Honu Heroes!

We have been having a marvelous, fantastic, lovely and enjoyable time with our son and his wife here in Paradise.  Havilah was able to stay for one week. Mike stayed for another week longer. There has been snorkeling, touring, climbing, eating, eating, eating, work (both at PCC and at our home) and lots and lots of beach time.

Today, as a last hurrah, Mike and Ron thought they would go see if they could make it out to Goat Island, just north of us along the beach. I wimped out.

I got home just in time to hear a fantastic story and thought you all would enjoy it too!

So the guys were heading out to Goat Island, but found that it was just too rough, so they just snorkeled around the coral.  As he was talking, Mike showed me this picture:

Yeah, his finger got in the way - but what he was looking at was some great coral.

He then turned around and saw a.....

SEA TURTLE = or as we call it here on the islands, A HONU! 

And right behind the sea turtle was Dad.

What in the world was Dad doing?  Oh, wait. He was holding on to something.

That something turned out to be fishing line. It was wrapped around the turtle. Not just a little,

mind you. It was wrapped around and around her flippers, her neck, more flippers, back to the neck. She was completely wrapped up in it.

They tried to get it off, but it was impossible. Oh to have that diving knife Elder Jones has been coveting. But even if he did, he could not have done anything with that much string under water. He tried to hold on to the turtle, but she was having none of that, so he took her as gently as he could, rolled her onto her back - placing her head above water and onto his chest and began to swim towards the shore.

Trouble is, that fishing line was not only tangled on her, it was tangled in the coral. This is where Michael came in. He work hard to hold slack on the line so it wouldn't cut into the turtle as Elder Jones made his way to the beach. After a while, Michael was able to break the line - hurrah!

They saw a family out on the beach and called out "do you have a knife?" They hauled the turtle up onto the beach, still sunny-side up, and soon a razor blade knife appeared.  The grandmother of the family seemed to know exactly where to cut and how. Soon the turtle was free.

But was she okay? Elder Jones inspected and found small abrasions on one flipper, but no deep wounds. She seemed tired and confused - but otherwise - miraculously in good shape. 

 They turned her over and placed her at the water's edge, but the waves were slapping her around. This approach was not working.

So, back onto Elder Jones' chest she went, out into the ocean. He knew if she didn't respond well soon, they would have to call the local conservation volunteers. But as he got past the breakers and turned her over, he said she perked up and BAM - shot out into the ocean like a bullet...full of energy and one purpose of thought - to get away from these crazy creatures and back to the safety of deep water.

It was a perfect end to a great visit. We love our honus! Elder Jones was told a Japanese fable of a turtle once saved by a kindly villager. Later that honu came back to repay the villager for their kindness. "Maybe," she said "this turtle will come back and visit you someday."

How fun that would be! We love our honus!

Note: It is illegal throughout the US to harass, hold on to, ride, climb on, pet or bother sea turtles. It comes with up to a $2,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail. But in this case, the NOAA states: 

Line entanglement around flippers, head or neck is the greatest threat to sea turtles from hook and line fisheries. Fisherman are encouraged – at the moment an accidental interaction occurs – to please help remove and limit the amount of line left on reefs or left trailing an animal after being cut loose. 

So, congratulations, Ron and Michael Jones, for being the heroes of the day and the heroes of my heart. You get the Good Doo-bee Award and I am sure, the gratitude of a happy and healthy honu out there in our bay.

We promised big news - and here it is!

An opportunity has come our way that proves that the hand of the Lord is in control. We stumbled across a house, on the beach here in Laie that was in need of a new caretaker. After much prayer and soul searching, we have decided to take on the care of the house - in addition to our missionary duties, of course.

This 7 bedroom, 5 bath house, is co-owned by 28 families.  It includes a 2 bedroom/1 bath apartment. We will live in that apartment. It's not new, and rust is an ever present problem that will make life interesting, attacking anything metal, including cars, (oh NO, MARVIN! Will he survive???), machinery, computers, tvs, appliances, faucets, doorknobs and hinges. Yep - EVERYTHING. Also, there is a very well used famous beach right next to the house. Earplugs may become a part of the nightly routine. But hey, it's workable.

The caretaker duties are pretty straight forward. Every two weeks a different family comes to stay in the house. They stay for 13 days.  During their stay, the only caretaker requirement is to maintain the landscaping. We have 6 – 7 hours to clean the house top to bottom in between when people go and when the next ones come.  General maintenance of the house is needed on Saturdays, which includes yard work.

The other part of the chores is the occasional need to come pick up or drop off a family at the airport. There is a 14 passenger van provided for that.

The greatest advantage for us is a living rent free in exchange for our services. The apartment comes fully furnished and we are even allowed to use the staples provided, such as detergent, cleaners, tools and equipment.

This is a great, great blessing to Elder Jones and I. Of course, it does not come without sacrifice. We will be working even harder as we are determined not to let any of our missionary duties lag. 

Another blessing, as if all of this wasn't enough. We have one more year for our mission. After that year is over, we can choose to convert to volunteer status at the Polynesian Cultural Center and continue serving here for the time period we choose.  The departments that we work for want us to stay and are very supportive of this opportunity. They are thrilled that we want to stay longer.

It gets better! The current caretakers have family here and have actually asked if they could come take over for a month or so every few months, allowing us to travel. It's like a dream come true for us. A means and a way for us to live on our limited savings, go hiking about in other lands AND live in paradise. 

How long will we stay? Only time will tell, though it appears that two years seem to be the norm.

The hardest part for me is leaving the family we have grown to love like our own. I don't think I could do it if it wasn't for the fact that we're only going to be about 3 blocks away (well, and because it was clear that we were suppose to do this). The apartment is going to be held by the mission and they have full intentions of placing new missionaries here soon - we have a number of new couples coming in during the next couple of months. They had BETTER be super good ones! The Kalamas deserve no less.

It wasn't our plan, but it appears that it was the Lord's plan. So here we are - for a bit more. We greatly appreciate your prayers and support. We start this Wednesday and oh how I want it to work out beautifully. Like I said, it won't be easy, but it sure will be an experience! Ron has dreamt of living on the beach his whole life. I felt bad trying to keep his expectations for such a thing low. How wonderful that Heavenly Father felt that those dreams had merit.

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In other news, as if this wasn't enough, I just finished getting my diving certification. What an adventure!

But, as much as my beloved would hope otherwise, all I can say is "I'm glad I did it, but I don't think its for me". Mainly because I got so seasick each time I went out. It's not the underwater part. It's bobbing around on the surface strapped to crazy, heavy equipment and a blow up vest that did me in....lol.

A little visit from a local before we jump in the water

Ron - in underwater heaven

Our instructor -with a crabby little friend

Nina trying to decide what she really thinks about all this

Tongan Devotional and Pickled Mangoes

Today was the Tongan Devotional. Each of the 6 villages holds a devotional every year. June is always Tonga.

We missionaries have come to love these events. There are always talks by the students about what they have been learning by going to school and working here in Laie. They are so humble and inspiring. We Americans forget how blessed we are to have the plenty that has been poured upon us. These students speak of living in poverty, many times without electricity or running water. They talk about the opportunity to come here, and how difficult it is at first to live in a completely foreign society, but also how wonderful it is to have a piece of home with them every time they come to work.

Here are a few pictures of today's devotional:

We started with a flag raising ceremony

We sang hymns in Tongan

We listened to speakers.  Siope Tafuna spoke on mamahi'i me'a, or Loyalty. He related how King Taufaʿahau became the first Christian ruler of Tonga and the courage he displayed when he placed his people under one God. The King stated, "God and this kingdom are my heritage."

Siope Lani Tautua'a spoke on loto to, or humility. She joked that she is known as the loudest and most talkative one of the village, but then she spoke about Queen Salote, who humbled herself while attending Queen Elizabeth's coronation, and how that humility and love of country helped others to become interested in her beloved island nation. She stated that she was very grateful for the examples of humility that influences her as she serves at the PCC.

The subject of Faka'apa'apa or respect was handled by Etuate Cocker who conveyed how he learned to recognize through working at the Tongan village how much his father sacrificed to raise him and his siblings. His father's love and care was a true example of respect for his family.

Akanesi Ahonima presented the virtue of tauhi va or maintaining relationships. This could be your relationship with God, with family and friends. It could be everyone around you. How can you accomplish this? By loving one another. There is no other commandment greater than this.

After we were greatly inspired, we were greatly fed. Elder Jones and I are getting used to all of the various Polynesian dishes. Hey, I even ate Tongan raw fish, and LIKED it! There was also this amazing coconut bread in a caramel sauce. Soooooooooo good!

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One other fun activity happened last weekend. I was given the assignment to pick mangoes and make pickle mangoes. Normally this is not a difficult assignment, but I had to take it a step further and try different varieties, menus and methods.  I now have pickle mangoes coming out of my ears....or at least my fridge.

Here's the funny part.  I appears that Elder Jones has a bad reaction to mango sap. This is actually not unheard of....except by us.  The mango plant is from the same family that gives us poison oak. So, for the last week Elder Jones wakes up, takes a shower and (don't ask me why it happens this way), comes out looking like Popeye - one eye squeezed shut, tingly lips, and itching like mad. Benedryl keeps him sane, but let me tell you, we are SURROUNDED by ripening mango, so I am trying to keep things clean, clear and away from him. For those who know him, you will know that the most difficult part is keeping HIM away from the mangoes. He loves em! Swollen lips be danged!

He's so fun.

Anyway, I blogged about my experience making pickle mango, along with providing two recipes for them in our Shop! Polynesia online Food Blog. Take a look if you are interested:

http://shop.polynesia.com/blog/mango

We have a big announcement in a couple of weeks and I will be blogging about my upcoming Scuba Diving certification class (Elder Jones conned me into it....and yes, I am a nervous wreck!!)

We're still having a GREAT TIME over here. Drop us a line sometime!

Capturing Perfection - Carl and Nalani Fonoimoana

Carl and Nalani Fonoimoana are favorites here at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Carl is of Samoan/Tongan descent. Nalani’s heritage is old town Laie, born and raised. Their love story is inspiring and beautiful, and Carl would be happy to tell you all about it. Nalani, on the other hand, is far too humble for such things. She would rather do what she does best; share the blessings of talented hands and a loving heart.

Carl has been a powerhouse throughout his lifetime. He served his first mission in Samoa, and later served as the Samoan Temple President. He has also worked in administration at the PCC as well as far too many church callings to possibly list here. Much of their lives have been split between their homes in California, Oahu and wherever the Lord has called them to serve. 

Their latest assignment has been to come back and work at the Mission Settlement, an area we consider the heart of PCC. Even with the fact that Carl just recently turned 80, they accepted the call and moved back to the island. 

Every morning they walk through the back gate, hand in hand, past the lagoon and over to their stations in the Settlement. Carl plays the ukulele and tells stories. Nalani sits with her latest piece of handiwork, answering questions and being beautiful – the type of beauty that draws you to her side simply to bask in it.

Just this March, we had a professional photoshoot at PCC. Pictures were taken of our landmarks, buildings and merchandise. It was so much fun, playing dress up with the beautiful models and selecting and arranging our best items from the stores. Our goal was to create pictures that represented our Polynesian paradise with grace, humor and heart - and yes, to sell some products. 

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

We who work here know where that treasure lies. It is in the hearts of our staff and volunteers. There are so many of our colleagues that radiate this precious spirit. But, for me, no more so than this humble little couple sitting on the front porch of our chapel inviting guests to rest for a moment while they share a story and a song. "Welcome to paradise," they seem to say. "Welcome home."

Could our photographers capture such a moment? It turns out that the answer is yes. Better than I could even imagine.

Within the next week we will place one of those pictures on our merchandise website, Shop! Polynesia. This particular shot focuses on Nalani hand-stitching a quilt. Towards the left you will catch a glimpse of Carl’s ukulele. If you listen carefully, maybe you will hear him singing a sweet Hawaiian love song to his bride. It seems to have captured that perfect moment we are all seeking. 

But a moment is the most you can ever expect from perfection and now, the Funiomoana's world has tilted.

A few weeks ago it became clear that all was not well with Nalani. Her shoulder began hurting and grew progressively worse. We received word that she has been diagnosed with cancer. It has been difficult to reconcile. It may not be unexpected, but when you love your colleagues as much as we all love the Fonoimoana’s, we cannot help but pray for a miracle. Now, don't get me wrong. If I were a betting gal, my money would definitely be on Nalani, but no one would say life is a bowl of cherries right now.

Nalani has been in and out of the hospital, balancing her medications, getting further tests and obtaining the rest and nourishment she needs. She gets frustrated. She has things to do, people to serve. She wants to shake this off and get back to work.  

Our department had a decision to make. We are sensitive to the needs and feelings of the Funoimoana family. Yet, to not share this beautiful portrait seems like such a waste. How could we not use it? So, out of respect, I went to visit Nalani, show her the artwork and again seek her approval.

When Elder Jones and I entered, she was sitting on the couch, surrounded by family, cared for like the queen she is.  Two granddaughters greeted us at the door, graceful little teen-angels who sat us down and quickly brought out refreshments. Then they quietly stepped back to allow us some time and space - patiently watching for any opportunity to serve. It dawned on me that this is the true definition of ohana - which means far more than the simple translation of family. In absolute terms, ohana is the connecting cord of eternal lineage binding hearts together while honoring and serving one another with respect and love.  

On the PCC campus, one of our luaus is called Hale Ohana, which roughly translates into The House of Family. It is a place our guests come to have a great meal and wonderful entertainment. 

But now I had the opportunity to experience true Ohana inside a sweet little home where love transcends mortal limitations. The miracle of it all filled my heart to overflowing.

She took some time to study the photo, I think, perhaps reliving that perfect moment once more. "Yes," she replied. "You have our permission to use the picture." 

A photographer's skill is not in creating perfection, but in capturing it. Nalani and Carl are the true artists here. They took the cord given to them from faithful parents and wove a net that they cast out across the seas, binding thousands of hearts to them through love, service and example. How truly humbling it is to have this opportunity to share them with you.

........love and marriage under the revealed plan of the Lord are not like the rose that withers with the passing of summer. Rather, they are eternal, as surely as the God of heaven is eternal.                                                                                         Gordon B Hinckley

Because I Have Been Given Much - Samoa and Me

For those of you who friend us on Facebook, it will come as no surprise that I, Sister Jones, jumped on an airplane and vacated, just for a few days, the mission I love so well. No, I didn't go AWOL. I went to be with my baby, who was having a baby. I was extremely blessed because the circumstances warranted it and my mission president whole-heartedly agreed.

I spent 10 days cleaning, sewing, cooking and playing with one of the cutest little granddaughters ever!

McKinnley Rene Marrott

Equally wonderful, I got to see Mike, Havilah and the Jones kids AND Veronica flew out all the way from the East Coast for 48 hours just to see me. It was just the balm I needed. I love my family so very much. They are and will always be the reason for my existence and the lights of my life. So proud with how well they are doing and how wonderful they've all turned out - I have the greatest family!

Ronan, Gareth and Ruth Ellen dancing Tahitian for me!

Veronica and I

So, with that, let me introduce you to our newest family member:

Rayland Michael Marrott

Born 23 hours AFTER I had to leave....it's true. But I was able to fulfill exactly what was needed and Rayland's daddy was able to be home for the birth, so all is quite well and I am happy.

Upon my return, I was able to jump right back into Island life. So much to do! So much fun doing it!


This Saturday was the Samoan Devotional at PCC. Each of the represented islands holds a yearly devotional. It always entails breakfast, singing, and the students representing the village sharing their faith and experience.








 


Our first speaker shared an amazing story of his family's conversion in Samoa.  His father was actually told that he must deny this new faith or be killed. He refused. So the village came and took him away. The young man then simply said that he was miraculously spared and that his father's experience has been a source of great faith building on the island. It was later in the presentation, when the elders from the island spoke, that we learned how he was spared. The religious leaders built a fire and told him again, to deny his faith or be killed. Again, he refused and bore his testimony that this was the true church and that he could not and would not deny his faith. The fire was built and started. As they prepared to burn him alive, a rainstorm came out long enough to put out the fire. He was spared because they could see that God did not want him killed. What an inspiration!

A beautiful young lady spoke next. She came to BYU-H when she was 26. She had a career as a teacher back in Samoa. But her mother told her of this wonderful place to come and get an education. She is about to graduate, and she feels that these last 3 years have been one of her greatest blessings. The Island Manager had expressed such love for her and her gentle spirit. You could see it as she spoke. And then she sang the sweetest, purest version of "Nearer My God To Thee". It was just amazing.





The final student, who we actually know from our ward, is majoring in math. He is a great and confident speaker. He talked about the amount of faith and humility it took to get to this point especially because he had previously been expelled from BYUH for making a very poor error in judgment. He recognized that he had to decide whether he was going to be immovable or repentant. He is a man of great intelligence and he knew that he had to improve his own circumstances if he was ever to be a success in the world. This young man grew up in the humblest of circumstances in his aunts and uncle's home. They had no electricity or running water. He worked hard before and after school. He did his homework by the very dim light of a kerosene lantern. Yet still he graduated at the top of his class. But the thing that makes this man's future so bright is not his great intelligence. It is his amazing humility and desire for improvement. Ultimately, he wisely learned that it's not perfection, but the desire to leave behind imperfection that brings about the security and joy he seeks for him and his family.


We are so richly blessed to be here. We are learning so much and are being so humbled by these great examples.

The Noble and Great Ones: Joseph Kanoho Keilikoa

Joseph Kanoho Keilikoa works at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  He's a very friendly man, a very kind man and a very spiritual man.  He lives with some disabilities, but that doesn't stop him from getting up each day and working his heart out.  Joseph. or as his nametag says, "Chief" has been working with Photo Poly, which is the contracted photography team who takes the pictures of our guests during their visit to the PCC.

I'm cheating by using one of my personal
pictures to show you a PhotoPoly pic, but you get the idea...
(don't kill me, Audra....you look adorable!)

Every evening I can see Joseph walking up and down the paths of PCC, greeting the guests, making sure that things are running smoothly, and looking as if he is having the time of his life. I've found occasions to talk to him a little here and there, but never in depth.

A few weeks ago Elder Jones and I met up with him during lunch.  He was on his way to work, so he stopped at our picnic table and just talked for a little.  I was impressed with how he took the time to know how we were, and give words of encouragement and support.  I thought to myself, there's so much more to know about Joseph. I'd like to meet with him and learn more. I asked and he said yes! He has been very generous in his time and support in allowing me to share his story.

Here is what I found out:

Joseph was born right here on the island at Hickam Airforce Base.  Besides a few years in Japan as a boy due to  his father's military career, Hawaii has been his home.  He explained to me that early on his mom knew something was wrong with her little boy, but the doctors told her "he's fine, just give him time."  It was just a matter of time before her intuitions and observations were validated. Joseph was diagnosed as profoundly deaf.  He also had Cerebral Palsy.  From then out, his mom took him to many specialists, had him go to speech therapy to learn to talk, and tried to get him the best care she could find.

When Joseph was around 6 or 7, his mom joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A couple of years later, his parents divorced.  Joseph started to list out all the different schools he has attended in his life.  There simply were too many to keep track of. Despite all the turmoil, it is clear when you talk to him that he is a man of deep thought and intelligence.

Joseph completed 1 1/2 years of college right here at Brigham Young University - Hawaii.  Then he went to work.  Through it all, he has kept active in the LDS Church. He attended all four years of Seminary (high school aged religious education made available to all youth) and following his graduation, he had a great desire to serve a mission. His mother assumed that he would not be able to go due to his disabilities, but his stake president told her "let him go." So at the ripe old age of 23, he was called to a mission to Arizona. But things didn't go exactly as planned and he actually ended up going to California for a few months, and then on to Minnesota.  Joseph notes that he ended up serving in 3 different mission areas in 3 different states. This is most unusual.  But as he says, "It's the Lord's plan. You have to go where He wants you to go." He shared that he loved his mission and that it was a very rewarding experience.

Most of the time he served in an American Sign Language mission, but because he had been trained to speak English, he had assignments in both speaking and non-speaking areas.

Following his mission, Joseph came home. A few years ago he married his dear wife, Korrie (one of the better computer wizards of the area, I might add) and started working at the PCC.  I asked Joseph what he thought about working here.

He told me "people all over the world are affected by the Polynesian Cultural Center. They can see the light of the Savior and the meaning of ohana (family) here. The PCC is like another way of sharing the light of Jesus Christ with others. We don't preach, but we share His spirit. This place is something that they'll always remember for the rest of their life. It's almost like a mustard seed because it starts out small, and then grows and spreads. People say, 'there's something different here, you can just feel it.'  They ask us 'what do you believe', 'why are you different', and we answer them," he explained.

Joseph then shared that "everyone has their own cornerstone that gives them strength.  There are seven cornerstones in my life. My testimony first of all, the Savior and the Holy Ghost, my spouse, the temple, the scriptures, and my patriarchal blessing."

Joseph believes that we should all take the time to figure out what our own personal cornerstones are. "Sharing these types of blessings with our family and friends is what keeps us smiling."

I hope not to embarrass Joseph with a personal story, but I just have to share it.  This last December, the Polynesian Cultural Center held their annual Christmas Lagoon, a beautiful celebration of the Christmas Story told through music, dance and dramatic reenactment. The story is portrayed through different stations along the PCC lagoon and the guests are conducted through each station in a PCC canoe.

Another part of the events is our Christmas Train - which consists of three 'cars' pulled by an electrical 'engine'.  It is great fun for the children to ride.

One night the number of guests attending our lagoon was quite high and the roads and sidewalks inside the PCC were simply packed with people.  The train would wind it way past the lines of people, the food carts and the various stores. Sometimes we actually had to ask people to move out of the way. I was stationed in the most crowded section.  Whenever the train would come through I would walk in front of it calling out "step aside please, the train is coming".  Obviously, through this section the train had to move very slowly - so it was not too difficult to keep ahead of it.

So there I was, walking in front of the not so speeding train. As the crowds parted, I saw Joseph walking towards me, also trying to clear a path.  When he saw me, he got this look of great distress and yelled "SISTER JONES, THE TRAIN IS RIGHT BEHIND YOU. GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!" Joseph couldn't hear me say, "I know Joseph, it's alright." All he saw was me smiling and waving. He could not believe that I wasn't paying attention to his warnings. So he came right up, wrapped his bear like arms around me, and with my arms pinned down by my sides, unceremoniously hauled me out of harms way, literally dragging my feet behind me - thunk, thunkity thunk.

Joseph is probably a good 4 inches shorter than I am, so this must have been a Herculean task, but he was going to save me and that was all there was to it.  I chuckled all evening at the thought of how it must have looked to him, this crazy missionary who didn't have enough sense to GET OUT OF THE WAY.  But mostly I was impressed by Joseph's great heart. In that moment he changed from simply a friendly guy to a great friend. I mean, how else could you feel about a man willing to save your life despite yourself?

Joseph shared with Elder Jones and I some of his favorite scriptures.  The one that really touched me is from the Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price.

22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;

 23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.

It seems to me that our friend Joseph is also one of the great ones.  Great in heart, great in spirit, great in faith. He brings with him a level of patience and enthusiasm that humbles me. Joseph has a clear mission on this earth, and like others chosen by Heavenly Father for specific purposes, his path is neither easy nor direct. You see, its never about our perfection, but in utilizing our imperfections to highlight how the love of Christ can lift us all.

Thank you, Joseph Keilikoa, for reaching out and dragging me along this bumpy road of life. It's people like you who make it all so spectacular a trip.

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Joseph wanted me to share his personal testimony. So here it is, in his own words. How I love the opportunity to let Joseph's voice be heard. I'm sure as you read you will see Joseph's beautiful faith and champion heart.:

Dear Brothers, Sisters, Family, and Friends!Aloha! I would like share my testimony as a disciple and special witness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints. This true church has blessed my life as my family lives forever. I know this to be true. I know we have a great, loving Father in Heaven, and that we are all his precious children. He truly loves, cares, and prays with all his heart that we will return into His presence. That is the Truth. As our Father in Heaven, we as sons and daughters testify that we are brothers and sisters here on Earth and for all Eternity. I know we have loving Father and Mother who gave us families that will help us return back into his presence with our brothers and sisters in our loving home here upon this Earth and for All Eternity. That is a great blessing to know and to feel by the Holy Ghost. I know Jesus is the very Christ. He is my brother, my Savior, our Savior, and our Greatest Friend. 

We can rely on Him and return and live with Him and Father in Heaven for Eternity. I know through His Atonement we can be clean before them thru repentance and live. I know He as Jesus Christ called us friends. That is a wonderful blessing and a great joy in our lives. I truly know that He bled from every pore as He entered the garden. That true love He has is real. That truly made Him special in my life as well as yours too. I know Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God. I know that he restored the fullness of the blessings of God back on the Earth. We can bless our families forever with the Melchizedek Priesthood. 

In the temple, we can be sealed to our families forever. Most importantly, The Book of Mormon, that great, special witness of our Savior Jesus Christ, is the keystone of our Faith. I testify it is true. I know 

Joseph Smith saw our loving Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ in his very eyes in answer to his prayer.But Joseph Smith knew that no enemy then present or in the future would have sufficient power to frustrate or stop the purposes of God. We are all familiar with his prophetic words: “Our Missionaries are going Different Nation, The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” I know that Prophet Thomas S. Monson is Truly Lord's servant that leads as well guide his People to Exalation with great Love in his Heart, Mind,Spirit that great Charity.I know that he As well seen Our Savior and Heavenly Father in his Experience that was so Marvelous. I love this Quote says Anything that is right to help Our young PeopleI We have faith in them and Want them be Exalted Celestial kingdom that is so True:).
I know truly know that  Parents, Grandparents, Uncles, Aunties, Missionaries, Families, Friends, Brothers, Sisters, Ward Leaders, Stake Leaders, Home Teachers, Visiting Teachers, Seminary Teachers,Apostles, Seventies,Stake Presidency , Bishoprics,Primary Children's and youth of the Church, Neighbors Everywhere from Past, Present, And Future has True Pure Testimony that they hold dear in their humble Hearts I know that be true. We are True Special Witness of This True Church that Lives Forever. I know this Church is very true church upon this earth and holy ghost bear witness thus to be true. I know that my message and my Testimony I shared with you are True. I would like truly invite you all Listen to the Prompting of Holy Ghost that Heavenly Father gave unto you. Will you please Come and Share Your Testimony With Us As Lord's representative and true friend among us all.I say theses things name of Jesus Christ. Amen Joseph Kanoho Keliikoa,III

THE CHIEF

A Testimony of My Imperfection, and Why I Love It (or at least try to)

It is Easter time, and Social Media is awashed in Easter sayings, greetings, videos, links and pictures.

I love Easter and what its meaning denotes; renewal, acceptance, eternity, gratitude, love, and best of all, a full and active Godhead (Father, Son and Holy-Ghost) in my life.

I was perusing Facebook the other day and ran across a video produced by my Church (LDS) depicting a very tough moment in the final days of Christ. In it, Christ is being accused, tried and convicted of heresy. Asked by religious leader if he is willing to state that He is the Messiah, He tells the accusers that they wouldn't believe Him if He told them the truth.  And then......He tells them the truth.....and......they do not believe Him.

The next scene shows Him being led thru the streets and into a building on His next stop that terrible night. Outside the door we see Peter, the Beloved. The chosen Apostle who Jesus hand picked for leadership of His church after His death. Peter is heartbroken, confused and destroyed emotionally.

A woman approaches him thru the crowd and accuses him of being 'one of them'. His immediate reaction, based off of those emotions tearing him apart is to deny her statement.  But she knows and keeps after him again, and again.  Upon his third denial, the cock crows. The fear is replaced by despair as he remembers that the Savior prophesied this very moment. He collapses into a heap on the ground, overcome with grief.

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Two men denied the Christ. One his enemy, one his dearest friend. One so much a part of the world that he would turn away the very being he had prayed for all his life. The other sure that he had found Him. Yet there they were, on the very same evening, under the very same circumstances. Both men had ultimately failed. Yet one would fade into obscurity, never learning from his mistake, while the other would rise to a level he could never had reached before.

But who am I to judge? I make mistakes all the time, and even with my faith, I stumble. So I am reflecting this Easter on one great question. Am I willing to learn from my mistakes? Am I willing to put aside my natural thoughts and reactions and remold myself into the Savior’s image?

Like Peter, my first reaction may be to come out swinging, or on the other end of the scale, to claim full denial of something I know so well - like I'm fooling anyone, including myself. Either way, I fall victim to allowing a very mixed up society to govern my thoughts and actions, leading me to anger, embarrassment or fault finding.

But the Lord reaches out and reminds me that man's way is not God's way. He teaches me by His great example that I can learn to balance humility, grace and selfless service with courage and the willingness to stand for truth and righteousness.

Yes, I can use the example of the Christ.  In everything He did, every word He spoke, He is everything I strive to be. But when I am imperfect, I also can look to Peter.

Peter faltered and brought himself down, by his own actions, to the lowest place a man could go.

The Lord knew from the beginning that Peter would fail Him, yet He also knew that Peter would ultimately be a better man because of it. At first, Peter must have been beyond consolation as I know I would be. But ultimately Peter blessed the Lord for allowing him to experience this most painful of trials....the trial of imperfection and failure.

Let me be like Peter. Let me learn to be able to stand up even when I am weak, even when I am frightened, even when I am angry - because I, like Peter, have seen my weakness changed to strength because The Lord lives. The miracle of Easter is as real and as pertinent today as it was on that first glorious day of the Resurrection because the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been fulfilled and brought back to the earth through a living prophet.

This Easter season, I am so grateful, as I am always grateful, for knowing who I am, where I came from and where I am going. I am grateful for this amazing mission that has both humbled and strengthened me.

Most of all, I am grateful to my wonderful family, both here on earth and those who have proceeded me to the next level of existence. It is their love and my love for them that helps me to understand His love for us all.

This is my testimony, this glorious Easter season. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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