The Faith of Our Children

It is a busy time for the Kawa'a family!  Kamalani has waited two years to enter her first solo hula competition, Hula O Na Keiki.  Competition is now just two weeks away!  We are preparing her physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally for this special opportunity.

This picture was taken in New York City.  Kamalani is sitting at the window of our hotel room at the Westin.
This is the day I found out Kamalani would be the next Hula O Na Keiki soloist.

As she prepares, we still have three other busy children with football, Scouts, activities, music gigs, and more.  Inevitably, this can cause schedule conflicts.  For instance, Kamalei's last football game, which also happens to be Homecoming and his first game playing after a four week academic probation is the same night as Kamalani's Kahiko presentation for her competition!  Initially we encouraged Kamalei to be on the field with his team, but recently he has been having other promptings.

If you know Kamalei, he is a very unselfish person and thinks of others before himself.  He is also very reflective and contemplative.  He shared with us tonight that he has been praying about it and he feels he should be there for his sister.  Both Llewellyn and I and even Kamalani were surprised to hear him say that.  Kamalani immediately encouraged her brother to play his last game of the season, but Kamalei answered saying that he will continue to pray about it.

I really admire both of Kamalani and Kamalei.  They both have showed tremendous love for each other through the support they extend to each other.  Kamalani is in the stands every football game with hand-made signs cheering her brother on.  She is there even when Kamalei isn't playing!  Kamalei, in return, is having a hard time thinking of his sister on stage at her first solo competition without him there.  I think it really is affecting Kamalei because he has been through this competition, and won!  

Kamalei - Master Hula O Na Keiki 2008

I continue to be amazed at the decisions my children make.  I am so thankful that on their own, without us telling them to, they pray for answers to their questions.  They already have a testimony of petitioning the Lord through prayer.  I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has entrusted these special, valiant, righteous spirits in our care as they are examples to me each day!