Homeward Bound

"Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created...." Psalm 148:3-5

Thursday was our last full day in paradise. We studied in the morning and enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon back at Waimaea Bay under the sun and swimming with sea turtles. We ended our day by going to watch "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian". It was entertaining, but read the book! The books are fabulous!

Our restful journey is nearing its end.  We offer thanks to the Lord, Most High for providing us this wonderful getaway. We are very blessed. "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:3

Oahu News & Dossier Update

Wednesday was primarily a day of study.  Tony went to Starbucks in Mililani while Kimberly studied at home.  We headed to the beach at Waikiki at 2:30 PM (HST), in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Hale Koa hotels, and enjoyed a couple hours of gorgeous weather there.  We topped the night off with another great meal from The Yard House followed by a chick flick back at my sister's house.  

Above is a picture of my favorite flower: Plumeria.

Adoption Dossier News: Although our paperwork is in the hands of our adoption facilitator in Ukraine, we have to keep dates on the paperwork 6 months current for when we actually travel.  We've just received word that our Medical forms and our State Police Background Checks expire in June.  Therefore, we will need to update the dates on these.  Please pray for- timing to get this done with our busy summer travel, for this to be a smooth process, grace as we wait on the Lord's perfect timing, for an opportunity for our facilitator to submit our dossier to the SDA, and for our child(ren) in Ukraine.  Thank you for your friendship and prayers.

Last Day with Scott & Chrissie

We drove to the Windward side of the island in the morning and stopped at a scenic point for a cameo.  

We hiked 2 miles up to Mokapu'u Point for another breath-taking view.  Here is the lighthouse used during WWII.  There were bunkers all along the hillside. 

From the point you could not only see these little islands, but the island of Molokai as well.  This particular channel is a Humpback Whale Sanctuary.  They travel here during the months of January through March.

On our way back to the North Shore we drove up to the Nu'uano Pali Lookout where King Kamehaha drove his enemies off the cliff years ago.  Above is part of the incredible view.  We ate at Cholos again in Haleiwa before spending our last two hours of free time at Waimaea Bay.

Scott & Chrissie before their long trek home to Richmond, Virginia. 

Memorial Day in Hawaii

While Tony & Scott went to play golf, Chrissie & Kimberly went to pay tribute this Memorial Day at Veterans Cemetery at Punchbowl.

We ended our day admiring another glorious sunset in Haleiwa.  

Memorial Day Blessings

Thank you to all who have served and are serving our country in the United States Armed Forces. Special thanks to my little sister, 1 LT Jessica Meadows, currently serving in Iraq and my brother-in-law, 1 LT David Arthur serving as a Chaplain. May our Gracious God bless you and make His face shine upon you for the glory of His Name!

The Glory of God

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man, runs its course with joy.  Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. (Psalm 19:1-6)

Waikiki Beach

Following our snorkel adventure we met up with my Dad (sadly, my Mom was not able to join us because she was back in Virginia ministering to her parents) at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki for a much needed Starbucks jolt.

He happily gave us a tour of the beach and what used to be ocean front hotel rooms overlooking a restaurant that hosted live music.  I celebrated my 9th birthday dancing the hula on the lanai of the room he is pointing toward (no longer there) listening to the music & surf.

A photo opportunity with Diamond Head in the background.  If you look closely you will notice the exhaustion in our eyes from a morning that began with horse-back riding and so on... 

After an incredible meal at the Yard House (I had macadamia nut crusted Opakapaka fish), we ended the evening with fireworks on the beach.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

After enjoying our morning activities at Kualoa Ranch, we headed to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling and sun rays. 

Chrissie & I floated around snorkeling for a solid 45 minutes.  It was fabulous.  Afterwards the guys made their way out into the turquoise pool of various fish and sea creatures.

A Horse Named "Dog"

We began our day yesterday with a 8 AM horse-back ride on Kualoa Ranch.  Tony was given a horse with a long, beautiful Hawaiian name.  When he asked what his name meant the answer was "Dog"... 

Tony and a horse named "Dog"

My horse was named "Slick".  He was a great trail horse.  He simply put his nose in the rear of the horse in front of him and trekked on.  Tony's horse, however, had a mind of his own...

A view on our trail of Mokoli'i Island, otherwise known as "Chinaman's Hat" (our guide offered an alternative name for the PC friends, "Asian Head Apparel" Island).

Breath-taking view in the valley of Kualoa Ranch.  This is the location of many films such as: Lost, Tears of the Sun, Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young, Pearl Harbor...

World's Best Shaved Ice

Matsumoto's in Haleiwa

Tony & Scott

Chrissie & Kimberly

"Lost" is Found

Dole Plantation

Fresh Pineapple

North Shore

Enjoying Waimaea Bay rays

Waimaea Bay

Tony Enjoying a Pineapple Float