HOPE 🕊 🕊

"Maui is unique among the Hawaiian Islands because it's in its prime - young enough to show the dynamism of its volcanic heritage, yet old enough for elements to have carved lovely lines of character onto its face." -Maui Revealed 

Since life on the farm, Aaron and I have enjoyed our time here in Maui immensely. 

For Christmas Eve, Aaron's dear Grandma Zingerman booked us two nights at one of our favorite hotels, Kaanapali Beach Club. The shower was hot and the water pressure strong, crisp white hotel sheets, a sweeping view of the water and mountains, the scent of sunscreen and faint smells of pool left on my swimsuit and clothes - What a gift!!! 

Our friends from the farm, Kristina and Matuš, joined us on Christmas eve and we made a seafood feast on the BBQ down by the beach. Such a special, fun and unique Christmas. They were SO happy we invited them to stay with us - we were SO happy to have them there. A gift for us all 😊

On Christmas Day, we woke to the sound of waves and I stretched out my still-full belly in our soft, king-size bed. I grabbed my phone and instantly started texting my sister, and my mom/family. Even in paradise, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness when I looked at my sister's photos of a snowy white Christmas at home with the dogs, Mom and Norb.

We didn't have a tree or presents, but I set up my own little mantle with the sweet cards our family sent us off with.

Kristina and Matuš were so sweet, they gave us a Christmas card and a little box- inside, were two beautiful lava rock bracelets. One has a little turquoise stone, surrounded by lava stone; and the other has a jade stone, surrounded by lava stone.
Here is the little description note that came with:

Such a perfect gift for us 💜😌

I certainly missed Aaron's mom's delicious and wonderful cooking as well. For the past five years or so, we have split our time on Christmas between my family and his family- it was definitely a little sad not having everyone together.
As our first time EVER being away from both our families on Christmas, all those sweet Christmas songs really hit us deeper. Bing Crosby sings it best, "I'll be home for Christmas..... if only in my dreams."
Wherever Aaron and I end up living, we will always come home for Christmas🎄 ❤

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This last Sunday we attended Hope Chapel- a cute church in Kihei, about five minutes from our new place. I remember telling Aaron about this church before we even moved to Maui. 

Every spring break, the wonderful Thompson family would take me in as part of their family for two weeks of vacation...sometimes longer! 

On Sundays, we would go to Hope Chapel. I was only 15 or so, but I absolutely loved it.  On Easter or any holiday, they have hula dancers come in and dance on stage while you sing and worship- so great being apart of a church that celebrates Hawaiian culture. 

Throwback of Lauren and me after church on Easter Sunday :) 

All of us together :)

After church last week, I was so filled with hope and joy. It was New Years Eve and we talked about "the best New Year's resolutions." 

New Years is the only celebration held throughout the whole world- and every country has it's own traditions. America, is obsessed with making resolutions, ha. 

Resolutions to get skinnier, drink less, eat healthier, workout more, etc etc. 

Our pastor encouraged us to have ONE resolution. Which is: Read your Bible. We always get obsessed with all these resolutions and let's be honest, half the time we forget them after two weeks. 

But the word of God applies to every aspect of our lives (Psalm 119). If we're worried about losing weight or cutting back on drinking, read your bible! The word of God will sustain you, he said, it will strengthen, support, comfort and encourage you. 

"Therefore, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." 1 Peter 2:2. The word of God will fill and satisfy you so that you don't crave the things of the world. 

He also talked about that with the Word of God you can find joy in trials because you know the plans that God has for your welfare, your future, and your hope. "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11. 

^^This stuck out to me. So often I worry and fret about my future, my health, money, savings, blah blah blah. 

Lately, I've really been focused on our future here in Maui. Aaron and I love it here. He got a job right away on this awesome snorkel boat- he's out there RIGHT NOW snorkeling at Molokini and turtle town getting free breakfast and lunch! I am so happy and proud of him. 

I went to the Grand Wailea, a hotel I've always loved, and applied for a random job in their spa...basically as a janitor. ha! 

Long story short, I went in for my interview feeling like I wouldn't even get the job, but came out with two different great job offers. 

They told me to process the positions over the weekend and by Monday, I need to make a choice. 

One is very flexible (leaving me time to pick up a second job), and one is very full-time and will require weeks of training.
If I knew that we were going to stay here and not come back to Seattle, I no doubt would take the better-paid, full-time position. 

With either job I take, Aaron and I can still always come back to Seattle in April. We both have great jobs who want us back- but, I just don't know. What if I start this job and absolutely love it? What if it sucks? What if we do decide to come back home- I could get a bad reputation with a great hotel because I only worked there for 2.5 months and then quit..? 

I also fret about my job back in Seattle. In the next couple months, I need to start advertising for my staff, set up interviews, order a ton of boat parts and also new equipment. I love everyone at the Seattle Tennis Club and I don't want to let my boss or co-workers down. But the reality is, everyone is replaceable. But I feel like I have unfinished business there, and it just eats at me to not finish a job well. 

If we do go back to Seattle, this will probably be my last summer managing the Boathouse. It's just not a sustainable job being that it's seasonal with no benefits. The pay is very good....but, at this point in my career and life, I would rather take less pay and build my resume. 

I can see myself thriving in the Hotel/hospitality business, and to get a foot in the door at the Grand Wailea (Waldorf Astoria/ Hilton Hotel), would be a great start. 

Anyway, I guess I need some prayer. I too have been praying and listening. 

I know I'm worried too much about the details. I just need to take the dang job and roll with the waves. When the time is right, I'll know what to do. 

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:34 

I miss and love you all back at home. 

I am thankful for hope, and that we found a new church. I am thankful for new opportunities and for growth. 

 Peace & Love ❤🕊✌