Aloooohaaaa!!!!

It seems I fall in love with Maui every time I visit. Its hard to accurately describe this amazing island our wonderful Creator designed. Most pictures don't capture the true beauty either. Below are a just a few reasons why it is one of my favorite places, as well as some pics from my trip...

Beautiful beaches. The culture. Delicious food. The sound of waves crashing into the sand. Sipping on a warm cup of coffee watching the powerful ocean. Ridiculously amazing views. Hula and Tahitian dancing. The sunrise. Early morning walks along the beach. Shave ice - strawberry and pina colada with ice cream at the bottom and cream on top to be exact. Alexander's fish and chips. The sunset. Maui Gold pineapple - extra sweet of course. Hearing everyone's "story" on how they ended up in paradise. My beautiful and sweet ohana (family). Kihei Caffe. Laidback locals. ABC Store.

Random Thoughts And A Broken Heart

Just returned from a short trip to a small colony outside of Guadalajara, Mexico. I have gone on a handful of "mission trips" before, but something was different about this journey. I fell in love with the people, the culture, the language. I could go on for days how my heart broke for everyone there - watching them lined up at the border hoping for the chance to crossover, realizing most of them didn't have much at all, seeing how thirsty they were for Him and His truth.

I realized, on a good day, I simply just don't get it. I seek comfort, convenience, safety. Which I suppose isn't necessarily a bad thing, until I desire it more than Him and His Word. HE IS my comforter and protector, not the things of this world that I buy and grip tightly in order to feel control and possession.

I was so convicted by the words in 1 John 3 "But if anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" Recently I was cleaning out closets and packing up old toys and stuffed animals to give away, and I realized that these are things I don't use and won't miss, but ask me to give the clothes off my back or my favorite shoes...that looks more like sacrifice. Giving and sacrifice should interrupt our lifestyles.

I miss the people of El Rosario, the Montiel Family, los ninos, the twins!!! I pray for the opportunity to go back soon to serve, encourage, and grow with all the amazing individuals I met on my journey.

Here are just a few pictures from the trip...


The 3 Amigas



Precious Juaquin



Jimmy...one of my favorites!!!



Juaquin and me