Leaving my Keiki

                Light breaths flow from my ten 3-year olds mouths and they sleep and I reflect over the very short summer this has been. From the day I flew back to this island (June 2^nd), my time has run away from me. Being my 8^th journey to O’ahu over the past six years, I knew from this beginning that this would be my last, at least for a while. Dad is retiring in November and returning to the mainland for a time of travel and finally settling in one place. Yes, that means Mom and Dad are going to purchase their first home. It’s very exciting, but leaves sadness in the air as it’s finally hit me: one week from tomorrow I will be boarding a plane and traveling the 2,908 back to Phoenix. I will most likely return to Hawaii someday, but for the first time, I am leaving here uncertain of when that day will be.

                This summer has probably been the best yet. Each trip to this island has been unique and of special meaning. However, this trip in particular was of great value. From the moment I landed, I became immersed in the presence of incredible people! The time I’ve spent with Pastor Mark and Gloria (the church secretary) will be ingrained in my mind forever. The time Gloria took out of her day to speak with my in that church office was very meaningful. Most days during my break I would wander up those stairs into her office and, immediately, she would stop everything, tell me to sit down and offer me a treat (usually candy…but Will kept eating all the good stuff). I would ask how her day was and, on multiple occasions, she replied, “Better now that you’re here.” Do you know how much that single phrase meant to me? A lot. The experience of working at Waolani Judd for the fourth summer was, once again, a blessing. In June I was given the title of Kindergarten Summer School Teacher. I had 18 wonderful students who still hug me every time we meet. In July, I moved to pre-school, where I have been the substitute teacher of twelve 3-year olds who are very precious, but quite energetic and exhausting! I think of “John and Kate plus Eight”- (now sadly just Kate)- and question how they did it. Every summer I have substituted for this particular teacher, but this summer I feel was a bit more challenging. However, I know I have continuously grown.

                Kaimuki Christian Church has been another wonderful blessing, as they always are. The college group there welcomes me into their group every time I visit. This summer I was blessed to join them for their college camping trip on the North Shore. We spent two nights camping on the beach, enjoying volleyball, football, fellowship, and s’mores. Bible study on Wednesdays (the weeks I’ve made it) has been encouraging and uplifting, but challenging as well, forcing me to think about details of the bible that I haven’t thought about before. A couple weeks ago I was talking to a member of the group, and he stopped me in the middle of a sentence, stating, “Wow! You seem different this summer. You’re mature. No more little Janna.” In many ways I feel like a child still, but I can also look back over the last few years and note the changes in me, and the growth.

                Several groups have come to visit, keeping us quite busy as well. From the youth group in Denver, to my aunt and uncle from Dallas, and friends in Flagstaff, we have been very busy! I was able to get back on the paddleboard when my aunt and uncle were visiting, which was a great joy. I really enjoy paddleboarding, and I plan to get back out there once more next week. The food, as always, has been a pleasure too. Being overloaded with shave ice, white rice, pineapple, macadamia nuts, and coffee this summer, I may have serious withdrawals upon my return to the mainland!

                Overall, I have had one heck of a summer. There has yet to be a moment when I have been bored. In fact, I’m searching for time just to sleep. I agree with my coworker Denise that they need to make the preschool cots in adult size! A nap every afternoon would sure be nice. However, I’ve been blessed. I’ve been spoiled…rotten. Now, with one more week, one more luau, one more day of paddleboarding, and maybe (if I’m lucky) two more waterfall hikes, my time is approaching to arrive back in Arizona. I’m leaving my Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian keiki to return to my Navajo ones. I’m very excited for a new year at Sun Valley Indian School, but may just shed a tear or two as I wave goodbye to Diamondhead and the rainbows out my window aboard Hawaiian flight 36: destination Phoenix.