April 16, 2006
Aloha Kakahiaka and Happy Easter!!
What a day it has been!! What a week it has been!! I have been back from New Zealand for 2 weeks and God has really been working so I thought I would share.
In preparation for today’s service, our halau (hula group) has been practicing for the past couple of months. Then about a week and a half ago my left foot started swelling and in severe pain. I had already gone to the doctor concerning the foot about 7 months ago. Since going to the doctor, I have been doing the exercise for my foot but sometimes it just hurts for no apparent reason. Most of the time it only swells and produces pain for a day or so. But not this time… Even after the exercises, wrapping it, icy hot, soaking it, and keeping it propped up, it has been really sore for a week and a half. I started praying that God would take the pain away. Then during hula practice on Wednesday, I was still in a lot of pain so I asked our halau to be praying for healing. I also asked my home fellowship group to be praying.
Well Thursday morning I woke up at 4:45am to take Jasmine and Marcus to catch the ferry. As soon as I placed my foot on the floor getting out of bed, pain shot up my leg. I took them down and came back to the house. I started my morning devotions and the lyrics to the song “healing rain” by Michael W. Smith came to my mind.
Healing Rain
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It's bringing mercy, it won't be long
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain
And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the great I Am
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
To be washed in Heaven's rain...
Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...
Did I truly believe in that healing rain from heaven that Jesus could heal my foot? Could he heal the leper or the lame man?? After the reminder of several of Jesus’ miracles, I knew that Jesus’ could heal my foot in his perfect timing. The problem was that God’s timing isn’t always my timing.
Anyway, I woke up this morning at 5am to get ready for Sonrise service and MY FOOT DIDN’T HURT!!! Hallelujah!!! I learned God as Jehovah Rapha- the God who heals! I was able to dance this morning with absolutely no pain. Praise be to the God who heals!!
This song covers both spiritual and physical healing. I have seen both types of healing in my life. The spiritual healing is what makes Easter so special. God sent his Son to die on the cross as the sacrifice for our sin. Jesus Christ didn’t stay dead but he rose on the 3rd day. He conquered death and the grave. He is our true healing rain sent by heaven. He can give this old, dead heart new life.
I hope and pray that all is well for you. If you would like to know more about that healing rain let me know.
Much love and God’s blessings,
Angela Calhoun
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Friday, April 7, 2006
Indescribable!
April 7, 2006
Aloha family and friends-
Wow, time flies when you’re having fun (or so they say!). It is Friday night. I have been home one week from New Zealand and what a week it has been. On the 9 hour plane flight from Auckland , I started a letter to email while I was stuck in my seat but I really have not had the chance to type it up and send it. So I will attempt to rewrite and send this again.
After a nine hour flight and a 22 hour time difference, my friend, Julie, and I arrived in Auckland , New Zealand to stay with some of my friends that I met while I lived in NC- the Frinks. God had some spectacular things for us to learn while we were visiting New Zealand . We spent the first 4 days in the Auckland area then we flew down to Queenstown on the South Island for 4 days. While Julie and I were cruising around Queenstown, we were listening to Chris Tomlin’s song “Indescribable”. That became the song for this trip because it so described what our hearts were saying. The words are…
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Even as I reread the lyrics of the song, my heart and mind are flooded with wonderful memories of this trip and how amazing our God is!!! Every part of creation screams of God’s amazing hand. My heart cannot fathom all that God has done.
As we were driving from Queenstown down to Milford Sound, the views were majestic. On one side of the road, we had the Remarkables mountain range and on the other side there were the depths of the crystal clear waters of Lake Wakatipu . It gives a whole new meaning to “From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea Creation's revealing Your majesty”.
Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, they are headed into fall. The colors on the south island were absolutely breathtaking. “From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring every creature unique in the song that it sings, All exclaiming Indescribable, uncontainable,”
The weather was much cooler than Hawaii and the sunsets were magnificent. There were moments that I so wanted to take a picture and did, but looking back at the photo it just doesn’t do the actual image justice. We serve a Holy God that made all of this to reflect His glory!! Do we give Him the glory He deserves or do we dismiss it as “Oh that’s nice”???
The most humbling part of all this is the last line of the song that says- Incomparable, unchangeable You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same, You are amazing God!
The same God that created everything also created you and me. He sees the depths of our wretched hearts and HE LOVES US THE SAME!!! That is amazing to me! Even in our sin, God loves us. He loved us enough to send his only son, Jesus, to die on the cross to be the sacrifice for that sin. That is our only way to heaven. We must accept that sacrifice in order to go to heaven. Jesus conquered death and the grave for you and for me! I pray that if you do not know this amazing God, that you will call me or email me to find out more information.
I had a three year old in my class accept God’s forgiveness for her sins today! What a day of rejoicing it was to see her name written in the Lamb’s book of life. Oh how my heart desires to see each one of you in heaven one day!!! God has given each one of us the choice- accept Him and live eternally in Heaven with Him or deny Him and live eternally condemned to Hell. It is your choice!!
Again, if you need to talk, call me (808-553-8124) or email me!! I would love to talk with you!
Much love and God’s blessings,
Angela Calhoun
Aloha family and friends-
Wow, time flies when you’re having fun (or so they say!). It is Friday night. I have been home one week from New Zealand and what a week it has been. On the 9 hour plane flight from Auckland , I started a letter to email while I was stuck in my seat but I really have not had the chance to type it up and send it. So I will attempt to rewrite and send this again.
After a nine hour flight and a 22 hour time difference, my friend, Julie, and I arrived in Auckland , New Zealand to stay with some of my friends that I met while I lived in NC- the Frinks. God had some spectacular things for us to learn while we were visiting New Zealand . We spent the first 4 days in the Auckland area then we flew down to Queenstown on the South Island for 4 days. While Julie and I were cruising around Queenstown, we were listening to Chris Tomlin’s song “Indescribable”. That became the song for this trip because it so described what our hearts were saying. The words are…
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Even as I reread the lyrics of the song, my heart and mind are flooded with wonderful memories of this trip and how amazing our God is!!! Every part of creation screams of God’s amazing hand. My heart cannot fathom all that God has done.
As we were driving from Queenstown down to Milford Sound, the views were majestic. On one side of the road, we had the Remarkables mountain range and on the other side there were the depths of the crystal clear waters of Lake Wakatipu . It gives a whole new meaning to “From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea Creation's revealing Your majesty”.
Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, they are headed into fall. The colors on the south island were absolutely breathtaking. “From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring every creature unique in the song that it sings, All exclaiming Indescribable, uncontainable,”
The weather was much cooler than Hawaii and the sunsets were magnificent. There were moments that I so wanted to take a picture and did, but looking back at the photo it just doesn’t do the actual image justice. We serve a Holy God that made all of this to reflect His glory!! Do we give Him the glory He deserves or do we dismiss it as “Oh that’s nice”???
The most humbling part of all this is the last line of the song that says- Incomparable, unchangeable You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same, You are amazing God!
The same God that created everything also created you and me. He sees the depths of our wretched hearts and HE LOVES US THE SAME!!! That is amazing to me! Even in our sin, God loves us. He loved us enough to send his only son, Jesus, to die on the cross to be the sacrifice for that sin. That is our only way to heaven. We must accept that sacrifice in order to go to heaven. Jesus conquered death and the grave for you and for me! I pray that if you do not know this amazing God, that you will call me or email me to find out more information.
I had a three year old in my class accept God’s forgiveness for her sins today! What a day of rejoicing it was to see her name written in the Lamb’s book of life. Oh how my heart desires to see each one of you in heaven one day!!! God has given each one of us the choice- accept Him and live eternally in Heaven with Him or deny Him and live eternally condemned to Hell. It is your choice!!
Again, if you need to talk, call me (808-553-8124) or email me!! I would love to talk with you!
Much love and God’s blessings,
Angela Calhoun
Monday, March 20, 2006
NZ Adventures
March 20th
Our journey has begun... Candace, Ginger, and Aisha picked us up about 4pm and took us to MKK airport. It took no time to check in and our flight didn't leave until 5:30. Ginger is such a hoot. Julie and I are now sitting here waiting to check in at Air New Zealand.
Check in went really fast. Julie and I went to the food court for dinner and had Chinese. While eating, we had the chance to talk with an older couple from Lake Tahoe, CA. They are involved in a Catholic church there.
Galatians 1:10- "For do I not persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased man, I should not be the servant of Christ."
Romans 1:16
Wednesday, March 22nd
We arrived into Auckland airport about 7am, got our luggage, went through customs, and then waited on Charlie. He got stuck in traffic so it took him about half an hour longer then he thought. I realized coming in that people drive on the left side of the road. That is something I still haven't gotten used to yet.
Charlie took us to their house- very nice 2 story house. We are staying in Caleb's old room. I didn't know that the Frinks have been serving here for 17 years!
We settled in and went with Bo to town to exchange money and go grocery shopping.
Gas is $1.57 for a litre!
Postage to mail a letter to the US mainland is $2.00.
Postcard $1.50
Fruit is relatively inexpensive.
Julie and I came back to the house and worked on booking a trip to the South Island.
About 2pm, we all loaded into the van and headed to downtown Auckland to the Kelly Tarlton Antartica Encounter. There we got to go on snow cats and see gentoo and king penguins. All of this is build under the road. The Underwater world was built in Aucklands old sewer system. It is one of those clear tunnels with sharks and fish swimming all around. They also have a huge stingray tank.
After we finished there, Charlie and Bo took us to Mt. Eden (an extinct volcano). There was an excellent view of Auckland.
Came home and had lamb chops and beans for dinner. After dinner, Abigail found a hedge hog outside and ended up bringing it to the kitchen. They are so cute to watch. They ball up when scared and they are really poky. We named him Hedgy!
We were in bed by 7:30pm. It had been Sunday since we had actually slept in a bed!
Thursday, March 23rd
Woke up at 7:30 to use the "loo". Laid back down to read my Bible and ended up falling back to sleep until 8:45. Got up and had breakfast. We then walked into town to go to the mall. Julie and I shopped for a while, had McDonald's for lunch, then walked back. On the way back we dropped tracks in mail boxes along the road. Came back and did some of my Bible study. Had dinner of corn beef, potatoes, and carrots. Then figured out what we were going to do over the next couple of days. Watched some of the commonwealth games with Abigail. Wrote postcards. Had chocolate chip ice cream and went to bed.
Friday, March 24th
We got up a little after 8 and go ready. Julie and I went up and had breakfast and devotions with the Frink family. I was really impressed that they do a morning Bible Study and they are singing through the hymnal. So we sang "Away in the Manger!" Bo took Julie and I to the travel agency to pick up our itinerairy for our trip to Queenstown. Once we got some material for our trip we drove to Auckland Domain where Bo dropped us off at the Auckland Museum. Julie and I explored there for a couple of hours. They had a lot of artifacts from the different Pacific Islands. They also had a very cool volcano exhibit.
Julie and I were both amazed at how museums are brainwashing the public in the areas of the world being "millions" of years old and what evolved from what.
After the museum we caught a bus for $3.00 to the Sky tower and walked to the Victoria Park Market. Had a chicken kabob and potatoe wedges for lunch then did some shopping. About 3:30pm we called Bo and Charlie to come pick us up.
We drove home in pretty heavy traffic. Unpacked. I got my stuff together for Sunday's children church. Had dinner of sausages, pea salad, and potatoes. Ended our day by having a major pillow fight with Abigail and Julie!
Saturday, March 25th
After a night with a sore stomach and several trips to the loo, I woke up at 8:45, put on hiking clothes, went upstairs for breakfast. Had devo's with the Frink family. Did a load of laundry. Their washing machine is very small compared to the American washer. I hung the clothes on the line. Bo took Julie, Abigail, and myslef up to the Arataki Visitors Center where we walked around for a bit. We then drove down to Piha Beach- which is known for its surfing with pretty rough undertow. There were quite a few surfers out. We hiked up and around the edge of the beach. It was quite the hike. Once we got to the end we climbed down the rocks to an area with several tidepools where we discovered starfish and lots of other mollusks. It was really cool. The beaches are black sand and absolutely beautiful. We drove back home, had lunch, and then went to craftworld where NZ artisan's sell their homemade goods. I bought a candle for J & L and a head pack for myself. We also stopped by the grocery store to pick up some treats to take home. Bo bought some TimTams and HokeyPokey Ice Cream (which is very yummy!!) We drove home. Julie and I with Abigail's help washed all of the windows in the house. Had fish and chips for dinner and then watched NZ brightest kid and the Common Wealthy games. Julie and I packed for Queenstown and now it's time to sleep!
Sunday, March 26th
Well it is Sunday! I can't believe that we are half way through with our trip. We have seen a lot but there is so much more to see. God has been so good!
Julie and I got up a little after eight. We got dressed for church then went upstairs for muffins. We left for church about 9:30. The church that Charlie preaches at is Waitakere City Bible Church. We met several families. The church is small (maybe 25 people) but very multicultural. They are very conservative with their music (all hymns). Bo played the piano. After worship, I ran through the rain to the Sunday school room where I had 2 kids (Sam and Nicca) and 4 adults. We went through the Easter story with the Resurrection Eggs. The kids were very quiet. The adults were evaluating me so that was kind of odd. Afterward they went over the evals with me. Everything went well except for being questioned if "Father Abraham" the song was Biblical. I will have to do some investigative work on that. Julie and I chatted with some of the people while we waited on Bo to have her women's meeting. We had enough time to run home and grab a bite to eat before we headed to the airport. They dropped us off at the airport, we checked in and headed toward the gate to board. For domestic flights you only have to be there 30 minutes in advance. I sat beside a man named Iesu from Kuwait. We had a good conversation on the hour and 45 minute flight. He is flying to Queenstown for a United Nations Agriculture meeting. Landing in Queenstown, the scenery was beautiful. We rented a car from Budget then went out and prayed over it. Julie was a bit nervous driving on the left side of the road. She did a great job driving to the Queenstown lodge where we had reservations to stay. Very nice place!!! In awe of the beauty. We checked in and took the 6pm shuttle down to town for dinner and window shopping. The temperature was nice and cool and the sunset was magnificent over Lake Wakatipu. We caught the evening bus back to the lodge. We mapped out what we want to see while sitting here watching the closing ceremonies of the Common Wealth Games.
Monday, March 27th
It is 6:30am! Julie and I are up and getting ready for a long day of driving and sightseeing. Breakfast was at 7am with eggs, toast, sausage, cerael, yogurt, fruit, etc. Very nice to be complimentary. God our bags and hit the road at 7:30am bound for Milford Sound. Our first major sight was the Remarkables (a huge mtn range) right outside of Queenstown. We stopped at a cafe about 2 hours into the trip for coffee. Very good. Stopped a lot for scenery pictures. Went to the visitors center in Te Anau. Julie got a book about backpacking through the Fjiordland. Also went past and stopped for pictures at Walker Creek, Lord of the Rings Scenery, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Homer Tunnel, The chasm...
Got to Milford Sound about 2 and walked around a bit. Paid $3.00 for a 20 ounce soda!! Then hit the road to head for Queenstown. After a couple of stops for pictures and a dinner stop in Te Anau we made it to Queenstown in a little over 4 hours. For dinner we had meat pies per Bo's suggestion. Julie had steak and I had chicken. They were very yummy.
Well after a long day of riding in the car and walking around... I am going to bed!
Tuesday, March 28th
Almost the end of our trip! We leave Queenstown tomorrow and also arrive in HI on the 29th.
Julie and I got up at 7am, dressed, went to breakfast and left the room at 8:30. Filled up with Petrol on our way out of town. Got $ and hit the road. As we were driving we stopped to see some guys bungee jumping. The river they were jumping in is used in LOTR as the river that the fellowship float down. We passed by several vineyards and wineries. Drove up to Wanaka. Stopped at a cafe for a Mocha and a Austrian delight. Enjoyed walking around then got back in the car and headed back down to Queenstown via the crown range. We got pulled by a police woman on our way to Arrowtown for going 61 km/hour in a residential neighborhood. We were supposed to be going 50! Anyway, Julie got an $80 fine. We headed to Arrowtown with dampened spirits. Drove around and took some picts.
Highlight of the day- Driving through Deer Park Heights ($20 entrance fee). There are animals everywhere. We stopped to take a picture and I almost had a goat in my window. He jumped up on the car window! We got some great movie shots from Lord of the Rings. Drove back down and around to our lodge. Parked, unloaded, and caught the shuttle to town... had pizza hut for dinner and then cruised through the shops looking for souvenirs. God back to the room at 9:15pm... showered and wrote postcards.
Wednesday, March 29th
Last day in Queenstown. We slept in until 8am. Got packed ate breakfast and headed to Glenorchy. It was about a 45 minute drive down. Some pretty sights and a very small town at the end. We drove back to town and circled a while trying to find a parking spot. Ended up paying to park. Walked down to town. Julie paid her speeding ticket, bought a hoodie and the nwe walked up to the gondola. It was $19 to take the Gondola up but an awesome view from the top. We headed down a little after 1pm... ate lunch at KFC, got the car, filled up with Petrol, and headed to the airport to drop off the car. We checked in with no worries and sat in the terminal for a few minutes before board to head back to Auckland.
Thursday, March 30th
Well we head back to Hawaii today. What a trip it has been!
We got up at 5:45, finished getting packed and got ready, had breakfast. Abigail came down to say goodbye. She is such a sweet girl. Charlie took us to the airport and walked us to the security check point. Did a bit of shopping to spend the rest of my $. Waited to board the plane and then once we boarded we waited on the tarmac for a while. As I am writing this we are three hours into the flight.
Dear Lord, As I sit here watching people, reading a book and listening to music, my heart wonders what you have in my future. Please make my hearts desire yours and if it is not in your will for me to get married and have a family then take the desire away. I want to be focused on your work not on the things of this world. Please forgive me for not being bold with my faith and witnessing. Lord I want to believe you but so much of me wants to see proof but that goes agains faith. I don't want anything less than your best. Show me where you want me!
Thank you for your patience with me. I am amazed that you haven't struck me down yet. Thank you for your grace and mercy.
Our journey has begun... Candace, Ginger, and Aisha picked us up about 4pm and took us to MKK airport. It took no time to check in and our flight didn't leave until 5:30. Ginger is such a hoot. Julie and I are now sitting here waiting to check in at Air New Zealand.
Check in went really fast. Julie and I went to the food court for dinner and had Chinese. While eating, we had the chance to talk with an older couple from Lake Tahoe, CA. They are involved in a Catholic church there.
Galatians 1:10- "For do I not persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased man, I should not be the servant of Christ."
Romans 1:16
Wednesday, March 22nd
We arrived into Auckland airport about 7am, got our luggage, went through customs, and then waited on Charlie. He got stuck in traffic so it took him about half an hour longer then he thought. I realized coming in that people drive on the left side of the road. That is something I still haven't gotten used to yet.
Charlie took us to their house- very nice 2 story house. We are staying in Caleb's old room. I didn't know that the Frinks have been serving here for 17 years!
We settled in and went with Bo to town to exchange money and go grocery shopping.
Gas is $1.57 for a litre!
Postage to mail a letter to the US mainland is $2.00.
Postcard $1.50
Fruit is relatively inexpensive.
Julie and I came back to the house and worked on booking a trip to the South Island.
About 2pm, we all loaded into the van and headed to downtown Auckland to the Kelly Tarlton Antartica Encounter. There we got to go on snow cats and see gentoo and king penguins. All of this is build under the road. The Underwater world was built in Aucklands old sewer system. It is one of those clear tunnels with sharks and fish swimming all around. They also have a huge stingray tank.
After we finished there, Charlie and Bo took us to Mt. Eden (an extinct volcano). There was an excellent view of Auckland.
Came home and had lamb chops and beans for dinner. After dinner, Abigail found a hedge hog outside and ended up bringing it to the kitchen. They are so cute to watch. They ball up when scared and they are really poky. We named him Hedgy!
We were in bed by 7:30pm. It had been Sunday since we had actually slept in a bed!
Thursday, March 23rd
Woke up at 7:30 to use the "loo". Laid back down to read my Bible and ended up falling back to sleep until 8:45. Got up and had breakfast. We then walked into town to go to the mall. Julie and I shopped for a while, had McDonald's for lunch, then walked back. On the way back we dropped tracks in mail boxes along the road. Came back and did some of my Bible study. Had dinner of corn beef, potatoes, and carrots. Then figured out what we were going to do over the next couple of days. Watched some of the commonwealth games with Abigail. Wrote postcards. Had chocolate chip ice cream and went to bed.
Friday, March 24th
We got up a little after 8 and go ready. Julie and I went up and had breakfast and devotions with the Frink family. I was really impressed that they do a morning Bible Study and they are singing through the hymnal. So we sang "Away in the Manger!" Bo took Julie and I to the travel agency to pick up our itinerairy for our trip to Queenstown. Once we got some material for our trip we drove to Auckland Domain where Bo dropped us off at the Auckland Museum. Julie and I explored there for a couple of hours. They had a lot of artifacts from the different Pacific Islands. They also had a very cool volcano exhibit.
Julie and I were both amazed at how museums are brainwashing the public in the areas of the world being "millions" of years old and what evolved from what.
After the museum we caught a bus for $3.00 to the Sky tower and walked to the Victoria Park Market. Had a chicken kabob and potatoe wedges for lunch then did some shopping. About 3:30pm we called Bo and Charlie to come pick us up.
We drove home in pretty heavy traffic. Unpacked. I got my stuff together for Sunday's children church. Had dinner of sausages, pea salad, and potatoes. Ended our day by having a major pillow fight with Abigail and Julie!
Saturday, March 25th
After a night with a sore stomach and several trips to the loo, I woke up at 8:45, put on hiking clothes, went upstairs for breakfast. Had devo's with the Frink family. Did a load of laundry. Their washing machine is very small compared to the American washer. I hung the clothes on the line. Bo took Julie, Abigail, and myslef up to the Arataki Visitors Center where we walked around for a bit. We then drove down to Piha Beach- which is known for its surfing with pretty rough undertow. There were quite a few surfers out. We hiked up and around the edge of the beach. It was quite the hike. Once we got to the end we climbed down the rocks to an area with several tidepools where we discovered starfish and lots of other mollusks. It was really cool. The beaches are black sand and absolutely beautiful. We drove back home, had lunch, and then went to craftworld where NZ artisan's sell their homemade goods. I bought a candle for J & L and a head pack for myself. We also stopped by the grocery store to pick up some treats to take home. Bo bought some TimTams and HokeyPokey Ice Cream (which is very yummy!!) We drove home. Julie and I with Abigail's help washed all of the windows in the house. Had fish and chips for dinner and then watched NZ brightest kid and the Common Wealthy games. Julie and I packed for Queenstown and now it's time to sleep!
Sunday, March 26th
Well it is Sunday! I can't believe that we are half way through with our trip. We have seen a lot but there is so much more to see. God has been so good!
Julie and I got up a little after eight. We got dressed for church then went upstairs for muffins. We left for church about 9:30. The church that Charlie preaches at is Waitakere City Bible Church. We met several families. The church is small (maybe 25 people) but very multicultural. They are very conservative with their music (all hymns). Bo played the piano. After worship, I ran through the rain to the Sunday school room where I had 2 kids (Sam and Nicca) and 4 adults. We went through the Easter story with the Resurrection Eggs. The kids were very quiet. The adults were evaluating me so that was kind of odd. Afterward they went over the evals with me. Everything went well except for being questioned if "Father Abraham" the song was Biblical. I will have to do some investigative work on that. Julie and I chatted with some of the people while we waited on Bo to have her women's meeting. We had enough time to run home and grab a bite to eat before we headed to the airport. They dropped us off at the airport, we checked in and headed toward the gate to board. For domestic flights you only have to be there 30 minutes in advance. I sat beside a man named Iesu from Kuwait. We had a good conversation on the hour and 45 minute flight. He is flying to Queenstown for a United Nations Agriculture meeting. Landing in Queenstown, the scenery was beautiful. We rented a car from Budget then went out and prayed over it. Julie was a bit nervous driving on the left side of the road. She did a great job driving to the Queenstown lodge where we had reservations to stay. Very nice place!!! In awe of the beauty. We checked in and took the 6pm shuttle down to town for dinner and window shopping. The temperature was nice and cool and the sunset was magnificent over Lake Wakatipu. We caught the evening bus back to the lodge. We mapped out what we want to see while sitting here watching the closing ceremonies of the Common Wealth Games.
Monday, March 27th
It is 6:30am! Julie and I are up and getting ready for a long day of driving and sightseeing. Breakfast was at 7am with eggs, toast, sausage, cerael, yogurt, fruit, etc. Very nice to be complimentary. God our bags and hit the road at 7:30am bound for Milford Sound. Our first major sight was the Remarkables (a huge mtn range) right outside of Queenstown. We stopped at a cafe about 2 hours into the trip for coffee. Very good. Stopped a lot for scenery pictures. Went to the visitors center in Te Anau. Julie got a book about backpacking through the Fjiordland. Also went past and stopped for pictures at Walker Creek, Lord of the Rings Scenery, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Homer Tunnel, The chasm...
Got to Milford Sound about 2 and walked around a bit. Paid $3.00 for a 20 ounce soda!! Then hit the road to head for Queenstown. After a couple of stops for pictures and a dinner stop in Te Anau we made it to Queenstown in a little over 4 hours. For dinner we had meat pies per Bo's suggestion. Julie had steak and I had chicken. They were very yummy.
Well after a long day of riding in the car and walking around... I am going to bed!
Tuesday, March 28th
Almost the end of our trip! We leave Queenstown tomorrow and also arrive in HI on the 29th.
Julie and I got up at 7am, dressed, went to breakfast and left the room at 8:30. Filled up with Petrol on our way out of town. Got $ and hit the road. As we were driving we stopped to see some guys bungee jumping. The river they were jumping in is used in LOTR as the river that the fellowship float down. We passed by several vineyards and wineries. Drove up to Wanaka. Stopped at a cafe for a Mocha and a Austrian delight. Enjoyed walking around then got back in the car and headed back down to Queenstown via the crown range. We got pulled by a police woman on our way to Arrowtown for going 61 km/hour in a residential neighborhood. We were supposed to be going 50! Anyway, Julie got an $80 fine. We headed to Arrowtown with dampened spirits. Drove around and took some picts.
Highlight of the day- Driving through Deer Park Heights ($20 entrance fee). There are animals everywhere. We stopped to take a picture and I almost had a goat in my window. He jumped up on the car window! We got some great movie shots from Lord of the Rings. Drove back down and around to our lodge. Parked, unloaded, and caught the shuttle to town... had pizza hut for dinner and then cruised through the shops looking for souvenirs. God back to the room at 9:15pm... showered and wrote postcards.
Wednesday, March 29th
Last day in Queenstown. We slept in until 8am. Got packed ate breakfast and headed to Glenorchy. It was about a 45 minute drive down. Some pretty sights and a very small town at the end. We drove back to town and circled a while trying to find a parking spot. Ended up paying to park. Walked down to town. Julie paid her speeding ticket, bought a hoodie and the nwe walked up to the gondola. It was $19 to take the Gondola up but an awesome view from the top. We headed down a little after 1pm... ate lunch at KFC, got the car, filled up with Petrol, and headed to the airport to drop off the car. We checked in with no worries and sat in the terminal for a few minutes before board to head back to Auckland.
Thursday, March 30th
Well we head back to Hawaii today. What a trip it has been!
We got up at 5:45, finished getting packed and got ready, had breakfast. Abigail came down to say goodbye. She is such a sweet girl. Charlie took us to the airport and walked us to the security check point. Did a bit of shopping to spend the rest of my $. Waited to board the plane and then once we boarded we waited on the tarmac for a while. As I am writing this we are three hours into the flight.
Dear Lord, As I sit here watching people, reading a book and listening to music, my heart wonders what you have in my future. Please make my hearts desire yours and if it is not in your will for me to get married and have a family then take the desire away. I want to be focused on your work not on the things of this world. Please forgive me for not being bold with my faith and witnessing. Lord I want to believe you but so much of me wants to see proof but that goes agains faith. I don't want anything less than your best. Show me where you want me!
Thank you for your patience with me. I am amazed that you haven't struck me down yet. Thank you for your grace and mercy.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Craziness!!!
Aloha ahiahi!!!
Boy what a couple of weeks it has been… I had to say goodbye to another friend today that is headed back to the mainland. Jon Small, who went to Tahiti with me as co- leader of the senior trip last March, said farewell to Molokai today as he left after being out here 2 and a half years. I think I have said this before but I will repeat it. I am so glad there will be no more sad goodbyes in heaven. I have gone through way too many living on Molokai.
Even through the turnover, God has constantly put people in my life even if just for a short time. Lately, I have been hanging out with the guys, literally! Marcus, Nick, Al, Rob, Jon, and Joshua (and Jasmine) have become my group of friends. Thankfully I am blessed to have a few of my old friends back visiting at the moment.
God is so faithful to provide!!! I go from living by myself to having a house full of people in a matter of weeks. Julie and Aisha are back on island visiting and Candace has moved home to Molokai. Almost every evening this week, there has been something going on. With that said there has been very little time to sit down and type up a news/prayer letter.
We have a mission team from Alabama out here at the moment. Last night they did a youth rally and more than 8 people accepted Christ and 7 rededicated their lives to Christ. Tonight they did an island wide praise and worship service!!! Which included local style music, hula, praise songs, drama, hymns, and southern gospel music. Wow!! Oh, how I miss Southern Gospel music! Anyway, I skipped out after the service to prepare food for tomorrow’s pot-blessing and then I thought I would sit down and send out a quick email before I head to bed.
I am mainly writing to ask for prayer.
The last two weeks at school have definitely been a spiritual battle. We have a two-week break so pray that God is doing a mighty work in my heart, my assistant’s heart, and the heart’s of the preschoolers.
There is one child in particular that burdens me. His name is Vincent. He hears about Jesus everyday that he is in preschool. His family is in the Bahai church and they are moving back to Holland. I have been talking to the mom since November about spiritual matters. The child is so precious but not knowing what he is moving into brings me to my knees. Please pray for Vincent and his family.
I also have a little girl in my class with special needs. As the year has progressed I see more and more things that need to be addressed in her behavioral development.
Enrollment for next year- Please pray that God will send the children that He wants in preschool for next year. Out of the upcoming 24 spots available, 12 are tentatively filled.
Spring Break- Monday, a friend and I head to New Zealand for 10 days to serve where needed. Please pray that God will use us according to His perfect plan. I am excited to see what God is doing
*Feel free to email me while I am gone. I am not promising a response until I get back though!!
Hope all is going well for you in your corner of the world. Thank you so much for your prayers. If there is anything I can pray for, for you, let me know.
Much love and God’s blessings,
Angela
Boy what a couple of weeks it has been… I had to say goodbye to another friend today that is headed back to the mainland. Jon Small, who went to Tahiti with me as co- leader of the senior trip last March, said farewell to Molokai today as he left after being out here 2 and a half years. I think I have said this before but I will repeat it. I am so glad there will be no more sad goodbyes in heaven. I have gone through way too many living on Molokai.
Even through the turnover, God has constantly put people in my life even if just for a short time. Lately, I have been hanging out with the guys, literally! Marcus, Nick, Al, Rob, Jon, and Joshua (and Jasmine) have become my group of friends. Thankfully I am blessed to have a few of my old friends back visiting at the moment.
God is so faithful to provide!!! I go from living by myself to having a house full of people in a matter of weeks. Julie and Aisha are back on island visiting and Candace has moved home to Molokai. Almost every evening this week, there has been something going on. With that said there has been very little time to sit down and type up a news/prayer letter.
We have a mission team from Alabama out here at the moment. Last night they did a youth rally and more than 8 people accepted Christ and 7 rededicated their lives to Christ. Tonight they did an island wide praise and worship service!!! Which included local style music, hula, praise songs, drama, hymns, and southern gospel music. Wow!! Oh, how I miss Southern Gospel music! Anyway, I skipped out after the service to prepare food for tomorrow’s pot-blessing and then I thought I would sit down and send out a quick email before I head to bed.
I am mainly writing to ask for prayer.
The last two weeks at school have definitely been a spiritual battle. We have a two-week break so pray that God is doing a mighty work in my heart, my assistant’s heart, and the heart’s of the preschoolers.
There is one child in particular that burdens me. His name is Vincent. He hears about Jesus everyday that he is in preschool. His family is in the Bahai church and they are moving back to Holland. I have been talking to the mom since November about spiritual matters. The child is so precious but not knowing what he is moving into brings me to my knees. Please pray for Vincent and his family.
I also have a little girl in my class with special needs. As the year has progressed I see more and more things that need to be addressed in her behavioral development.
Enrollment for next year- Please pray that God will send the children that He wants in preschool for next year. Out of the upcoming 24 spots available, 12 are tentatively filled.
Spring Break- Monday, a friend and I head to New Zealand for 10 days to serve where needed. Please pray that God will use us according to His perfect plan. I am excited to see what God is doing
*Feel free to email me while I am gone. I am not promising a response until I get back though!!
Hope all is going well for you in your corner of the world. Thank you so much for your prayers. If there is anything I can pray for, for you, let me know.
Much love and God’s blessings,
Angela
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Out of the mouth of children come the most pro-founding statements!!! Being a preschool teacher I have the privilege of hearing a lot of these statements. One that I heard this week really made an impact on my heart. During Bible time with these little ones, we have been learning about the miracles of Jesus. To emphasize the lesson we have been teaching the kids this song…
Blind man stood by the road and he cried
Blind man stood by the road and he cried
Blind man stood by the road and he cried
He cried “whoa, whoa, whoa”
Show me the way, Show me the way, Show me the way, and the way to go home…
Woman stood by the well and she cried
Woman stood by the well and she cried
Woman stood by the well and she cried
She cried “whoa, whoa, whoa”
Show me the truth, Show me the truth, Show me the truth, and the way to go home…
Zaccheus sat in a tree and he cried
Zaccheus sat in a tree and he cried
Zaccheus sat in a tree and he cried
He cried “whoa, whoa, whoa”
Show me the life, Show me the life, Show me the life, and the way to go home…
Jesus hung on the cross and he died
Jesus hung on the cross and he died
Jesus hung on the cross and he died
He cried “whoa, whoa, whoa”
I am the way, I am the truth, I am the life and the way to go home!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While teaching a new song, we sing them all day long… at circle time, when we are dismissing them for snack and lunch, during outdoor play, etc. On Friday, we were singing this song while dismissing the kids for snack and one of the little boys went up to my teaching assistant and said “Did Aunty Angela just say that Jesus hung on the cross and he died? Why did he do that???” Perfect lead in to tell this little one why Jesus hung on the cross and he died. He did it to pay for our sins so that we don’t have to. This little one doesn’t come from a Christian home but from one where they are involved in the Bahai religion. What a testimony for him to go home singing this song to his parents. His mom has been asking a lot of questions about Christianity lately. Please pray that the Lord will continue to work on her heart.
I have had numerous parents, come back and tell me that their child is always singing about Jesus!!! Jesus said “let the little children come to me”. God calls us to come to him with child-like faith. I have been called to teach these precious little ones and through them their parents are being taught the truths of God’s word. On the other hand, it is extremely humbling for me to know that everything that comes out of my mouth and every action that I do, gets imitated to their moms, dads, aunties, and uncles.
God has been so faithful to provide in so many ways.
Praises
- Preschool has been blessed with our kitchen being completely remodeled!
- Pre-registration for next year’s preschool class is growing by leaps and bounds.
- Julie (my roommate) from last year is coming out for a visit.
- Candace (a dear friend) is moving back to Molokai after spending several months in Mexico with family.
- I have a teaching opportunity while I am visiting New Zealand.
Thanks for all of the thoughts, prayers, and support.
Much love and God’s blessings,
Angela Calhoun
Blind man stood by the road and he cried
Blind man stood by the road and he cried
Blind man stood by the road and he cried
He cried “whoa, whoa, whoa”
Show me the way, Show me the way, Show me the way, and the way to go home…
Woman stood by the well and she cried
Woman stood by the well and she cried
Woman stood by the well and she cried
She cried “whoa, whoa, whoa”
Show me the truth, Show me the truth, Show me the truth, and the way to go home…
Zaccheus sat in a tree and he cried
Zaccheus sat in a tree and he cried
Zaccheus sat in a tree and he cried
He cried “whoa, whoa, whoa”
Show me the life, Show me the life, Show me the life, and the way to go home…
Jesus hung on the cross and he died
Jesus hung on the cross and he died
Jesus hung on the cross and he died
He cried “whoa, whoa, whoa”
I am the way, I am the truth, I am the life and the way to go home!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While teaching a new song, we sing them all day long… at circle time, when we are dismissing them for snack and lunch, during outdoor play, etc. On Friday, we were singing this song while dismissing the kids for snack and one of the little boys went up to my teaching assistant and said “Did Aunty Angela just say that Jesus hung on the cross and he died? Why did he do that???” Perfect lead in to tell this little one why Jesus hung on the cross and he died. He did it to pay for our sins so that we don’t have to. This little one doesn’t come from a Christian home but from one where they are involved in the Bahai religion. What a testimony for him to go home singing this song to his parents. His mom has been asking a lot of questions about Christianity lately. Please pray that the Lord will continue to work on her heart.
I have had numerous parents, come back and tell me that their child is always singing about Jesus!!! Jesus said “let the little children come to me”. God calls us to come to him with child-like faith. I have been called to teach these precious little ones and through them their parents are being taught the truths of God’s word. On the other hand, it is extremely humbling for me to know that everything that comes out of my mouth and every action that I do, gets imitated to their moms, dads, aunties, and uncles.
God has been so faithful to provide in so many ways.
Praises
- Preschool has been blessed with our kitchen being completely remodeled!
- Pre-registration for next year’s preschool class is growing by leaps and bounds.
- Julie (my roommate) from last year is coming out for a visit.
- Candace (a dear friend) is moving back to Molokai after spending several months in Mexico with family.
- I have a teaching opportunity while I am visiting New Zealand.
Thanks for all of the thoughts, prayers, and support.
Much love and God’s blessings,
Angela Calhoun
Monday, February 20, 2006
The Sunrise
As dawn breaks, I sit at Rock Point with the sunrise before me, the moon behind me, and the few remaining stars that I can see above me. The only sound I hear is the crashing waves below me. This is peace!
So why am I out here??? Wednesday morning God woke me up and laid on my heart that I needed to take off from school on Friday. After asking God why and telling him I am not sick, God said again take off on Friday. So I started making all of the arrangements to take off on Friday- finding a sub, writing plans for the day, making sure that my three after school kids would be picked up, etc. God worked out all of the details- even with one of the parents confirming it by saying "You deserve a day off!!" The more I asked God what He wanted me to do with my time on Friday, the more things He gave me to pray about.
In my own mind, I was excited because a day off from school meant sleeping in. Again God had other plans. Friday morning, God wakes me up at 5am to head 45 minutes outside of town to watch the sunrise at the east end of Molokai.
"He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after the rain, that brings the grass from the earth." 2 Samuel 23:4
"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3
God is teaching me new things about him and when I see the spectacular beauty of the sun rising over the water, I can't help but think- Wow, God, You did that!!!!
I ended up moving down from Rock Point to sit on the white sand by the water. I must have been quite the sight with a fleece sweatshirt on and a towel wrapped around my legs. Yes, I was cold!!!
The longer I sat there, the more amazing the sunrise became. I was in awe of the gold trim of the clouds just before the sun peaked over. It reminded me of what Christ's glorious appearing might look like. I spent several hours, praying and reading God's Word, enjoying my time in His presence. Did I get any major revelations or answers to prayer while sitting there? No, but God did give me his peace to trust in Him, knowing that His ways are best.
I spent the rest of my afternoon getting in touch with friends on the mainland, doing some housework, and keeping a friend's four children for a couple of hours.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. If I can pray for you specifically about something, let me know.
Much love and God's blessings,
Angela
So why am I out here??? Wednesday morning God woke me up and laid on my heart that I needed to take off from school on Friday. After asking God why and telling him I am not sick, God said again take off on Friday. So I started making all of the arrangements to take off on Friday- finding a sub, writing plans for the day, making sure that my three after school kids would be picked up, etc. God worked out all of the details- even with one of the parents confirming it by saying "You deserve a day off!!" The more I asked God what He wanted me to do with my time on Friday, the more things He gave me to pray about.
In my own mind, I was excited because a day off from school meant sleeping in. Again God had other plans. Friday morning, God wakes me up at 5am to head 45 minutes outside of town to watch the sunrise at the east end of Molokai.
"He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after the rain, that brings the grass from the earth." 2 Samuel 23:4
"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3
God is teaching me new things about him and when I see the spectacular beauty of the sun rising over the water, I can't help but think- Wow, God, You did that!!!!
I ended up moving down from Rock Point to sit on the white sand by the water. I must have been quite the sight with a fleece sweatshirt on and a towel wrapped around my legs. Yes, I was cold!!!
The longer I sat there, the more amazing the sunrise became. I was in awe of the gold trim of the clouds just before the sun peaked over. It reminded me of what Christ's glorious appearing might look like. I spent several hours, praying and reading God's Word, enjoying my time in His presence. Did I get any major revelations or answers to prayer while sitting there? No, but God did give me his peace to trust in Him, knowing that His ways are best.
I spent the rest of my afternoon getting in touch with friends on the mainland, doing some housework, and keeping a friend's four children for a couple of hours.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. If I can pray for you specifically about something, let me know.
Much love and God's blessings,
Angela
Friday, January 6, 2006
Next Door Savior
Today was a good day. I have been staying with the Baniaga's in Mililani while I have had this conference. Lisa and Mark took me out to dinner at Ruby Tuesday's last night. I always get so spoiled when spending time with this family! Went to the conference and set up for the seminar I was doing called "Popcorn to Pizza". Then went to hear Dr. Jeff Myer speak on Thinking like a Christian. The seminar I presented went great. There were 38 people in the room and I received a great number of encouraging comments and suggestions. The adminstrators luncheon was held at Buzz's steakhouse. After lunch went to a seminar entitled "Shape up- Tips to engage even the most reluctant sutdent". The last seminar I went to was led by Barbara Fidellow. As I sat there I was trying to figure out who she was... then it hit me- she was one of the stories on Max Lucado's - Next Door Savior Bible study tapes! She and her husband ran a Christian Montessori School in TX that had to close 4 years ago. I spoke with her afterward and she said what a blessing it had been because it allowed her and her husband to speak and share their wealth of knowledge! She said I was the first one who had ever mentioned seeing her on Next Door Savior. I told her what an inspiration she had been to me!
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