Ohana means Family...

Maybe it's the fact that for the past 2 months, I have spent most every day, every hour, and every minute with them, but in the past couple of weeks, I have begun to realize that the other CSM hosts have become a family to me. They have been the people I go to when I need support, when I need to vent, when I need to be joyous. Of course, like all families, we disagree on some things. But, that's fine, because in love we come to understanding. We laugh, we cry, we argue, we smile...

In the Hawaiian term, "Ohana" (many of us remember this from Disney's movie "Lilo & Stitch"), family doesn't just include blood relatives, but also friends and community members that are close enough to be considered family. That is what this group of rag-tag hosts has become to me. Ohana.

Today is a bittersweet day for my family, as both Takia and Dave are going back home for the holidays. I am excited for both of them as they get to spend time with family and friends they have not seen in months. But, it is especially sad for me because when January comes around, Dave will not be joining us. If I were to be honest about my feelings, I would have to admit that not only am I sad, but a little upset that I will not be able to spend time with him this upcoming season. It makes me sad that I won't be able to hear his debriefings, or dialog with him about spiritual matters. It's like having a family member move away.

Last night, we went out to eat as a family, and as Dave put, "It's like having a last supper." But, in reality, it won't be. We have tons of meals to look forward to. Today will NOT be the last day we spend together. Today will only be the beginning.

"Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind...or forgotten."

I have never been good with good-byes, because I don't really ever know what to say. But, I will say this:

Dave, I pray that wherever you go from here, that God bless your life. That you will learn the lessons and experience the adventures that only following Christ will bring you. May your life become a shining example of what love (true, unconditional, beautiful Jesus love) really is. May you look back upon this period in your life as your "canoe" trip. And may your words, your actions, and your love reflect upon others so that they may see Christ.