The Giving Tree
Every year I try to get gifts for less fortunate children. Last year was such a blessing because Kamalani organized and ran The Giving Tree at church. With love and support from our church family, Kamalani was able to provide gifts and holiday meals for 30 families! This year, another young woman, Tyra Joaquin is doing The Giving Tree. We picked a 4-year old boy who wanted a toy and 3 boxes of cake mix to add to a holiday basket for a family in need. Kamahiwa and I went shopping and he picked out a big Tonka garbage truck that lights up and make noises, just like the real thing! When Ka'iliwai saw it, he wanted it, so we know the 4-year old boy will enjoy it!!! A few days ago, Kamalani delivered the gift we bought and cake mix to Tyra. It felt so good to play a small part in bringing Christmas cheer to someone else!
Singing at the Homeless Shelter
On Tuesday, December 13th, Righteous Youth sang at the Homeless Shelter during dinner. Youth from our church Young Women's program served a hot meal, dessert, and drinks while our kids sang. There were about 80 people from the shelter who came to dinner. Later in the car, my children shared their feelings. They were amazed at how many children live at the shelter. They even knew many of the kids there through school and friends. They shared how blessed they felt to have the opportunity to share some music with them. Kamalei said, "Those are the best gigs, Mom!" I smiled and said, "Christmas is about others, son."
Christmas Caroling for the Kupuna
On Wednesday, December 14th the Youth of Waiehu Ward went Christmas Caroling through Hawaiian Homes. They made a point of singing for the Kupuna (elders). Many of our kupuna can't get out much, so they truly appreciated hearing the beautiful voices of our youth. Christmas is about others!
Surprises of Song and Christmas Cookies
Last night we had fun surprising our favorite families with Christmas cookies, goodies and song. During the day Hiwa and I baked 6 batches of cookies and 2 batches of fudge. We decorated containers and topped them off with bows, filled them up with goodies and waited for Daddy to come home so we could begin our journey of surprise! We started out at the Lagas home in Waiehu Terrace, then off the to Sadangs, and then the Santiagos. We headed out to Waiehu Kou to see Mama and Papa Kawa'a and Aunty Tammy, then back to Hawaiian Homes Paukukalo to visit the Hosinos, Tutu and Papa. At each home we gave them a container of goodies and then the kids sang "I am a Child of God", a testimony of what this season is all about. We don't have much material things to share, but we can share our testimonies and love! As we left each home, Llewellyn said, "Oh, and thank you for being part of our family." A few simple words that made such a powerful statement of our love for each of them. The last stop was the best of all with the Rano family. We found out they didn't have a Christmas tree, so we jumped in the car, went home and got our artificial tree. When we got back to their house, they had gone to get dinner, so we set up the tree in the kitchen and left. A little later we got a call thanking us for the tree. Their youngest son, Daitfyn was so happy! When he walked in the house he shouted, "Oh, look, Christmas tree!" Yes, Christmas is about others!
Serving others = Serving God
This morning the kids got up early (8:00 am LOL) and started a day of service. The boys went to to Ke Kahua to help Uncle Oliver prepare ti-leaves and lu'au leaves for our Hawaiian Christmas luncheon on Sunday. Kamalani and Ruby headed to their Laurels Presidency meeting for church, and Hiwa and I did more baking, this time for our neighbors. This afternoon the boys will help Kumu 'Iliahi and Kumu Haunani clean out their garage. I am reminded of a scripture from the Book of Mormon - "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." I'll say it again, Christmas is about others!
Tomorrow we will take a break and enjoy time with family. Christmas Eve lunch with the Kawa'as, Christmas Eve dinner with the Olstens, and a sleep over with the cousins watching Christmas DVDs. Sunday morning we will go to church and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A Hawaiian luncheon to follow at Mom and Dad's house with the missionaries, family and good friends. In the midst of it all, may our hearts be focused on the reason for this joyous season, Jesus Christ our Lord!
