Cleaning off the mud at the beach and resting in enormous chairs

Iolani Palace and Beach Time!

Service with River of Life Mission in Honolulu

Clara-Day 2

The day started with a visit to Pearl Harbor, the site at which Japan launched a surprise attack that entered the US into World War II, and the USS Arizona. The USS Arizona was a battleship stationed at Pearl Harbor and was bombed, leading to her partial explosion and ultimate sinking. We then ate some delicious gourmet shaved ice before heading to the River of Life Mission, an organization that helps the unhoused population of Oahu get back on their feet. We learned about the organization and were briefed on the work that we will be doing tomorrow. Later, we enjoyed a quick trip to the beach where we saw a wild turtle! After a wonderful day, we dined on wonderful tacos made by Cate, Gloria, and Michael. 

Going to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona was a sobering experience. When the USS Arizona was bombed, her artillery room exploded, everyone on board was killed within seconds. Over a thousand soldiers and Marines, many of whom were 18 to 20 years old. It remains the deadliest US naval disaster in history. Visiting the memorial served as an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous loss of life during the war, as well as a way to give thanks to the men who made great personal sacrifice for their country that day. I am incredibly grateful to have had that opportunity.

Day 1–Michael

On our first day together, we met up at the airport. I didn't know most of the group, so I met everyone and started to get to know them. We spent our flight talking, reading, and playing games, getting to know one another as best we could. Flying over the islands was very cool. They looked very pretty from the air, and I couldn't wait to get into that water.
We arrived at our lodgings, a nice house at a camp in the mountains of Oahu. Not long after settling in, we donned our bathing costumes and headed out. We had dinner at a Hawaiian BBQ place, and soon after had our first shot at the beach. We swam around, bodysurfed some waves and altogether had a grand old time. It was great fun and was a good bonding experience.
This day was really good for me especially, because I went into this trip only knowing a few people. Between the time spent waiting around at the airport, dinner as a group, and the beach at sunset, we had a very good day, and I had a lot of time to get to know the other group members. I look forward to learning more about these people and connecting with them more, building a community during this upcoming week.

Orientation at River of Life Mission

Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona