Molokai and Many Goodbyes

Our last week in Hawaii was definitely memorable! We, along with several senior couples, flew to beautiful Molokai and toured the historic Kalaupapa in an old rusted school bus.

The members of our little branch planned a backyard farewell potluck that same evening, and the turnout was incredible! The weather was perfect, and everyone was content to just visit the night away. It was our favorite event of the year! We felt so loved.

If that wasn’t enough, on Sunday at church everyone sang Aloha Oe. We sobbed like babies! Then everyone hugged us and put leis around our necks…forty leis in total! Several people said they hoped we could feel their “love” around our necks, and we could!

And even though we begged people to not come to the airport last night, there were a few who insisted and came anyway. After a week of goodbyes and feeling lots of love, we were sad to leave wonderful people behind and excited to be home and see family!

Comments

[Cindy B]

I am so glad you had the opportunity to visit Molokai and loved the photos you posted of your special time there. Especially the photo of all the beautiful leis. I am glad you felt the love and aloha from so many who were so grateful to have you both here.

[Oiseauvert]

Bon retour parmi les vôtres et votre vie

[Kim]

<3

[Kim]

What a wonderful and memorable experience for everyone involved. I loved reading about your mission in Hawaii- even though, I wasn't able to comment much. ( computer issues?) Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Your demonstrator friends are eager to see you in April at On Stage Live. We've missed you!

[Faith Gaspar]

Wonderful, Wonderful Photos. Thank You so Much for Sharing your mission with us. I can't believe the time went so fast. Hope all is well with Sterling... you both have been in my thoughts and heart...

[Rosemarie]

It has been enjoyable to follow your adventures in Hawaii! Now to a silly question the shoes in the picture in front of the school bus. The brand name please. I have balance issues and I am always on the lookout for comfortable and stylish flats. Thanks for sharing. Welcome home!

[Kim Fifita]

Hey, I know that kid in the second-to-last photo--I think he was in one of the classes I taught at BYU-Hawaii (can't remember the name though)! Excited to have you back in the office, and I can commiserate with you about missing Hawaii. :)

[Janean]

Thanks for sharing!

[Shelli]

Rosemarie- I love these shoes! The brand name is Columbia, and I would buy them again! Hopefully you can find them.

[Randee]

Welcome home! Sara has been awesome sitting in for you!

My husband lived on Maui from age 10 until he left home and my in-laws lived there until my mother in law passed away from cancer. All of her children and their spouses, grandkids and locals that came for her funeral sang "Aloha Oe" as one of the hymns at her funeral. It was beautiful.

One fond embrace....until we meet again.

[Megan]

So glad you got to visit beautiful Molokai. My father is named for Fr Damien, a catholic priest who worked with the lepers there before succumbing the disease himself who has just been made a Saint in the Catholic Church