Swimming with the fish

Our last Sunday in Hawaii and we decided against flying to O'ahu. Instead we ventured to Wailuku to worship with the people of Good Shepherd Episcopal church...as a family. We really fill a pew now (in one of those sledom opportunities we have to be together on a Sunday morning). We met Fr. Marvin and enjoyed his fellowship. His congregation seems alive and diverse. It was a great start to a great day. We enjoyed our second drive around the West side of Maui which landed us in the Honolua Bay where we had planned to spend the day diving and snorkeling. What an adventure. One lesson: don't have a crust from you 5 year old in your pocket when entering the water. You will soon be popular with lots of fish. They literally swam circles around me! The others looked at this amazing site through their googles and began to enjoy what proved to be one of our best adventures. We swam around reefs and I literally dove down about 15 feet to see other fish and coral. The colors were amazing. The fish here amaze me....and the day felt likeswimming in a big fish tank. I think if I could do one thing again in Maui, it would be to snorkle and find some turtles. Next time!

Today is Mondayand we have been packing bags and cleaning up for the next priest (who is already here). The house has actually stayed in a pretty good state....despite having two bedrooms and six people. I have been so proud of the children and the way they have cared for Rik and Heather's home.

Off to the church one last time this evening to see Fr. Wayne and talk about handing over tomorrow.

What an adventure this has been. If you have followed along with me, I hope that you will be able to see beautiful things in this coming year. One great lesson I have learned during the month of June is that one does not need to travel to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. That beauty surround us every day and is particularly visible in the hearts of those who seek live as disciples....who are known by their love. I miss Eleanor and Elizabeth. I miss Epsie and Barbara. I miss my crazy cat and dog. I miss my Buick (and the price of gas in Virginia). I miss the sounds of friendly and familiar voices in the grocery store. It will be good to be back in Radford with you on the 4th of July.

With a heart welling with gratitude for the time I have spent on Maui.

Kris+