Ua ola loko i ke aloha “Love gives life within.”
I once wrote a paper on how aloha was the manifestation of Christ. The spirit of aloha is known today as a response of love, acceptance and hospitality. The fullness of aloha is captured in the actual translation of the word. Alo- means son of God; while ha means breath, spirit, or life. In this sense, the literal translation of aloha means “the life or the spirit of the divine son of God” (Kikawa 1994, 134). Aloha, representing the breath of God, brings the manifestation of Christ in culture and in practice. If this is so, the above saying would then read, “The breath of Christ gives life within.” I think this would accurately describe my time in Hawaii so far. I feel God’s presence, his breath, his spirit breathing life into me, into creation, into the land and into people. I continue to feel my soul at rest… and I must say, it’s a GOOD feeling!!
I’ve had the opportunity to hang out with old friends, new ones and a couple in between! 
It’s been a good experience so far! I am continually amazed at the hospitality and love I have received from the people of Hawaii! And the exciting thing? I know this is merely the beginning! The beauty that surrounds me continues to amaze me and take my breath away. I am full of gratitude to be living in such a beautiful place, with many beaches and places to explore!!
-Waimea bay: Lisa introduced me to John, who introduced me to a group of friends from the church nightlife. What a fun day of swimming, jumping off a 30 ft rock, playing volleyball, cube and meeting new people!
-Kailua beach: a honu (sea turtle) swam right up to me without me even noticing it at first!! I made a new little friend and we chased and followed the turtle in the water. The little boy later told me the turtle had nipped his toe!!
-Barber’s point: Bonny and Jen took me surfing this morning… I was pretty exhausted after our little workout! I am so out of shape and in need of some good paddling skills! Can I please take a wooden oar with me next time??
You may or may not have heard about my new job with GreenPeace. I’m really stoked about working for this organization, even if I do have my doubts about fundraising! I’m afraid it will be similar to sales, but I’m just gonna roll with it for now. It’s just a summer job right? And I am excited for the experience! I am also very excited to meet fellow tree huggers and hippies alike! 
This should be fun!
I am also a total anthropoligical nerd!! I’m thinking of doing a personal research project on Hawaiian spirituality! My friend Kawika attends a church service that meets out at Kailua beach park. The Pastor is a big Hawaiian guy who incorporates Hawaiian spirituality with Christianity. The cultural elements of Hawaii (nature, 9 elements, folk tales) is interpreted and manifested through the Bible. I’m really excited to observe and participate in this service because I have read and learned about “critical contextualization” and “syncretism” and need to see for myself how spirituality and religion is played out in culture and through Christ. I am not taking classes this summer, but I am inspired to do my own research project to apply theories and concepts I have learned in grad school thus far!! I’ll just have to be inconspicuous in jotting down notes and observations during the service. Folk Religion PART TWO! Yesssss, I’m such a nerd!!
Might as well take advantage of the time and opportunity I have to study the culture and embrace the land (and ocean in this case!)
(Kikawa, Daniel I. Perpetuated in Righteousness: The Journey of the Hawaiian People from Eden to the Present Time. Kaneohe, HI: Aloha Ke Akua Publishing, 1994.)
