Aloha-Part 2

Aloha is Hawaiian for hello and goodbye.  Iris said farewell to kindergarten and her English teacher, Ms. Claire Storm, who moved to Washington State in June.  I made a connection with a new friend from church, Debra, who shared some printed info about Hawaiian culture, and taught some hula as part of our Vacation Bible School (VBS).

 

Ahoy! was the word for VBS Son Treasure Island.  I participated as registrar and part of the missions team, including one day's presentation focusing on China.  It was really hard narrowing down (in 15 minutes time) to a point that related God's love and education at a grammar school level.  I'm not even sure it was clear because Iris couldn't remember what I presented.  I was grateful for so many people's input, prayers, and working technology.   

Iris had to say, "goodbye" to one of her classmates, Liam, but then "hello again" because the moms (Cindy and Stacey) signed them up for swim lessons.  They enjoyed making "purses" out of large ivy leaves.  What imaginations!

 We also said "hello" (temporarily) to Aunt Ruth's dog, Ichiban.  He's a puggle that might have enjoyed our company more, if he were better housetrained.  Iris got good at walking a dog his size, and was very fine cleaning up after him outside. This was good training for our future dog, "Daisy" or "Cupcake."






 Then in late June, we had to bid farewell and "au revoir" to our dear friends, Paul, Judy and Monique Hadley.  They have packed up their belongings; goats and all, and they moved to rural Massachusetts.  God only knows what awaits them in the future.  Their quiet and friendly ways, as well as their love for low carbon footprint have touched and blessed many lives, including ours.  Since they left, Brian and Iris have bantered about joining them, requiring ME to get a teaching job at my alma mater in Brattleboro, VT.  Dream on!

Finally, we have greeted new faces (for Iris) or familiar ones that we haven't seen in a long time.

• high school classmates of Cindy's: Jenny by phone and Denise in person (through Facebook!)
• Uncle Yang (A-ma's older brother) and his children my cousins, as well as Aunt Ling (A-ma's younger sister)  and Uncle Warren from Virginia.  We only managed to share two delicious dinner meals with them.
• welcome back to Aunt Ruth and cousin Noah, who spent 8 days in Spain on tour with Noah's choir.  He also graduated from High School  Whoo hoo!

 Life is full of comings and goings.  Where are we going next?  To the wedding of my niece, Shelby, and camping with our friends, the Osmers.  Isn't God great?!!