Yesterday we attempted to ride the local trolley to a nice area to snorkel, I mean attempted by we missed it. We were used to seeing an open air old time trolley to pick us up but they slipped in a big enclosed van on us and we didn't realize it until it went by. No problem, we decided to walk until we got about a half mile down the road and asked "How much further?" The answer was 3 miles (uphill) and I said, "NO WAY". Then Peggy decided since all the young Mission Builders (And pretty, I might add) hitchhike to the beaches, she would give that a try. Everyone she tried to give the "Pick us up thumb", just shook their heads and laughed. I told her I wouldn't even stop and pick us up if I was driving by. So we decided to walk back to the pier which is not too far from our apartment and snorkel there. It is very pretty and calm there with nice sandy beaches and nice grass to lay on.
So we get there, and get in the water and WOW, it is cold to say the least. Peggy is not that much for water, much less cold water so she stayed in a short time and then got out. It really wasn't that bad if you stayed in because the sun was very hot. We didn't try snorkeling, we just swam around and saw the fish and watched people.
We then left this area, caught the CORRECT trolley, and headed back to our original destination. It is a snorkel paradise, very shallow but rocky and protected by a wall of lava on the sea side. We saw sea turtles up close as we waded out on the lava and they just swim right up to you with no problems. The water here is shallow enough to stand, but they ask that you not stand due to the coral reef on the bottom. We were about to rent some snorkel gear until a lady and her husband came up holding their arms. They told us they both had been bitten by the fish while snorkeling and had some pretty bad teeth marks where the fish had bitten them. Well, that was enough to keep Peggy out of the water because if ANYONE will get bit by a fish in the middle of the ocean, it would be her. We decided to come back later while we are here after we explore a bit more of the island.
We found out from the local reef expert who was giving information on the reef, that there is one type of fish that will actually attack and bite you if you are too close to their nests while they are nesting. I asked him how will you know if you are too close? He said, "They will bite you!", that is how you know.
Sunday morning, we had a ride to a Hawaiian church about 20 minutes from here that we had planned to visit last weekend but didn't make it. Let me tell you, it was an awesome experience. We found out that this church is probably the second church built on the island and goes way back in Hawaiian history. I wish I could relate the entire story of Christianity in Hawaii but I would leave something out. It all started when a young man named Henry who was the son of a Hawaiian King became an orphan and ended up on a sailing ship back to Connecticut and became a Christian. He had a great desire to return to the Island and teach about Christ, but died before he could return. However, due to his desire, some of the first missionaries came back to Hawaii, and I have found out that Hawaii has a long history of Christianity here. Pictures below are of the church and Henry's grave. He died in Connecticut, but years later they brought his bones back for burial.
The church service was very much like we grew up in. Open windows, kids everywhere in the sanctuary, open prayer request and testimonies and good preaching. It was so sweet. They had us come forward as first time visitors and the little girls did a Hawaiian Welcome dance, and they really poured their hearts into it. After church, they have a traditional Hawaiian meal and it was delicious. They even had seaweed for us to eat, I guess from the Oriental background. Next week, we are invited back (and told to bring our swim suits) because after church everyone is going down to the beach for hot dogs and clean-up on the shores. They are teaching the kids how to "Give Back" and not always "Take" from the community.
After returning home, we went to a local market and Peggy bought a "Dragon" fruit and something that looks like a strawberry porcupine, and some apple bananas. Wish us luck as we have no idea what we are eating, but we will let you know.
Getting ready to start our week number 3, so pray for our strength as we trudge these hills and steps.
I must say, it is getting easier for me. We lose some Mission Builders tomorrow, but we are getting 15 new ones on Wednesday.
Ken and Peggy
Hawaiian dragon fruit, unknown, apple bananas
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