We left from Phoenix for Honolulu on November 9, 2012. My mom drove us to the airport and we said our goodbyes with one suitcase each and our backpacks. Randy's sister picked us up from the airport in Honolulu and we headed to her place in Mililani. Our niece and nephew Nadia and Holden didn't seem to be fans of us at the very beginning, but over the course of the next month we all really grew to love one another.
We began the process of starting from scratch. Our first goal was to get a vehicle. This took about 3 weeks of diligent searching on Craigslist, but finally we found "the one." We got a 2003 Saturn Vue (perfect for hauling things and sliding in surf boards). It also took 3 weeks because of issues we had with banks. Who knew there was no Wells Fargo on Oahu (we didn't)?
After another week we found the PERFECT place to live! At first we almost took a place in Hauula, but the landlords ended up giving it away to someone else who put down six months of rent up front. We were bummed because of the sparse housing on the North Shore and didn't know when we would be able to find another place we could afford. We decided to fast and pray for help to find a place. Sure enough, the next day we found a place in Sunset Beach! Seriously, who could ask for anything better? I have noticed this pattern in our life lately:
1) We find something we really want (the studio apt in Hauula)
2) We try to obtain it, but are rejected (apartment given away)
3) We begin to worry and feel a little discouraged (what i f we can't find anything else?)
4) Decide to suck it up and ask for God's help and decide to exercise some faith (pray/fast for place to live)
5) We not only get EXACTLY what we want it is usually 100 times better! (i.e.; our place in Sunset Beach)
Randy is a lot better at remaining calm compared to me. He has an amazing ability to be extremely positive when things get stressful or discouraging and deeply believes life will work together for our good. I really admire that about him and try to have more faith in God. So far he has been right on the money with every challenge that has come our way.
Work: Randy has begun to work as a substitute teacher while we try to get on with the Honolulu Fire department. I am still in the process of looking for full-time work but have managed to find small jobs here and there. I just finished the lengthy process to work at some pre-schools in the area.
Play: We are pro's when it comes to this part. We love the ocean and have tried to go boogie boarding and surfing. I have only been surfing a few times, but I am excited to learn, especially as the waves get smaller. Recently, we went surfing at Kahana Bay and I loved it! I have also developed a little bit of a fascination for beach glass and cooking. We also love the library! I never thought I would be a huge fan of this place since I never really seemed to have an interest in reading a lot when I was younger, but it feels like this whole new world has been opened to me that I don't think I fully realized even existed! Seriously, you can learn just about anything and it is FREE! Randy loves history and I tend to gravitate towards anything having to do with health.
Food: Yes, food does have its own category. Lately I have really enjoyed making new recipes, which is very different from my "college self". Although our apartment does not have an oven (common in Hawaii) we have this awesome toaster oven and have felt no limits in what I can make. I also LOVE my blender and make smoothies daily. Some of Randy's favorite recipes I make are home made pizza and cauliflower soup. We are also trying to eat healthier. I read this book called Eat to Live and it has changed how I look at food and approach eating. Basically try to consume as many nutrients as you can through your food choices and try to eliminate or limit things that don't do much for ya. I still have a lot to learn and improve on, but I am loving my progress so far! And don't worry, we still eat cookies and enjoy pies and ice cream as much as the next person. My mother and I are somewhat obsessed and talk about this book constantly during our weekly phone calls.
