My Island

I'm leaving this beautiful place called Oahu sooner rather than later. The idea makes my soul cry; I've become so attached to everything about this place. The people, the nature, the sounds, the smells, the ideals, and the tastes. Here are just a few changes that Hawaii has wrought upon me.

-An even greater love for my darling family. Especially my mommy

-I feel old. It's a younger demographic at BYU-H, or at least the kids act younger. It's helped me realize what age has taught me, and embraced the new me. Don't get me wrong, i'm just as silly and adventurous as the next kid, but I can celebrate my maturity at the same time.

-A love for sand. It gets everywhere, just like how the vibe of Hawaii get's under your skin. It's got it's grittiness, but over all it's beautiful and you couldn't have a beach without it.

-Better money management. It's flippin expensive out here

-Patience. Not by choice. But it is a divine gift and I'm happy to have the chance to develop it

-A new love for my natural beauty. There's this style out here i'll call "Hawaii Grunge." Imagine a top not, skinnies, and some beat up old t-shirt. Sandals are optional. Make-up is unheard of. But with the simplicity comes the true beauty. Maybe it's just cause everyone is so tan, but there is a loveliness in the easiness and carelessness.

-A deep love for macadamia nuts, coconut, and shrimp.

-A better appreciation for the friends in my life. Those I've made here and those back home. People are so good. There are so many I'm lucky to know

-I've learned to slow down and communicate earnestly. One would hardly thing of Utah as a fast paced land, but anything is fast compared to Hawaii. And it is such a melting pot of cultures, before breakfast you run into 10 new ethnicities you didn't even know existed. Communication has to be executed on a different level. People don't understand things the same way you do. And if you keep trying to explain yourself in a way you would understand, you will never get your idea across. I've learned to be sensitive and work towards what a person responds to. Above all I've learned that kind words get you a lot farther than impatient ones.

-More love for my Gospel. My testimony is always growing, and this semester has been no exception. I know my God loves me, and I love him. I am blessed. And I know because of my blessing great things are expected of me. I want to make them proud.

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Mahalo