Monday, December 18, 2006

Aloha!

We found our new ward yesterday and we were greeted with Aloha! So many people took the time to say Hi, and to talk to us, and welcome us to the "family." It was really great. I was worried that our ward would be all Army and no locals, but we definately stand out with our pale skin, but we were also not the only haoles.

Mormon's don't shop around for a church, we get assigned a ward (congregation) based on our home address. Usually that is fine, but it can be a worry. We went to a different ward the first week we were here, and it was fine, but our real ward is even better! The church is HUGE in Hawaii, and there is a lot of history here - (Joseph F. Smith.) We are most excited to be so close to the temple - about 40 minutes!

When I was a kid, there was a little Hawaiian lady in our ward who whould get up at the pulpit on Fast Sunday and shout AAAALLLLOOOOOOHHHHAAAA! and then get upset if we didn't respond properly, so she would shout out ALOHA again. I was a little worried about that, and though each of the speakers start out with a friendly "aloha brother's and sister's", it is a gentle aloha and it makes me smile - especially when John said "Aloha" in response, too.

I miss reading your blogs. Sorry. I hope you don't hate me. I also need to re-insert your addresses onto my sidebar, I will, but it will take some time. My lost computer should find me in mid January.

14 comments:

Deanne said...

So....how was surfing lessons? When do you move into your new home? Details woman! :)

I miss reading your blog too. I've checked on it just about every day since you left South Dakota. I look forward to hearing all about your new daily life once you get settled.

Amanda said...

Aloha! Glad that church went well and that you like your new ward.

Can't believe you are surfing in December. So what is the average temperature over there? Just for your information and to make you a little home sick it is 14 degrees here right now. I know, don't be jealous. :) We are expecting snow, but they've been saying that every day for the last 5 days and it has yet to come. It will probably hit 5 minutes before we are supposed to leave for Utah.

Anonymous said...

ohhhh nooo!! I so sympathize with the lost computer thing - it takes awhile! No worries - and no, we don't hate u! LOL!!! :)

Glad you like your new ward - that can make ALL the difference. ;0)

Mary said...

Oh, I'm so glad your ward was warm and welcoming. But then, that's just how I would picture a ward in Hawaii. I hope you guys make some good friends there. Are there many kids the ages of yours?

All of your adventuring sounds so exciting! How do you like the house? Is it the one on the Army post then?

I'm so glad you are back (even if sporadically until your computer arrives)

Mary said...

That story about the lady in our Laotion Branch in California shouting "ALLLLOOOOHA" was hilarious. Those poor recent immigrants from Laos were probably so befuddled by that, even more so than we were.

Suzanne said...

I'm glad that you're enjoying the ward. It really makes a big difference with how nice life it.

I don't think any of us could hate you if we tried. Good luck finding your computer and getting settled. We'll still be here! :)

Super Happy Girl said...

HA! I also thougth people in Hawaii screamed ALOHA!!! into the mic and that everyone had to yell back...:)

Ditto and ITA with deanne, miss ya.

Anonymous said...

Melekalikimaka! We miss you guys. I wish we could say that while your sunning on the sand we are sliding in the snow, but no such luck. The weather guys haven't been right FOREVER. We are BONE dry. I found Becca Anthony (Randalls) jacket down in the McDowells basement today. She was very happy because her mom was going to make her buy her own new jacket. I have lots to tell you. Do you have email yet, or a phone number I can call you at? Have a Melekalikimaka. Bye now. Janene

Batya said...

Enjoy your new home!

Laurie said...

Glad to hear you guys are getting settled and doing well. Love ya!

Millie said...

Aloha (and not the bratty lady Aloha - the nice Aloha).

I would be going completely nuts without my computer for that long. Hope you are coping and still enjoying the new ward!

Lana said...

aloha! Hope you're settling in and that you can keep the kids out of the surf long enough to say go to school or church :)

Anonymous said...

Hey, Wendy and Nathan, Happy Anniversary. Did you guys get to go away for it? Happy 14 years!
Missing you, hope you get your computer soon.
Heather

wendy said...

What a sweet welcome back to my blog! Hi guys!