hello, Good-bye and We Love You: The Ainu'us

It’s that time again when the bulk of our graduates are heading off. I’ve grown to hate this time of year passionately. Saying goodbye is never easy for me. Having to say goodbye to buckets of people who have become so dear to me is pure torture. My saving grace both last June and this is that we ended up being on vacation both times. I can only do the ugly cry so many times. Coward that I am, this is far easier.

Mind you, I’m happy for our graduates. They have the whole world ahead of them – they’ve worked hard for their degrees and now it’s time to fly! I'm thrilled for the senior missionaries returning to their loving families. For those who simply feel that their times to move on is the best decision for their family, I support their decision 100%.

But I'm sure going to miss you....every single one.

With all these comings and goings, however, I cannot let the opportunity pass without telling you all about two people very dear to Ron and me. How I wish you could all know them….they are a marvel, both separately and together. So, may I please introduce you to Tupua and Jacosa Ainu’u?

The quick and fast way to give you the quick rundown would be to use a bio sketch I put together this last winter when this powerhouse couple came to share their musical talents at one of our Senior Missionary Family Home Evenings:

Family Home Evening

Jacosa Limutau Ainu’u is the 2nd of 5 children. She is of Samoan and English/Irish descent. She was raised in Sacramento, California. She earned an AA in Jazz Studies, a BA in Professional Music and an MA in Music Education. She has taught music education, along with voice and piano for many years, including bringing the Kahuku Local Motion choir to Nationals last year. Where they earned first place. This year she was the Choir Director at Kahuku Elementary School.

Tupua is 100% Samoan born and raised. He spent much of his childhood in American Samoa. He later moved to Las Vegas, where much of his family is. He went on his mission to Argentina, and speaks Spanish, Samoan and English. He gained his AA in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, and graduated from BYUH with a degree in Communications with a focus on Peace Building. He is our lead MC at the daily canoe pageant and our evening luaus. Tupua hopes to expand his activing career.

Both Tupua and Jacosa love musical theater, jazz, gospel music and exploring the beautiful island of Oahu.

These are the facts about Tupua and Jacosa. But there is so much more. Those of us who volunteer at the luaus understand that Tupua gives his whole heart to our guests, night after night. His talent and exuberance lifts us. His faith inspires us. His energy, quite honestly, wears us out!

But I know that Tupua is the first to tell you that his greatest joy is in finding the love of his life. Jacosa will hate hearing this, because she is such a humble soul, but this woman is the whole package….beautiful, intelligent, a true woman of God with the voice of an angel. I just love them both so much.

They honor me just by being my friend.

So, no pressure, dear friends, but the podium is now yours.

And for you, brothers and sisters, sit back and relax. It’s going to be a lovely evening.
 

And we did have an extremely wonderful evening. In fact, we had two! The first time they sang gospel songs. Then, because we all enjoyed ourselves so much, they came back a couple of months later and sang Broadway tunes.

Click here to hear the Ainu'us sing "My Hands" at the 2017 PCC Samoan Devotional:

https://youtu.be/8HUrM-X3G3Y

How we became friends is fairly typical of what happens here. When you live in a small town and work for the largest employer in that town, you are just bound to run into each other….a lot.

I remember the first time Ron and I met Tupua. We help at the luaus at the PCC regularly. One night, we noticed a new Master of Ceremonies. 

Being 6’ 6, he’s a little hard to miss, actually.

Tupua working the luau at The Polynesian Cultural Center

I heard his voice over the loud speaker before I saw him…. that big, smooth voice is as much of a show stopper as his size. But the biggest thing about Tupua is his heart. He loves everyone and everything. I tease him that he's like a big ol' Labrador puppy. He lives life with absolute gusto. It reflects in his presentations, in leisure time and even in his texts and Facebook posts (he loves to write everything in CAPITAL LETTERS...lol).

Click here to read a blog on Polynesia.com about Tupua and his work at the PCC

Tupua brings such joy to the luaus. I love walking by in the evening and hearing the laughter and applause. It's impossible not to love this dear and tender man.

The funniest picture ever - that man looks like a floating head!
That's how tall he is, he's actually leaning over and his feet
are conveniently placed behind each of us.

  We knew Tupua for quite a while before we ever met Jacosa. Oh, we heard a lot about her...as I shared before, he loves her beyond measure. But she was busy in her own right teaching choir at Kahuku High School, and later Laie Elementary.

So our first meeting was when Tupua sang Elvis tunes at our Marketplace. Tupua is a big fan of Elvis and Michael Jackson. It's lots of fun to watch.

Anyway, I was a little worried. I thought "it's going to be difficult for this wife of his to live up to expectations". Well, Tupua, I've gotta tell you, you might have fallen short.

Jacosa is ... well, it's difficult to describe accurately. She's like the cool breeze that soothes you on a hot day, or the best friend you wish you had. She is kindness, generosity and talent. Spending time with her makes the whole day brighter.

He brought Jacosa on stage to sing a duet, and I'm telling you, she has this incredible, melodic, professionally trained voice. I could listen to her sing for hours 
We soon became fast friends. We even went to see the movie Florence Foster Jenkins for date night together. You might remember it's about a woman so rich that her husband paid for her to perform a concert in New York City. Of course, her singing is just horrible.

Apparently, this was a sign of things to come......




Dinner before our movie.

Last year Jacosa decided to take on some students for private singing lessons. I wanted to see what she could do for me. Oh, she tried so hard. I don't know how she kept humoring me, honestly, but she hung in there for all these long months. It was great fun, mixed with lots of humbling experiences, and I'm so grateful for it.

And now it's time to say goodbye...and we are in North Carolina. Go ahead and call me chicken, I won't deny it. But isn't this so much better? No tears, at least that you can see. No stumbling over words.

But coming back home to a town with no Ainu'us is going to take some of the shine off. Luckily, there is Facebook, and believe me, I will be searching for updates and pictures.

Get ready, Atlanta! Your city is about to get a whole lot more fun!!!!



ALOHA, Ainu'us! (Hello, good-bye, and WE LOVE YOU)

The miracle of it all

You may have been wondering - have we literally fallen off the face of the earth?

No, but sometimes it feels like it. Our life is so busy, busy, BUSY. Who knew that Paradise was hard work?

At the end of our mission call last June (gosh a whole YEAR?), we made the decision to stay in Hawaii. Why NOT?! They are crazy enough to actually want us to stay, not just at the PCC, but at the house that we are taking care of. What blessings! We love it here, so it did not take much thought.

We simply transferred from full-time Missionaries to what they term "Stake Missionaries". Otherwise, its the same job, the same house, the same nametags!

What has fallen by the wayside seems to be my blogs. That is something I lament constantly. I hope to repent immediately. There are so many stories to share of the amazing people who live and work here. Miracles happen here everyday, and I should be sharing them...so you KNOW that there is a great work amongst men. Ron and I have come to truly understand Heavenly Father's love and involvement in all of our lives. We see it everyday here. You just can hardly believe the amazing things that happen here. I know I gush, but really - its more repentence, since I know that our friends and family could really use good news, great inspiration and proof of the eternities.

So, my dear ones, please don't give up on us.

Also, we'd love even more to hear from you - how you are, what you are doing.....and when you are going to VISIT US!!!! I mean, really, don't you think it's about time?

Here then, because I don't have enough either the time or the room to describe it in words, is our last year in 21 pictures:

Visiting dear friends in Sequim

.....and family

Going on a trip of a lifetime

...and making memories we'll never forget

Hiking the trails along the islands - on our own....

....and with friends

Letting Ron be Ron

And discovering that there are more adventures to be had!

.....even when they're SCARY ones!

Visits from people we love

....family is the best!

Oh, there are so many more memories, but this is what happens when you become a slacker - it just becomes all so overwhelming.

Hope to bring you a great story soon!