Every surfer knows the feeling of paddling out in conditions out of their comfort zone.
The waves charged with energy, chaos surrounds, waves crashing, surfers flying, saltwater burning your eyes, heart racing, your mind fighting back the fear and doubt.
Jumping in, pulling the water behind you, arm after arm, begging your board to move forward through the current. After struggling for too long, you have two options - turn around and head back to shore, or, fixate on the horizion, and push through to get to the spot where the waves are behind you. Once you're there, you can strategically position yourself on a wave and if you're lucky - you'll ride it.
When it comes to dangerous surf conditions, "when in doubt, don't go out" is the advice offered by water safety.
But you'll never know unless you go.
When I first landed in Hawai'i, the thing that caught my eye apart from the ocean was the black lava rock that covers the island like a blanket. I had never seen anything like it before. The result of the fiery lava, flowing red whenever she decides to wake up.
What captivated me the most about the sharp, black, beautifully designed lava is how many green living things grew out of it despite it's lifeless appearance. To touch it, is pain. But the most beautiful species of the island thrive with their roots in this lava rock.
That's the only way I can describe what God did in my heart when he brought me to Kona, Hawai'i. Out of a hard, bitter place so much life and love has grown abundantly.
I will never be the same.
I will ever be able to repay you Hawai'i nei, but I hope I was able to return even half of the love and aloha I was shown during my unexpected time with you.
There is no where else in the world that I could have grown, experienced, lived, learned and changed like I did in the last 4 years. I can only imagine that Hawai'i is what Eden was, how God intended us to live - heaven on earth. It is truly a rare and special place that calls only the few. And she called me.
I understand why people of the Island live fiercely to protect it. And I will spend the rest of my life, every opportunity I get, doing the same.
If you ever have the priviledge of experiencing Hawai'i, for weeks or for years - do it with humility. Do it with intentionality and respect.
The ocean demands respect. And the island does not need you like you need her.
Only by the grace of God was I brought to the island of Hawai'i. And now, I leave my home, Hā’ale’ale i ka pu’uwai (a heart full to the brim of love).
I see my wave on the horizon, I'm terrified, but I have no choice except to turn and paddle for it and pray that I land on my feet, standing tall, unwaivering, gliding down the line. I wouldn't be who I am if I didn't go.
To the ohana I now have across the pae ʻāina -
I don't have the words yet for you. I am deeply grateful to have known you all.
E lei no au i ko aloha
I will wear your love as a lei.
All of my aloha,
a hui hou
Jasmine
Comments