Ah, the Doldrums. . .One year anniversary. . . Happy Birthday Stephen

This is the one year anniversary of serving here in Hawaii. We arrived on August 27, 2013 and after a few days at Ko'olina to rest up in preparation for our new adventure, began our mission on September 1. It has been a good experience for both of us. We have learned a lot about serving, appreciating other cultures, and even ourselves.

This time of year is the hottest on the islands. They have what the sailors used to call the doldrums where there is low pressure and virtually no trade winds. It is just plain hot and sticky. I was going to title this post "sticky buns" and not for the usual reasons we think. This weather usually lasts through September. I miss AC. We are both glad to go to work because the buildings are air-conditioned.

This week our car was finally repaired. It was on the Chevy recall list for a new ignition and this week the problem was solved. We are now 100% - at least for a used car.

Dennis with car all fixed

While the car was being fixed, a 30 minute job which took over three hours, the car dealership people dropped us off at Pearlridge Shopping Mall  where we did a little shopping and had lunch at the funniest restaurant I have been to. It was a little like Village Inn, but had a Swiss motif. The waitress' were all super old - great grandmother old and Japanese and Polynesian, all wearing these little Swiss Miss outfits. I really should have taken a picture.

On our way home we went to see The Giver and stopped at the Farmer's Market at the Kaneohe Mall. It is a huge Farmer's Market and covers most of the Mall. Here is a picture of it:

Kaye at the Farmer's Market

The term ended. Dad got all his grades turned in and the students who graduated all moved out of TVA. Here is a picture of what it looks like at the end of each term when students leave:

Disgusting!!!

Sunday the Relief Society was reorganized.  I really enjoyed working with these great sisters. They were diligent and faithful. They were a little sad at being released but are very happy for the new president. She kept one of the counselors as well as the secretary who hadn't been in too long. It will be fun to get acquainted with the new girls. I am looking forward to working with them as well. I don't actually do that much, just offer an occasional suggestion. Mostly, they decide what needs to be done and make it happen.

"Old" presidency" - Jackie DeMoss, Marvalyn Santeco, Hana Akina

Jackie just got engaged and is getting married in January. Marvalyn graduated last year and is teaching sixth grade in Hauula. Hana finished her Master's Degree last year and is a school librarian!

Marvalyn (outgoing president), Rebecca (new president) and Kaye

I have to stop standing by these cuties in pictures. I always look whiter than usual!

Aubrey Cameron, Becca, and Jackie - our new RS Presidency

We also have two new missionary couples who have arrived and are living in TVA. They are Elder and Sister Jess Christiansen from Hurricane, Utah and Elder and Sister Leonard Carter from Salt Lake. We all had a picnic for Labor Day at the beach. It gave us all a chance to get better acquainted. They will enjoy their time here. I guess dad and I are the next up to go home. The time has flown by in many ways. Of course, we still have three months to go!