Bike path

I've never really been a runner....but, how can I not be when I have this paved path across the street (which is also right along the beach)?! So, Aaron and I have signed up for the Great Aloha Run in February....which means I need to run...a lot. Whether we are running, walking, or biking on the path, Duke and I always enjoy the sound of the waves crashing, the sweet smell of tropical flowers lining the path, and the fact that even though we are new here, we always run into someone we know (or someone who knows us!). :)

Another wonderful thing that the bike path provides me is time by myself to think and pray. Anyone who knows me even a little bit knows that I'm an introvert. I NEED 'alone' time to survive. :) And God created me, so He definitely knows my needs! He knew how much of a blessing it would be to have this beautiful, refreshing time with Him even while I'm red in the face, covered in sweat, and hardly breathing! :) I am so thankful that I have such a loving God who takes care of me!

So many changes...

Life is slowly becoming normal here, on the North Shore of Oahu. I still find myself thinking as if I'm on vacation though....thoughts such as, "How are we going to bring all this stuff home?" or "I need to hurry and get a tan before we leave" continue to pop into my head now and then. :) I have to remind myself that God has placed us here for the time being and this is my new home.

I never would have imagined that so many changes could take place in so little time. A few months ago, I was working full-time (or more), and had to use every ounce of time and energy I could muster to cook, clean, and spend purposeful time with Aaron and Duke. I now find myself at home full-time, with an abundance of time and energy to do all of those things and more! I find great pleasure in cooking, doing laundry, talking on the phone to family and friends, ironing Aaron's police uniform (lots of starch!), grocery shopping with my mother-in-law, and training Duke to be gentle to the dogs, come when I call him, and say 'dada'. It is hard getting used to a new culture and way of doing life, but I aim to be the best student and learn how to live here well. A few things I've learned already are that everything revolves around how good the surf is, white rice goes with everything, and everyone is an Aunty or Uncle and you'll pretty much get treated like family everywhere you go. It's fun and challenging trying to understand this culture and take my place in this Ohana.

I believe with all of my heart that God is in control of our lives. He knows what is best for us and what will bring Him the most glory. If it were up to me, I would have probably stayed where I was comfortable....close to my family, friends, and a life I had always known....but God knew that I would grow and bring Him more glory as a result of moving here, so here I am....doing my best to trust Him fully. My dad is one of the wisest men in the world....so when he gives me advice, I do my very best to pay attention. Right before we moved, he told me this: "Major changes in a person's life usually cause one of two things to occur....accelerated growth or major backsliding in your walk with the Lord". I believe him, and I am determined to grow closer to, not further away from, the Lord during this time of many changes occurring in my life.