Our last days in DTS, spent in Kona…

Such a needed time of reflection, preparation for a life of missions (no matter what career), realization of the world we are going back to, and coming to terms with what we had experienced. Overall, I think everyone in our DTS saw God, His people, and His world in a new light, grew a million times closer to our Creator, and created solid foundations in our faith and who we want to be.

Fulfilling the other goal of our time in Kona, we got to share with the whole base, and also individuals, of our time on outreach. We gave highs and lows, advice/tips, and contacts to those DTSers about to leave Hawaii.

While being back in Kona, I was so glad to reconnect to the nursing home, Marshallese kids, and homeless people from the past Fall. I got to visit my MemoryCare (dimensia patients) friends, play pictionary, and tear up at their sweet words as I left. We got one last Wednesday night dinner in the Marshallese community where it seemed as though we never left – ending the night with the “new dances” the girls would teach us and encouragement to stay strong in who they are. Steve and I even got to go to the beach and ice cream with 2 of the kids on our last day! Additionally, I volunteered at a golf tournament that raised money for more eye procedures on board Papua New Guinea YWAM’s new ship – something obviously very close to my heart!

We even got to fit in one last adventure day with 16 of us in 1 truck heading to the top of Manua Kea mountain for an incredible sunset, extremely cold stargazing, and Costco muffins. We explored a place called “Narnia,” which consists of 5 waterfalls you can see at once and go to the bottom of them all! As we sat in the truck bed for hours with music & laughs & smiles, I realized how much I had truly fallen in love with each person, seen them for who they really are & embraced those qualities that most people would brush over. Seriously awesome people.

I am extremely thankful for these last moments in Kona with this close-knit family and am confident in the relationships I have made to continue for a lifetime! God has blessed me with friends all over the world, and although I wish they would all move to SoCal with me, our diversity from places all over, yet inseparable bonds continue to amaze me.