bubs

one of the church members at LBC has been kind enough to rent us one of his cars while we're staying here for 3 months. it's a little white ford aspire that he calls "the bubble car" and we've affectionately nicknamed "bubs." despite his outward appearance, bubs is quite the little engine that (mostly) could. he has has a bit of trouble going in reverse, and a nasty habit of lurching forward every time he switches gears. i also have a sneaking suspicion that he might fall apart if i drove him over 50 mph. luckily the speed limit on the island is 20-35 mph, so i won't get to test my theory.

bubs' personality is actually quite endearing, and i'm really starting to like him. we are so blessed to have a car! our latest adventure with bubs was driving on the winding-mountain road to the beach. it's about a 10-mile drive, and bubs doesn't like to go uphill. so it's an adventure each time.

yesterday and today have both been beach days. we had most of Friday off, which i think might be pretty rare for us, so we seized the day and played at the beach both days. yesterday, as we were soaking up the sun, Brooke looked at the water and squealed. Of course, my mind jumped to "where's the cockroach??" but she pointed towards the water and we watched as spinner dolphins leapt out of the water in the bay. it was incredible, and i wish i could have taken a picture of them jumping. this will have to do. the beach days have been good for my soul--relaxing and just what i needed. plus, i'm seeing hints of a tan line, and am so excited!

last night, we were invited to the pastor's house where the Kokua Lanai board welcomed us with a Mexican food dinner and game night. Kokua Lanai is the nonprofit organization started by the church aimed at helping the children on the island ("kokua" is Hawaiian for "help"). Once again, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people here. I had so much fun playing games (though this picture may not show it!) and "talking story" with everyone. this church is really something special. I'm happy to be a part of it.

Towards the end of the night, the pastor's wife (Cindy) came out with a cake and everyone sang happy bithday to Brooke and I. This birthday is the longest lasting one i've ever had! As I thanked Cindy and gave her a hug, she said that she had daughters about my age, and she hoped that if they were in our situation someone would do the same for them. She really touched my heart in a way words can't truly express.

well, i think that's all for now. i'll post more pictures next time, promise!