Church in a Hut

During my travels through Hawaii last June, I attended church in a small thatched roof hut.
We all sang to the tunes of Pastor Laki Kaahumanu's ukulele and observed the words unfold through the movement of the beautiful hula dancer.

A warming experience, that will always stay with me, celebrated with kind-hearted people in the midst of lush vegetation by the sea on the Island of Maui.

To my surprise, I received a Christmas card from Pastor Laki, his wife and his many adopted children and their children... sincerely touching and hopefully I shall return one day....

Lone Gypsy

I confess, when I travel alone,
I feel greatly liberated to further reflect on
matters and things close to my heart.

To absorb in all my wonderful surroundings

in the precise moment without disturbance.

Be uplifted, inspired to readily
express my thoughts in writing, as

an artist does in painting.

My journals are heartfelt and

invaluable to me... they are me!

My Love of Hawaii

I have the utmost respect for the Hawaiian natives and admire their life of demure graciousness, patience and humility.

Duke Kahanamoku

The blended three part unity of Nature, Man and Deity is the root of their traditional culture, where the life of each depends on the life of all. ‘Mana’ – is the divine power of Body, Mind and Spirit.  Nature relates to the body, man corresponds to the mind and deity connects to the spirit.

Their ‘Aloha aina’ – phrase meaning love of the land, is apparent in the passionate conduct in which they live and share their knowledge and beliefs. If not for the gifts that nature provided, then they will never survive, so they treat their land with prime respect and appreciation.

Our tour guide with Hawaii Tours - Maui Island

Derived from the Polynesian religion, Hawaiian culture embraces everyone as ‘Ohana’ – word meaning family, the ones we live with, laugh with and love... no-one gets left behind or forgotten.

Throughout Hawaii, I was constantly warmed by the hospitality and attentiveness of the locals and at all times felt secure and safe wherever I ventured.

Waikiki Beach

‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was constantly heard throughout the land and added to the equanimity of the island and I never grew tired of listening to such a delightful song, sung by a much loved human being.

Hanauma Bay

Due to regular showers and the sun’s rays through the misty atmosphere above volcanic mountains, rainbows are frequently present throughout the land’s skies.  It’s no wonder Hawaii is known as “the Rainbow State”

Tidal Tears

 So many remarkable stops on the road to Hana, but this quaint village of Ke'anae

where no sooner had I stepped off the coach, I sensed a calm, divine presence

and immediately fell in love with the place.

Created from immense lava flow originating from the Haleakala Crater, Ke’anae is incredibly pretty and captivating.

Ke’anae's congregational church was built from lava rock in 1856 and is the sole surviving building of the April 1st, 1946 tsunami which wiped out the entire village.

The earthquake registered 8.6 on the Richter scale and huge waves that hit Maui Island, Hawaii, reached in excess of thirteen metres in height. Twenty children and four teachers were lost to the massive waves.

Imagine; there was no tsunami warning system in the Pacific at the time, so Hawaii was caught completely unaware.

Consumed with peace and sentiment, I entered the rustic house of worship that still operates on the third Sunday of every month. I took my pew where I knelt to pray for those souls who previously departed this land of aloha, in addition for my own family and loved ones.

Soon after, I strolled through the surrounding grounds, capturing photos and delighting in the countryside of lush vegetation. The misty volcanic mountain ranges located in the background with yet another splendid rainbow overhead completed a perfect picture.

I paused to read various headstones pertaining to lost loved ones of all ages and a little boy’s grave-site, particularly tore at my heart as it was lovingly decorated with toys and things of symbolic of faith.

This enchanting little village embraced peace and I may, without doubt have spent the whole day here... to just sit quietly, close my eyes and be.