I've put this off long enough. It's time to talk about last summer. 

I thought I would take this opportunity to share some key things that learned from living in Hawaii as well as some things I learned about the Lord and about myself. I also though I would share some "never before seen" pics as well. 

Alright, so, July 7th 2016 I hoped on a plane and flew from the lovey midwest to an island in the middle of the Pacific. You can read all about that in my previous posts:

Life in Kona 

Touching Base

Welcome To The Process

Going Out With A Bang 

And several more

I learned very quickly as my plane was taking off that fear masks itself in many different ways. I felt completely put together, exited, hopeful, positive...UNTIL I SAW THE ISLAND. I realized I was surrounded by nothing but ocean and so so far from home. I didn't know a single soul, I had never flown that far alone before, and yet I was going anyway; no turning around at that point. 

I learned I could do it. 

I learned how to sleep in a room without Air Conditioning.

I learned that if you're walking in God's will for your life than all things will work out for your good, every freakin' time. 

I learned I'm not the strongest swimmer and should be careful when swimming in hectic waves or waterfalls (another story for another time).

I learned that sunscreen, coconut oil, and aloe vera are your best friends. 

I learned to fall in love with island life (this was just a given honestly). 

I learned to stop and watch the sunset because it's always worth it, EVERY TIME.

I learned that if the Lord asks you to do something, even something you never thought you could do, you should do it. 

I learned that time goes by to fast and that I should never complain about the season that the Lord has me in (CAN I GET AN AMEN)

I learned that when you surround yourself with likeminded people, you are way more likely to flourish and live up to your full potential.

I learned that God is actually extremely and wonderfully kind. 

I learned that I'm pretty without makeup on. 

I learned that there is a difference between missing a place or a person -and- wanting to be in a place or with a person. 

I learned that I could pass as a native Hawaiian island child.

I learned that no matter how strong someone's opinion of you might be (both negative and positive) your identity comes from God, the one that created you. 

I learned that to feel outrageously loved, you must learn to outrageously love others. 

I learned that if you pray for the Lord to give you patience, He will put you in very difficult situations where you must exercise it. #becarefulwhenprayingdangerousprayers

I learned that you can become best friends with someone in two weeks.

I learned that I'm an ugly crier. 

I learned that Lychee, Okinawan, and Lilikoi are the best things since sliced bread. 

I learned that lava really is that hot.

I learned that the stars from the top of a volcano can bring you to tears. 

(have a look for yourself)

(yes, that's hot lava reflecting from the bottom right corner)

Fast forward a year and a few months (give or take), I still stare at these pictures in awe. I think to myself "I can't believe I lived there," "I can't believe that Jesus sent me there." 

I went there a nervous, immature 17 year old and left and confident, slightly less immature, 18 year old, daughter of Christ. 

I can't wait to go back. 

We've been traveling since Tuesday, September 20th. It is now Friday, September 23rd. We are currently standing in our customs line trying to calculate how many hours of travel that adds up to. 36...45...38? Don't know, it's just been a long time. Our outreach team is traveling the furthest this quarter. Hawaii to South Africa ain't no hop, skip, and a jump if you know what I'm saying.

Our 12 hour layover in Frankfurt, Germany mixed with a mix of boredom and curiousity led us to a train ride and a walk through the beautiful city. 

I might be experiencing my first round of serious jet lag, but I have never felt so stoked to travel. I definitely think I've caught the vagabond bug and need to plan a trip to Europe again... 

4/5 flights down, one more left! Cape Town awaits us. Onward travelers.
 But first, coffee: 

 

My time here in Kona has been incredibly healing, challenging, stretching, and absolutely beautiful. The Lord could've directed me anywhere in the world but I'm sure glad He led me to Hawaii. Looking back I can honestly say I've never experienced this much spiritual growth in such a small amount of time. The work that Lord has done and is continuing to do in my heart excites me for the future and what's to come. I have never felt so supported by the church community, both my community back home and my new community here. The Lord has surrounded me with beautiful friends that constantly push me closer to Jesus and provoke me unto righteousness. And it doesn't hurt to have more photographer friends *wink* (photo creds: Austin Comer).  As we bid farewell to the island, a group of us decided one more island adventure seemed fitting. Not only am I packing up shirts and shorts for outreach, but quite a large stack of precious memories to bring along the journey.