What Hawaii Has Taught Me

Over two years ago we began this wonderful journey on Oahu. I still remember those first couple weeks on this place called paradise. Sometimes I wish I could hug the me that arrived anxious and fearful and tell her that it all works out, you will be beyond blessed, and in two years you can look back and be proud of what you have learned. I hope that these lessons never leave me... so I am writing them down to be remembered always.

Lesson number one: Above is a picture of my most precious souvenirs from Hawaii. I intend to keep them forever. Those broken Kitchen utensils are something very dear to my heart. They are practically worthless but to me they represent the one of the lessons I have learned and I hope to never forget! When we lived in Utah if my spatchula broke I would have ran off that very same day to the nearest Target and bought another... and it probably would not have been the cheapest one! Well because Target is an hour away and money is tight I am proud to say we have been using those broken kitchen utensils for over a year! I have learned to really use what we have and be grateful for it. We count our many MANY blessings! Sometimes I think it is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world because, lets be honest, there are some pretty amazing things! I hope to never forget that you don't need the best or just plain things in life to get by or be happy! 

Lesson Number Two: You have this amazing all knowing being that you should lean on... Always. So many times Heavenly Father has led us in the direction we needed even if we didn't know why. From moving to Hawaii, to getting this crazy and equally wonderful job{1, 2, 3}, to giving us encouragement to keep pressing on, reminding us we can do hard things, and helping us see the next step! I can not imagine life without my heavenly father. Sometimes I am sad to admit that I do not always give him the devotion or first priority that I need to... but when I do I am reminded that he is there and ready to guide us!

Lesson Number Three: The relationships we build with others is what matters most! We have met so many people from so many different places and walks of life. It has been amazing and life changing. I have learned so many times over and over that we are all here for each other. Never in my life would I have thought I could have so many friends from so many places that could touch my life the way they have!