Aloha!

After MUCH encouraging, I am finally starting my own blog to help keep my loved ones informed of my paradisaical life, here at BYU-Hawaii.  I haven't been up to too much lately; a lot of resting due to episodes from my POTS.  I go to town (Honolulu) on Tuesday to see my electrophysiologist and endocrinologist.

I've been very blessed to always have people around me to help and support me whenever I am in need; the Lord is definitely looking after me.  (So no one should be worrying about me or my health).

Tomorrow is Culture Night at BYUH.  All of the ethnic clubs put on a dance from their culture.  I am so excited to go see all of the dancers and their costumes!  It's a big annual event here.

I love living in great cultural diversity!  While at times it can be frustrating and confusing, for the most part, I can't get enough of it!  I thoroughly enjoy soaking in everything I'm learning from everyone around me.  For instance, from the Tongans I have learned the true meaning of "sharing and caring".  All of my Tongan friends are genuinely so willing to give to another of all they have and always do it with a smile and touch on the shoulder that explodes with their love.  Everyday I strive to adapt this cultural quality into my own life.

In the beginning of the school year, I wasn't terribly comfortable with the whole "hug and rub cheeks while making the kissy sound" greeting that was so prominent in quite a few cultures present on campus.  I recognized as something cultural, so I would go along with it, but cringe on the inside.  We Americans love our personal space.  As the first semester progressed, I began not cringing.  I even quite putting my hand out when meeting new poly's (Polynesian people).   As this new semester has been passing, I can proudly say I am now comfortable with this common greeting and even make the kissy sound!  I've come to really prefer this form of greeting, especially when it's greeting guys.  :)  In all honesty, I've found this initial greeting brings a much greater warmth and intimacy (not in the romantic sense) to the conversations that follow.

This past week it's been raining a real tropical rain.  I LOVE the rain!  I am now the proud owner of a very cute pair of rainboots, covered in multi-colored flowers.  It's so soothing to hear the sound of rain outside me window.  A lullaby from God second only to the ocean.


Before I talk your ear off, I'll sign off!  More to come in the future...feel free to comment and communicate with me via this blog!  Any blog or life advice I am open to!

Aloha!