Thoughts of Oahu

Part I: the Particulars

Our weeklong stay on Oahu was, for my husband and me, a brief but fairly comprehensive introduction to our 50th state.

Let’s get this out of the way right now: I cried when we left Hawaii.

It was just that perfect a vacation.

It is just that beautiful a state.

Hawaii is proof of God’s goodness, love and incredible artistry. Words fall short in describing the wonder of these islands—amazing, lovely, pretty, incredible…I was growing quite tired of my redundancy by the end of our stay.

And yes, I got a big old lump in my throat when we departed.

Keep in mind I’m kind of weepy in general. Just two days prior I was crying over missing our five kids. Call me crazy and my husband would agree. If there is guilt or regret to be emoted, I’m there!

Yes, it’s true: I suffer from the syndrome known as “I’m not worthy.” (This one seems so common to us mothers!) Anyway, Kristen was right to recall that I blogged about this trip way back in December. This vacation was the most beautiful of gifts from my husband for my 40th birthday. I’d say it was worth it, turning 40! (I think.)

This land-locked little gal has wanted to visit an island for as long as I can remember. So when John asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I shot out the proposition of a trip to Hawaii.

“Would I still have to throw you a party?” he asked.

I pretended to ponder. “Nope!” I then replied.

We had ourselves a deal. And consequently, my friend, five months later we had ourselves one heck of a second honeymoon. I wholeheartedly recommend such a get-away. Yes, it will be hard to leave to children, but the investment that you will make into your marriage is so worth it. I wouldn’t trade these memories in for the world.

John & me at the Polynesian Cultural Center
(And hey, no giving me grief about that fanny pack.)

John & me in Waikiki

By the way, I have the two dear friends pictured in this post to thank for watching our children. Thank you, Mike and Tina! Thank you, Angel and Tanya!

We stayed at Turtle Bay Resort, which was an awesome hotel and where I probably could have spent the whole week most contentedly. (I’m such a nester.) For some reason, though, my husband kept making me go out and do things!

When I was at the hotel, though, I could be found blogging….

Or enjoying the view from our room….

Or walking the grounds….

Or having a snack in one of their restaurants.

Hee.

Can you see why I cried when we left this place? (Thank you, Lisa, for the recommendation!)

And can you see why I felt guilty just being there? It was not a very Lenten week, I’m afraid.

Yet, on the other hand, it was.

I was very much aware of God’s great majesty. If this is one of His gifts to us in this world, can you imagine what He has waiting?

And I had no problem being grateful, (like, for the cheerful rap at the door of our room and the words “Aloha! Housekeeping!”), and I strove to be so, every moment. How hard it can be to live in the present! Yet, in Hawaii, it was easy.

Life slows down, in Hawaii. The people are prone to linger and quick to smile. And as far as this Minnesota mom is concerned, I found my pace relaxing in proportion to the beauty and peace around me.

Now that’s a vacation.

Tomorrow (God willing) I’ll take you to Polynesia! That is, if you care to join me! ; )

Have a blessed day.